Why does my knee crunch when I squat?

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Why does my knee crunch when I squat?
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• This is one of the most common questions we are
  asked in clinic, even when people are not being
  seen for knee pain. More than half of our
  patients that have this problem also have no pain
  associated with the crunching, but are simply
  worried about what it could mean.

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• Our knee is made up of numerous joints.  One
  of the biggest moving joints is the
  patellofemoral joint, or the joint between the
  kneecap and the large leg bone, the femur,
  underneath.  When we bend our knee (i.e. in a
  squat, sitting down, climbing stairs) the knee
  cap moves to enable us to complete these tasks
  efficiently.

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• The kneecap attaches to the large muscles in
  the front of our leg, also known as the
  quadriceps.  When these muscles get tight, they
  can cause an imbalance in the force running
  through our knee and place undue pressure through
  the kneecap.

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• Along with this, numerous other factors such
  as hip tightness, hip weakness, the shoes we wear
  and our foot shape can affect the position of the
  knee and result in even more pressure.  Over
  time, if these issues are not addressed, rough
  spots can develop on the cartilage on the back
  of the patella, causing the typical crunching
  sound and some swelling without necessarily
  causing pain.

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• Whether your knee crunching is painful or not,
  it is a good idea to get it checked out sooner
  rather than later. Most of the time mild to
  moderate pain through the knee can be diminished
  relatively quickly with a physiotherapist, with
  the aim being to loosen the tight joints and
  muscles around the knee and build strength
  through specific exercises.

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• This will put your knee in a better position
  and get you back to work or sport in as little
  time possible.
• http//northwestphysio.com.au/