Knee Pain When Squatting: Diagnosis, Etiology, Prevention & Treatment

Knee pain while squatting or after squatting is a very typical problem that will affect almost every one of us for some reason, whether it’s being an athlete a fitness lover or simply doing regular daily activities. Knowing what causes knee pain during squats and how to manage them can ensure healthy knees in the long run and avoid other health complications. It is our goal at Amandeep Hospital to completely examine, understand, and treat each patient to restore the life you want and love without chronic pain.

Why Do My Knees Hurt When I Squat?

A common condition seen in my practice is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Commonly known as “runner’s knee,” PFPS is pain around the kneecap (patella). It happens when the patella does not glide effortlessly over the femur as the knee goes through its range of motion, often resulting from muscle imbalances or improper alignment. Squats put stress on the patellofemoral joint, which is uncomfortable.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

The iliotibial band is a band of tissue that extends from the hip to the shin. ITBS happens when this band tightens or becomes inflamed and causes pain on the outer side of the knee, particularly in activities that require the knee joint to bend, like squatting.

Meniscal Tears

The menisci are cartilage pads that stabilize the knee joint and absorb shock. A tear can come from sudden twisting movements, or overuse, and cause pain when bearing weight, such as squats.

Overuse Injuries: Patellar Tendinitis and Tendinosis

In this case, inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee (especially the patellar tendon) triggers pain when squatting. Whereas tendinitis is an acute inflammation, tendinosis is a chronic process stemming from degeneration, caused by repeated stress.

Osteoarthritis

The knee jerked in pain when I tried to squat A common joint disease like Osteoarthritis causes degenerative changes of the knee joint that lead to pain on squats. The cartilage breaks down, and bones grind against one another, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Bursitis

The knee has several bursae — fluid-filled sacs that minimize friction. (Inflammation of these bursae is called bursitis, which can result in pain while squatting, especially when repetitive pressure is put on the knee.)

Examining the Cause of Knee Pain When Squatting

Comprehensive evaluation involves

Clinical Examination: We evaluate your knee for tenderness, swelling, alignment, and motion.
Imaging Studies: X-rays and MRIs can reveal structural damage like cartilage wear, ligament injuries, or meniscal tears.
Functional Testing: Performing tests regarding strength, stretching, and movements to see if we can find a biomechanics component.

Treatments to Help Alleviate Pain in the Knee

Rest and Changing Physical Activity

Avoid the activities that hurt the knee, and stick to low-impact movements to protect the joint and allow it to heal.

Physical Therapy

Building up the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles can support better stabilization for the knees, leading to less pain. Particularly, exercises focusing on the knee extensors and hip abductors may be beneficial.

Stretching Routines — Regular stretching of the iliotibial band, quadriceps, and hamstrings can help increase flexibility and release stress in the knee.

The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP)

Procedures such as corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and help with short-term relief.
In cases of osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections may be given to lubricate the knee joint, improving movement and alleviating pain.
Ozone is injected within the joint and also into soft tissues and bursa wherein bursa pain is relieved as well as inflammation.

Regenerative Medicine

Princess PRP, stem cell therapy and prolotherapy are regenerative injection procedures that stimulate tissue regeneration, most commonly from tendon injuries and cartilage damage.

Bracing and Orthotics

Knee braces or custom orthotics may be used to help stabilize the knee joint and correct alignment issues, which will reduce knee dominance and stress on the joint during squats.

Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can go a long way in managing pain and inflammation, though they should not be seen as a long-term fix.

How to Avoid Knee Pain When Squatting

Warm Up: Dynamic warmup exercises like leg swings and lunges will prepare the knee joint and surrounding muscles for activity.
Form Focus: During a squat, your knees should track over your toes (avoid letting them cave in). Keep your core engaged as you go down and keep your glutes activated.
Reinforcement of Surrounding Muscles: Building the muscles around the knee specifically the quadriceps hamstring and hip abductor can offer additional support to the knee and minimize strain.
Do Not Dive into Deep Squats: Dive into partial squats if you are just new to squatting, or have any knee pain, and build your form and flexibility before attempting deep squats.
Choose the Right Shoes: Shoes that are well-cushioned and help support the arch of the foot and distribute forces on the knee.

When to Get Medical Help

If knee pain continues after home treatments or is accompanied by swelling, locking, or instability, contact Amandeep Hospital for a thorough evaluation. In your case, early diagnosis and intervention of knee conditions can prevent their progression and help you get back to pain-free movement.

Let’s explain why you should opt for Amandeep Hospital.

Knee Pain Treatment at Amandeep Hospital, our multidisciplinary professional team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain using advanced interventional and regenerative techniques. We work with you to create a customized treatment plan so you can restore mobility and quality of life with an approach that is patient-centered and focused on your needs.

Conclusion

Pain in the knees while squatting indicates an underlying issue that needs to be worked with. Knowing the underlying causes, receiving an accurate diagnosis, and adhering to a customized treatment plan can relieve pain and help prevent damage. Wherever the journey takes you, we are with you, and we have the treatment options available to get you back in action.

