If you experience knee pain when squatting, you may have something wrong with your patella or meniscus. Squatting puts significant pressure on the knee joint, and pain during this movement can signal a variety of underlying issues.
Common Causes of Knee Pain When Squatting
Knee Chondromalacia (Chondromalacia Patella)
Chondromalacia is the softening and breakdown of the cartilage under the kneecap. This can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility, especially after activity. It’s common especially in women. The pain is usually felt around or under the kneecap and can worsen with squatting especially with weighted squats or deep squats.
Meniscal Tear
A meniscal tear can also cause pain during squats, particularly if aggravated by bending and twisting motions. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber in the knee, and a tear can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a catching or locking sensation. You may feel pain along the sides or back of your knee, especially if you squat and twist at the same time.
Tendinitis
Repetitive force from activities like running, jumping or squatting can inflame the tendons around the knee, especially the patellar tendon (just below the kneecap) and the quadriceps tendon (just above the kneecap). This inflammation, known as tendinitis, can cause pain during squats and other knee-bending activities.
Muscle Imbalances or Weakness
Weakness in your glutes, hips, or thigh muscles can actually put extra stress on your knee joint during squats. Limited ankle mobility or poor squat technique can also contribute to pain. Strengthening the muscles around your knee and improving your squat for can help reduce discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your knee pain appears suddenly after a specific injury or forceful movement, or if you experience severe pain, swelling, or instability that doesn’t improve with rest, it’s important to consult an orthopaedic surgeon with knee expertise. Persistent or worsening pain may require a professional evaluation to rule out more serious conditions, such as a meniscus tear or significant cartilage damage.
What Can You Do?
- Rest and modify activities that aggravate your knee pain.
- Don’t squat as deep, stop before it hurts
- Apply ice to reduce swelling after activity.
- Try physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve your squat technique.
- Gradually increase activity to avoid overloading the joint.
- Consult a specialist if pain persists or interferes with your daily life.
For more information about knee pain when squatting, its causes, and different treatment options, visit these resources:
- Patellar Pain and Patellar Arthritis
- Knee Chondromalacia, Arthritis, and Tendonitis
- Meniscal Tear or Torn Meniscus
Don’t ignore knee pain with squatting. Early attention can help you recover faster and prevent further injury to your knee.