Variable Knee Cracking on Squats, Sometimes Painful

Variable Knee Cracking on Squats, Sometimes PainfulHi all, my knees crack almost every time I bend them even without a load placed on them. The issue is not typically painful but they limit my range of motion on back squats to about parallel at best due to strain and discomfort (building up as I lower and approach the actual crack where it is relieved after an uncomfortable knee shift, until the next knee bend). It does not seem nearly as bad or in some cases even existent on front squats and usually have no problems going ATG. I'm 6'5" with very long legs (about 60% of my height from floor to hip) and squat high bar usually with a wider stance (like a power squat) which seems to help slightly. I have tried SBD knee sleeves with little help. I always warm up, typically on a stationary bike for a few minutes before doing static + dynamic stretches of the quads, hams, hips, glutes, calves and periformis with emphasis on the first three. This is followed by bodyweight squats, then bar, and so on until i reach working weight. I have recently tried rolling out my thighs with a plastic rolling rod which seems to have great positive but temporary effect and still does not completely eliminate the issue. I have been told by multiple physical therapists that my flexibility as above average for the most part with the exception of my hamstrings which are aggressivley tight but improving and seemingly yielding no effect. The issue is of concern because it is exacerbated by speed as well, I'm worried I will blow out my knee if i squat too quickly. It's very painful afterward if I try. Sorry for the wall of text but I'd really appreciate the feedback :) submitted by /u/Lander21 [link] [comments]

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