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You lower yourself into a squat and hear it: click.

You stand back up and it happens again.

If your knee clicks every time you squat, it is understandable to wonder whether something is wrong. The good news is that knee clicking when squatting is not necessarily a sign of damage or injury.

Knees can make clicking, popping, cracking or grinding sounds for several reasons. Sometimes the noise occurs without pain or any loss of function. In other cases, clicking can occur alongside symptoms that are worth having assessed.

The important question is not simply whether your knee clicks. It is what else is happening at the same time.

Knee clicking when squatting: when is it usually not a concern?

If your knee clicks during a squat but you have:

• no pain
• no swelling
• no feeling that the knee is giving way
• no significant stiffness
• normal strength and movement
• no recent injury

the clicking itself may not indicate a serious problem.

Joint noises are common. As the knee bends and straightens, different tissues move relative to one another, and changes in pressure within the joint can also contribute to sounds.

Some people simply have noisier joints than others.

Why does my knee click when I squat?

There is no single explanation for a clicking knee.

The sound may be associated with movement of structures around the joint, changes in pressure within the joint, or the way the kneecap and thigh bone move as the knee bends.

In some people, the sound becomes more noticeable after increasing their training, changing their exercise technique or spending more time in deep knee-bending positions.

This does not automatically mean the knee is being damaged.

Takeaway: A clicking or popping sound without pain or other symptoms is often less concerning than clicking accompanied by pain, swelling or instability.

What if your knee clicks and hurts?

Pain changes the picture.

If your knee clicks when squatting and you also experience discomfort, it may be useful to look at what is happening around the entire movement rather than focusing on the noise alone.

For example, discomfort may be influenced by:

• how deeply you squat
• how quickly you perform the movement
• how much resistance you are using
• your recent training load
• ankle or hip movement
• muscle strength and control
• previous knee injuries
• how often you are performing repetitive movements

The location of the pain can also provide useful information.

Pain around the front of the knee, for example, can have different potential contributors from pain at the back or side of the knee.

That is why an assessment is more useful than trying to diagnose the cause from the clicking sound alone.

Should you stop squatting if your knee clicks?

Not necessarily.

If your knee clicks without pain and you can squat comfortably, there may be no reason to stop simply because you hear a noise.

However, if squatting consistently causes pain, swelling or a feeling of instability, continuing to push through the symptoms may not be the best approach.

Instead, consider modifying the activity and getting appropriate advice.

A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms, movement and relevant history and help determine whether your current exercise routine needs to change.

When should you get a clicking knee checked?

It is worth arranging an assessment if your clicking knee is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• persistent or increasing pain
• swelling
• significant stiffness
• reduced movement
• weakness
• the knee giving way
• catching or locking
• difficulty putting weight through the leg
• symptoms that began after a significant injury

A knee that suddenly becomes very painful or swollen after an injury should be assessed promptly.

Likewise, if you cannot bear weight normally or the joint appears significantly deformed after an injury, seek urgent medical attention.

What can you do if your knee clicking is becoming annoying?

If the clicking is painless but bothers you, start by considering whether anything has changed.

Have you recently:

• increased your squat weight?
• started squatting more frequently?
• changed your exercise programme?
• added running, jumping or another activity?
• changed your footwear?
• returned to exercise after a break?

A sudden increase in activity can change how your body responds to a movement.

You might also experiment with small, comfortable adjustments to your training rather than stopping completely. This could include reducing the load, changing the number of repetitions or working through a smaller range temporarily.

If you are unsure what is appropriate, an individual assessment can help.

How can a chiropractor assess a clicking knee?

A chiropractor may assess more than the knee itself.

Depending on your symptoms, an assessment may consider your knee movement, strength, hip and ankle function, activity levels, previous injuries and the movements that reproduce your symptoms.

The aim is to understand the broader picture rather than assuming the clicking sound has one particular cause.

If your presentation suggests that another type of healthcare assessment is more appropriate, you may be referred to the relevant healthcare professional.

FAQ

Is it normal for knees to click when squatting?

Knee clicking can be common, particularly when there is no pain, swelling, instability or loss of movement. The sound alone does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Why does my knee click every time I squat?

The sound can occur as structures around the knee move during bending and straightening, or because of changes in pressure within the joint. The reason can vary between individuals.

Should I stop squatting if my knees click?

Not necessarily. If the clicking is painless and your knee feels stable, you may be able to continue. If squatting causes pain, swelling, locking or instability, consider modifying the activity and seeking an appropriate assessment.

Is knee clicking a sign of arthritis?

Not necessarily. Joint noises can occur for many reasons and do not by themselves confirm arthritis. If you have persistent pain or stiffness, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing.

When should I see someone about knee clicking?

Consider an assessment if clicking is accompanied by persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, instability, catching or locking, particularly if symptoms started after an injury.

If your knee clicks when squatting and you are unsure whether it is something to be concerned about, an individual assessment can help put the symptoms into context. Wellbeing Chiropractic has clinics across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. You can book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and have your movement assessed based on your history and examination findings.