What are the snapping and popping noises from your knee joints?

There are three basic possibilities here;

-it could be something as simple as bubbles in the sinovial fluid popping, much like "cracking your knuckles";

-it could be something called "patello-femoral syndrome," in which the kneecap doesn't track straight. (If left untreated, PFS can cause serious damage to your knee/knee cartilage. Fortunately, PFS is easily corrected by learning and performing the proper exercises);

-or it could be symptomatic of something worse, like torn cartilage or the early stages of osteoarthritis.

If your knees snap and pop a lot, you should have them checked out by a qualified rheumatologist, especially if there's any pain or nausea involved; the pain caused by torn/damaged cartilage has a certain nauseating quality.

If it is torn/damaged cartilage, try working with a qualified rheumatologist and physical therapist before opting for arthroscopic surgery. Torn cartilage can be regenerated by up to 50% through physical therapy. However, once it is re-sected/removed by an orthopedic surgeon, it can't be repaired or replaced.

(A recently published study proved arthroscopic surgery does more harm than good in the majority of cases. Despite this, many orthopedic surgeons will try to talk you into having arthroscopic surgery anyway, because it's how they make their living.)

Before you trust an orthopedic surgeon with your life and future mobility, make sure you consult a qualified rheumatologist first!