And find out whether glucosamine supplements, joint braces and cushioned running shoes are worth splurging on to protect your joints. If you can’t get up from a chair without your knees and hips sounding like popcorn firing off in a covered pot, congratulations! You’ve probably reached Level 40 and above in the Game of Life. Your 40s are most likely the period when your joints start to make cracking sounds – although they can begin in your 30s if you have joint injuries, perform physically