Loud frequent knee crepitus

Hello docs,

I’ve been training for quite some time and earlier this year my right knee started frequently making some loud crunching noises (and by frequently I mean every time I put weight in my knee and perform a squat to parallel).

In May I reduced my training load because my knee felt like it was locking or something was catching in the bottom of my squat. There was minor pain but maybe a 2/10.

After reducing the load for a week or 2 the pain went away but the crepitus stayed. I had and continue to have no noticeable swelling.

I had to take 2 months off training for work this summer and have recently gotten back to training again. I am not really worried about my knee, but do you think I should see a doctor for an mri If the pain reappears?

It is only my right knee and it sounds like someone shredding a piece of paper or crumbling up a nature valley granola bar haha.

Your advice is much appreciated…thank you

We discussed this topic in detail here: Crepitus: Expectations vs. Reality | Barbell Medicine

Crepitus on its own is not typically a reason for concern.

If it is associated with significant pain, we have resources on how to manage that as well.

Thanks again!