Sore knees

Question
Hi John:
I just started working out post baby and have been doing a combination of boot camp and running 3 days a week.  I've been doing a fair amount of squat and lunge work and my knees started to bother me slightly.  Then I incorporated running (street) and that is when the knees really started to feel funny.  THey feel like liquid is in them.  No pain put definitely swelling.  It goes always after a couple of days.  The other new thing is that now every time i bend the knees you hear a crackling.  It's pretty loud.  Will that sound ever go away?  Is there something I can do to strengthen the knee.  I overpronate and I have appropriate shoes.  Help!  I'm starting to feel like maybe I shouldn't run anymore.

Answer
Hi Bernadette
First i would stop all boot camp squats and lunges and running and start with a stationary bike till your situation clears up.You could have some bursa problems in the knee.Just google (bursa sac knee) for info.You also want to ice it as often as you can.In regards to clicking you more than likely have some tracking and alignment situations which from having carried a baby for all that time could of compounded a situation that already was in place but with the bike workouts it should clear up.The biking workouts is a great tool for this situation as often as you want.You have to have a great deal of patience as you gradually work your way back.

All the best

John