Knees cracking on squat...anything to worry about?

[Xavier_Jones]

I've had some mild knee problems in the past, I'm not going to the floor yet...I'm just going parrell with LIGHT weight trying not to hurt myself.

Only problem is my knees are cracking on the way down and the way up everytime...is squats something I should skip for risk of injury or just play through and hope it gets better?

Thanks,

Xavier

 

[Protobuilder]

Popping is very normal. Popping + pain is not. As your knees warm up, the cracking should go away some if not completely.

 

[Xavier_Jones]

I always heard the popping noise was the air being released from the joint, but a guy that helped me with my squat form told me it was probably bone on bone from the sound.

Which sounded like bullshit being I'm 21 and haven't worn my knees down THAT much lol

It does NOT go away, just pop, pop, pop, pop over and over

 

[wakefib]

it's probably just a ligament. if there is pain then look into it further. if not, no worrys

 

[cash50]

Just a ligament? What is that supposed to mean?

 

[OMEGA]

If your not a power lifter

use Leg presses for heavier work, and use squats for burn out or details with lighter weight.

 

[wakefib]

Just a ligament? What is that supposed to mean?

you don't think ligaments move around?

 

[stevius]

Try changing your stance... for maximum comfort.

My right elbow would crack a lot on a standing military- probably from all the rough tricip work I used to do. By changing the angle and warming up you may be able to solve your problem. This worked for me so...

 

[Protobuilder]

If your not a power lifter

use Leg presses for heavier work, and use squats for burn out or details with lighter weight.

I didn't know crackerjack boxes started including training tips on the back.

 

[guiness2]

I always warm-up with 5 sets of leg extensions working from 30-12 reps. This really gets the knees warm and prevents the popping and any discomfort from occurring. If I don't do this my knees give me a real problem.

 

[OMEGA]

I didn't know crackerjack boxes started including training tips on the back.

dude wtf!

lol

 

[BiggT]

Xavier.....Full, ATF squats are a perfectly safe lift.....with a narrow-moderate stance, it is okay for the knees to drift forward. The reason it is okay is because when you hit the bottom position (ALL the way down) the stress is transferred to the hips, which are better suited for the task.

I have noticed on here lately a lot of guys who lack the flexibility for full squats who cut them off high, thinking they can pile weight on and eventually get lower over time...it DOESN'T work that way, you need the flexibility and full range first (even if it means doing bodyweight squats)....then you add weight to the range of motion.

 

[Tweakle]

Ligaments popping all the time are probably due to improper joint tracking.. get yourself to a ART doc (or good chiro) and see what can be done. You probably have tightness on one side of the joint pulling things out of alignment as any popping should go away after the warmup.