knees-- squats

[macho21]

I have really studied the proper form of the squat, and attempt it every time. This does not mean that at the time of doing them, they are executed correctly. I will try to apply some of the advice that you guys gave me, but i will like to hear some more. I warm up before doing them, and i try to pay attention to form, but my knees still hurt for several days afterwards.

 

[mattcanning99]

warm up properly, and do this - forget about the weight...focus primarily on form...if this is still happening with your knees than you might consider wrapping them...but ive seen this problem before and in the majority of all cases, it has been caused by improperly squatting

 

[PhiKap_09]

i wouldn't worry about using wraps when squatting light, actually those are a crutch. your body will get used to them eventually....

 

[MrMuscle]

go see a doc. make him examine your muscular structure in your quads and hamstrings..you might have to find an expert for this..he can tell you if your tigh muscles are short, and that way are pulling on your knee caps when you are squatting..he might even tell you to stop doing them, because of your genetics. i stopped doing both squat and legpresses a while back, because of my knees..and now my quads are growing like never before.

 

[BodybuildingUniverse]

from Dr. Squat:

COMMON PROBLEMS OF THE KNEE
- Chondromalacia patellae: Softening of the articular cartilage of the patella that is produced by osteoarthritic degeneration. Such cartilage is unsuited for the high compressive loads and frictional forces involved in squatting, and roughening of the underside of the kneecap is common. Tight quads are responsible for 80% of chondromalacia. Other causes include aging, repetitive overuse, and faulty biomechanics due to genetics.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Exemplified by pain in front of patella, which intensifies during activity. Also, pain during extended sitting, and/or walking up stairs. PFPS is further characterized by crepitus (noise), without instability. PFPS is considered to be a tracking problem ofthe patella, caused by an imbalance between the medial and lateral quadriceps. The damage to the underside of the patella is not unlike uneven tread wear in a car that needs the tires rotated.
- Unstable Knee Joint: Knee suddenly gives out. This is often caused by old injuries which have overstretched the knee ligaments.
- Locked Knee: The usual cause of locked knees is a torn meniscus or a loose body within the joint capsule.
- Swelling/Tightness: Nearly always indicates an internal injury. See physician immediately.
- Crepitus: Noisy knees are no reason for concern, UNLESS accompanied by pain and/or swelling.