Tendons shifting funny during squats

[JorgenMan]

I have a bit of a strange question, having to do with the tendon on the outside sides of my legs that (I assume) connect my hamstring to my knee. They rub on some bone (fibula, I think?) on the outside of my knee, so that when I do squats, the tendons pop back and forth to either side of that bone. This happens around the bottom of the squat, when my thighs are about parallel.

It's pretty distracting and annoying, but not painful at all. Is this something I should worry about?

[Lisa~]

Do you think it's your IT band (called the iliotibial tract in the picture below)? No matter what it is, you want to avoid the rubbing and/or popping, which could eventually fray those tissues. If it's the ITB, then foam rolling might help lengthen and improve tissue quality, as would static stretches (which you can search, try and find one that works for you). Also experiment with your foot placement. Maybe toeing out a bit would take some of the pressure off and avoid the rubbing.

[JorgenMan]

I don't think it's the ITB. After looking around a bit more on Wikipedia, I believe it's the lateral hamstring tendon. But, my hamstrings are pretty tight, so, based on your advice, I'm guessing that increasing flexibility in my hamstrings would help the problem, right? And yes, toeing out definitely does help.

Thanks for the info.

[Lisa~]

Even if you can't figure out exactly what it is, you can still foam roll and stretch the area. Hopefully you'll get some relief from those modalities.

[JorgenMan]

Thanks, I'll let you know how it goes.