Knee pain when squatting : The number of times that we find ourselves squatting is high. In a single day, you could squat countless times. From performing simple house chores, finding office documents, to exercising, squatting is possibly a normal thing.
So what happens if squatting isn’t fun anymore? Well, you might probably be tired. Yet that’s not always the case. Sometimes you could feel pain when you squat. The discomfort might occur around your knee, inside the knee cap, or within any other parts of the knee joint.
If this is the case, I believe I can be of help. In this post, you will learn the various causes of knee pain when squatting and even the best treatment options. Read on to find out what I have in store for you.
There are several causes of knee pain when squatting. The most common one that you should watch out for is this.
An overuse injury is also known as patella femoral syndrome. It causes a painful feeling on the front part of the knee near just next to the kneecap when you squat. Sometimes overuse injury is also called the runner’s/ jumper’s knee.
This type of pain comes from overworking in sports, severe and unattended injury, or simply muscle imbalances. It affects the patella which is your kneecap. That’s why those who suffer from this type of condition will always feel pain just around their kneecap.
The pain will mostly occur when you engage in certain activities such as running, kneeling, jumping, or squatting. However, it goes away as quickly as it came when you stand.
Another possible cause of such pain is patellar tendonitis. This one also causes pain around the kneecap when you squat. Unlike overuse injury though, patellar tendonitis will only cause pain at the kneecap’s base.
It is usually characterized by pain when you squat, but can also cause inflammation or a severe burning sensation around the kneecap.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis like arthritis causes swelling around the knees. It is characterized by sudden weakness on the knees and an increased pain usually in the morning. From time to time, you might also feel your kneecap snapping or popping especially when squatting.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Also known as the It-Band, this one causes pain in the hip and the upper thigh. It might lead to localized pain and also swelling. More specifically, it can easily cause pain when you lift heavy load and squat.
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Now that we have learned the causes of this type of knee pain, it is time we looked at treatments. Here are some of the best treatments and remedies for knee pain when squatting.
Before you get treated of your knee pain when squatting, the doctor will have to do a diagnosis. It is important that you help them to get the right information. The information might include your (hyperextended knee injury) or health history. Here are some of the questions the doctor might ask.
NOTE: In addition to these, a physical examination will be done including bending and moving your knees. This will help the doctor to evaluate the range of motion, amount of swelling, grounded level, or any other symptoms. It might also include X-ray to try and identify a more serious issue.
There are two forms of treatment for knee pain when squatting. They are Physical Therapy and Surgery.
The recommended form of treatment for “knee pain when squatting” is physical therapy (PT). It is a noninvasive form of knee pain treatment that addresses any form of pain felt around the knees when one squats.
PT uses specific types of exercises that will help in building muscle strength to support the knee. These exercises will help you to build on your quadriceps, hamstrings, and also the hip abductors.
For a case of overuse injury, for instance, the goal of the exercises will be to prevent any inward movement of your knee when you squat. In short, these workouts will help in promoting a better alignment for both your feet and joints.
Surgery
However, for the most serious cases, surgery may be recommended. The use of Arthroscopy which is a medical procedure where the doctor inserts a thin electrical device with an inbuilt camera (arthroscope) might be applied.
The camera will then capture the range or extent of the damage. It will also point out the exact type of condition causing the pain.
Another option is Realignment which is a much more invasive surgical procedure. It involves the re-positioning of the kneecap or sometimes relieving of cartilage caused pressure from the knee.
Remedies
Finally, there are a few remedies that will not treat the problem but rather provide relief. They are best used at home and will include the following.
Heat
Compressing your knee with a warm pad is very effective. The use of heat will boost the flow of blood and oxygen. Heat is best used where you suspect arthritis.
Medication
Over the counter medication can also help. The use of non-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs has been very effective over time.
Massage
Working with a licensed massage therapist will also help to address pain. They are usually trained and have the right skills to help.
No one loves to feel knee pain when squatting. Such discomfort can be a real pain to deal with. The good thing is with the proper examination, knee pain can be treated. So get the doctor’s appointment and restore a pain-free lifestyle today. You can also try out some home remedies that work for you.
