Squatting is a functional move that helps you do various activities such as pick up shoes off the floor or grab a ball to throw for your pet. Not only is squatting an everyday movement, but it is also a great exercise that helps build strength in the lower body, including the abdominals. However, sometimes this position can cause knee pain, making everyday activities difficult to perform. 

Causes of knee pain from squatting

If you are squatting incorrectly or already have an existing knee condition, you may experience discomfort when performing this movement. This pain can occur under your kneecap or in other parts of the joint, depending on the cause. Common causes of knee pain from squatting include:

Squatting incorrectly

A person may have knee pain from squatting if they are performing the move incorrectly. Performing this movement incorrectly can put unwanted pressure on the knees, rather than the thigh muscles and glutes. The Arthritis Foundation recommends that people who experience pain when squatting should practice their form against a wall. 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap. Anyone can develop patellofemoral pain syndrome, but it often affects individuals who do a lot of sports, hence why it is referred to as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee.” Pain and stiffness of the kneecap is a result of patellofemoral pain syndrome. 

Tendonitis

Tendonitis of the knee can happen when a person strains or overuses the tendons around the knee, causing them to swell. Tendonitis is common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping and repetitive movements. However, even people who don’t participate in these sports and activities can get patellar tendonitis. 

Iliotibial band syndrome

The iliotibial band, or IT band, is a thick band of tissue that runs the length of the upper leg from the hip to the knee. The IT band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during any physical activity that involves bending the knee. A fluid-filled sac called a bursa helps the IT band glide smoothly over the knee, but if the IT band is too tight, bending the knee can create friction. This overuse injury results in inflammation and irritation of the knee.

Arthritis of the knee

Arthritis causes the joints to become painful and inflamed. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both types of arthritis can cause knee pain, making it difficult to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, “wear-and-tear” type of arthritis that occurs most often in people 50 years of age or older, but can occur in younger people as well. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, resulting in bone rubbing on bone. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that attacks multiple joints throughout the body, including the knee joint. In this type of arthritis, the synovial membrane that covers the knee joint becomes inflamed, resulting in knee pain and stiffness. 

Contact us

At Rejuvinix, our doctors perform non-surgical joint therapies, including regenerative cell therapy and advanced Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. For more information, call (757) 345-2318 or make an appointment online.