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A member asked:
I've been running for years with no problems, but lately i can hear crackling in my knees when i climb stairs. does this mean i have osteoarthritis?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes: The answer is that the articular cartilage in your knee, particularly behind the knee cap is rough and irregular. That is why it makes noise, particularly when loading the knee in flexion (going up and down stairs and squatting). However, just because the knee makes noise does not mean surgery is required. Usually a low impact quadriceps strengthening program can help offload the knee joint.
Answered 6/30/2017
6.4k views
No: It sounds more likely that you have chondromalcia of the patellae. This softening of the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap.
Answered 5/16/2014
5.3k views
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