My knee is clicking when I do squats - should I worry?

Question

I remember that I have always, even back in primary school, avoided anything similar to squats as my knees would do an audible 'click' every time I got low enough. It's not painful, or even unpleasant, it's just - annoying, and a bit scary.

I've picked up regular exercises a bit over a year ago and I have been running at least once a week (3 times per week since January) for half a year. I wanted to add squats to my training schedule but I'm a bit worried about the clicking sound - although I noticed that, since I started running, it's much quieter, and does not happen always (it used to click on every deeper move).

Should I worry about it, or just work my way up gradually and it will pass?

I have the same thing, ever since I remember all my joints click while stretching, including knees, elbows and backbone. Never painful, but rather relaxing feeling accompanying. When I contacted a doctor about that, he just made some test, all of the results were ok, like I was perfectly healthy - I have no idea about the reason, but you can live with that :) — , Mar 28 '12 at 18:34

score 6 · Accepted Answer · edited Mar 03 '12 at 07:12

6

The very first thing to do is to make sure your form is correct. Nerd Fitness has a very excellent article on doing squats that you should check out. Here's a short summary, but I definitely recommend reading his full post:

Squat down until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor

Try not to extend your knees past your toes

Don't arch your back

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, and point your toes slightly outward

He also links to a video about the two most common squatting errors and how you can correct them, which I recommend you watch.

If you have the option, have a trianer or someone that really knows their squats watch you to ensure proper form. If after trying out his tips the problem still continues, then I suggest you have a medical professional have a look at your knee.

edited Mar 03 '12 at 07:12

Ivo Flipse

12,327
4
50
72

answered Mar 02 '12 at 17:20

DForck42

1,007
2
12
23

From what I've been told, the click could just be something sliding over a boney protrusion. Which could be bad over time I imagine. – Lyndsey Ferguson Mar 29 '12 at 02:13
3

I don't see it mentioned in the NerdFitness article, but your knees should also point outward, aligned with the toes. Also, here is why the knees make cracking sounds. – John C Mar 29 '12 at 11:54

My knee is clicking when I do squats - should I worry?

1 Answers1