Can Squats Cause Knee Damage?

orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ

Squats are a part of many people’s everyday workout routine. When done correctly, squatting should not cause any knee pain. However, people who squat incorrectly or have a pre-existing knee condition can experience damage to the knee. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ can address various knee injuries with the proper care. Continue reading to learn why a person might experience knee pain while squatting.

Squatting Incorrectly

The first reason squats can cause knee damage is that a person is not squatting correctly. When improperly squatting, people mistakenly put pressure on the knees rather than the thigh muscles and glutes. Anyone who continues to experience pain after fixing how they squat should visit our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ to check for underlying knee problems. Common mistakes made while squatting that can result in injury include:

  • Caving in your knees
  • Not leading with your hips
  • Allowing your knees to fall over your toes
  • Not engaging your core
  • Allowing your chest to fall forward

Spraining the Knee

If one twists their knee while squatting, it may cause a sprain. A sprained knee can result in pain and swelling. It can make it painful to squat or perform other exercises. In addition, there may be difficulty walking or putting weight on the knee joint. 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the location of the pain is around the kneecap and the front of the knee. It is often referred to as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee.” The condition usually appears in individuals who play a sport or are active. If a person has patellofemoral pain syndrome, it becomes painful to squat.

Tendonitis

Another condition that can make squatting painful is tendonitis in the knee. Tendonitis occurs when tendons that connect muscles to bones become inflamed. The tendons become irritated due to overuse or repetitive movements that exert a lot of force on the tendon. Therefore, one who has tendonitis and bends their knees to squat will experience further damage and pain.

Arthritis of the Knee

Arthritis can affect almost any of our joints, including the knee. It results in pain and inflammation in the joints. Two forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops when the joints’ cartilage that enables them to move smoothly breaks down. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the healthy tissue surrounding the joints gets attacked by your immune system. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can appear in the knee and result in further damage when performing squats.

Cartilage Tear

The cartilage in the knee can tear due to severe injury or sprain. If a cartilage tear occurs, knee support needs to be worn during physical activity to keep the tear intact. If it isn’t supported, then pain and further damage can result when squatting. 

Patellar Tendon Tear

The patellar tendon is a tendon of the knee that can become torn due to a blow, jump, or weak tendon. The tear can worsen due to squatting and result in more pain. Some symptoms associated with a patella tendon tear include:

  • Difficulty walking
  • Knee buckling
  • A moving kneecap
  • Pain and tenderness

How to Prevent Knee Injuries– Orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ

Warming up before squatting can help avoid injury to the knees. To warm up, perform movements that mobilize the joints and increase blood flow. Stretching the legs before and after squatting can also help lower the risk of injury.

Knee Injury Recovery: Orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ

If you injure your knee from squatting, you can use the RICE method to help reduce pain and inflammation. The RICE method consists of resting the knee, icing with a cold compress, applying a compression bandage to the knee, and elevating the leg. It would be wise to also visit our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ for further treatment. Our doctor may give medication, exercises, or casting to repair the injury.

Contact Our Team- Orthopedic In Ridgewood, NJ

It is essential to be cautious when doing squats and other exercises to avoid knee injuries. Also, do not perform squats when you have a pre-existing knee injury because it can cause further damage. At New York Sports Medicine Institute, our orthopedic specialist can provide treatment for various knee injuries and conditions. Contact us today to meet with our orthopedic in Ridgewood, NJ.

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