Squats > knees 'crackle'?

[Guest Xeronimo74]

Hi,

English is not my mother tongue so I'm not sure how to describe this but when I'm doing squats my knees often 'crackle' or 'creak'? I hate the sound and also the feeling ... why does this happen (someone told me it was air in the joints??) and how can I avoid it or get rid of it again?

Thanks a lot!

Jerome

[161803398874989]

http://www.eatmoveimprove.com/2010/03/cracking-and-popping-and-clicking-oh-my/

[Guest ApptivGames]

Yea, my left knee used to crackle a lot when I lifted. Different from a pop or a click. Physical therapist once told me that it was because the surrounding ligaments and muscles weren't as strong there. However after doing a number of plyometric and leg exercises for a few months (and Insanity workout) the crackle went away, which I'm attributing to the fact that the muscles around the joint were strengthened

[katpower]

http://www.nerdfitness.com/community/showthread.php?14022-Can-I-unbugger-my-knees

http://www.nerdfitness.com/community/showthread.php?14901-Crunchy-Knees

You're not the only knee cruncher!

[Zorch]

My anecdotal experience is that when I really focused on strict form(i.e. keeping my knees out, back position proper, weight on my heels), snap/crackle/popping and any other kind of issues with my knees decreased dramatically. Your mileage may vary. If you have a friend/trainer who knows what good form looks like and is willing to offer you feedback on your form, it wouldn't hurt to let them have a look.

[Warwolf]

I've had bad knees since wrestling 4 years ago, and they usually only bother me when I'm doing stuff like squats. I went to a doctor for it and he said it could be a result of residual swelling in the joint that never goes away because I'm always moving around and using the joint. He put me on some anti-inflammatory medication for a month and I took it really easy and they felt pretty good for a while.

They just started acting up since I started doing squats again though, so I think I'm going to give in and see a specialist. The meds did help though, even if it was only temporary.