Noisy knees

sneph650

I recently got back into weight training and have noticed that my knees crackle and pop when doing squats. I have no pain during or afterwards. I'm fairly certain that I have proper form -- I have worked with good trainers before. I never noticed the noises when i used to lift regularly a few years back. I'm wondering if I am wearing down my cartilage because things are rubbing together that shouldn't.

Anyone have these sounds? Has the cracking and popping indicated (or developed into) a problem?

laurarpa

I started noticing it when I was lifting at home, without music. Now I Usually have it just during the bodyweight squat warmups. I do as many as I need to until I don't hear more crackling before I move onto the barbell. Like you, no pain.

I've been told that noises like that (without pain) aren't anything to worry about, so I don't...

lrdavenport23

I have been wondering the same thing about my knees. Actually, it's only my left knee that crackles. I don't have any pain either but it's so irritating to hear the noise. I often think about going to get it checked out, but I asked around and I was told the same thing that if it doesn't hurt than everthing should be okay.

markmarkda

I have the same thing. My knees do ache some days but I don't have pain when I bend them just popping. For squats I'm thinking that reps vs weight would be easier on the joint. Lunges seem to be easier on my knees, less noise. I had popping in my shoulders when I was younger, was told it was tendinitis and to try not to over strain the joint until it got stronger.

sneph650

Thanks, all! I've decided that I'm not going to worry about it for now. I'll try your strategy next workout, laurarpa, of doing no-load squats until the noise stops. Maybe it's just a matter of the joints getting warmed up.

flymedic

I have the same thing. When I hit about 250lbs it started. My doctor said it was breakdown of the cartiledge and I needed to lose weight. @ 390 it is worse eventually it could lead to knee surgery. My advise: 1. see an orthopedist 2 keep working out.

BlueInkDot

I can make music with my left knee. I don't feel a thing but it's got all sorts of musical talent. :P

taso42

this happens to me too. i only really notice it with body weight squats. not sure if it's an issue or not, but i'm a little bit concerned about it.