PLATELET RICH PLASMA(PRP) FOR SHOULDER PAIN: ALL THINGS TO KNOW

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a new regenerative treatment that uses the patient’s blood to promote tissue repair and healing. It consists of extracting the platelets and growth factors from a sample of blood that is then injected into the injured region of the body to initiate and boost the natural healing process. The high concentration of platelets promotes tissue regeneration and soft tissue injuries, making PRP an appropriate approach for treating soft tissue.

What is PRP treatment for shoulder pain?

These growth factors released from PRP therapy result in less inflammation and faster tissue regeneration at the injury site. These growth factors lure your healing cells like fibroblasts and macrophages to repair the damaged/inflamed area, thus providing collagen and enhancing perfusion. PRP is most effective for injuries to the rotator cuff, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), frozen shoulder, and arthritis since it treats pain and degenerative tissue.

What conditions of the shoulder can PRP treat?

Some of the shoulder conditions that PRP therapy is effective for are:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: Aids recovery of tendon damage and reduces inflammation.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Reduces pain and restores range of motion.
Shoulder Impingement: Decrease inflammation and regain motion.
Tendonitis/Tendinosis: Helps heal inflamed or degenerated tendons.
Bursitis: Healing of bursa to reduce swelling and pain.
Arthritis: Offers symptomatic relief and reduces the deterioration of cartilage.

How is the PRP Injection procedure done?

There are 3 steps involved in administering the PRP injection:

Blood Collection: A small blood sample is taken from the patient.
Centrifugation: The blood is then placed in a centrifuge that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood components.
Injection: The PRP is injected into the shoulder joint or injured tissues using ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. It is more efficient in targeting the site of injury.

Is PRP therapy safe?

Yes, PRP therapy is considered safe because it utilizes the patient’s blood, which minimizes the chance of infections or allergic responses. Because PRP is autologous (from your own body), it is biologically compatible, meaning your body is unlikely to reject it and there is a very low risk for side effects. Here at Amandeep Hospital, we go above and beyond to make sure our preparations are sterile and all injections are done under ultrasound guidance to be safe and effective.

Is the PRP injection painful?

Although mild discomfort can occur during PRP injections, local anesthesia is typically used to provide comfort during treatment. Patients may experience some pressure or tenderness during and after the injection, which usually subsides after a few days. That discomfort is manageable, and the procedure is well tolerated by most patients.

How many PRP sessions are needed?

PRP session number varies according to the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. Patients generally need between 1 and 3 sessions with a 4- to 6-week gap in between. Some conditions, like mild rotator cuff injuries, can improve with one session, while more chronic conditions may need several treatments.

When will I see the results of PRP therapy?

Usually, patients begin to see improvement in 4 to 6 weeks after the first session, with progressive improvement over the next 3 to 6 months. PRP encourages slow tissue healing, so the complete advantages are established in the long term. Some patients experience less pain and better function by the second or third session.

What are the side effects of PRP therapy?

Side effects typically associated with PRP injections include:

Minor swelling or tenderness at the injection site.
Hurt or sore shoulder, bruise, or a feeling of temporary stiffness.
These side effects are generally mild and last a few days. When performed by trained individuals, like the practitioners at Amandeep Hospital, severe complications are rare.

Could PRP Avoid the Requirement of Surgery?

In many cases, PRP can defer or prevent the need for surgery as it promotes tissue healing early on and stimulates natural healing. It works especially well for partial rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and tendonitis. Surgery is unnecessary if the injury is treated appropriately with PRP and physiotherapy.

Who is an ideal candidate for PRP therapy?

The best candidates for PRP therapy are people who are:

Persistent shoulder pain that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments.
Rotator cuff injuries or arthritis mild to moderate
Individuals are patients who want to avoid surgery and want a non-invasive approach.
However, they should not be appropriate candidates for PRP therapy, including but not limited to patients with severe shoulder injuries, active infections, or blood disorders.

Before PRP Treatment Procedure: What Must I Do?

To achieve the best results, follow these pre-procedure instructions:

NSAIDs and Antiplatelet drugs (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) should also be avoided 4 to 5 days before your procedure because they can inhibit platelet function.
Keep yourself hydrated, to enable collection of blood.
Talk to your doctor about any medications you take and follow specific directions.

How long is the recovery time after PRP injection?

Most patients can return to light activity the next day after the injection. On the other hand, rigorous physical treatment or massive lifting should not be done for 2 to 4 weeks so the treated region can recover. You could be advised to undergo a full recovery program that may incorporate PT for better results.

How does PRP therapy work for rotator cuff injury?

PRP therapy has been documented to decrease pain and improve function in patients with rotator cuff injuries. It boosts the body’s natural healing response, making it effective for partial tears and chronic inflammation. PRP works even more effectively in conjunction with targeted physiotherapy.

PRP is often combined with other treatments

Yes, the following therapies can safely be combined with PRP therapy:

Analysis of the best treatments for patients with complex diseases, physical therapy for mobility restoration.
Prolotherapy for looseness of ligaments and instability of joints.
Corticosteroid injections (if they’re spaced properly) for acute pain relief.
We at Amandeep Hospital design treatment plans accordingly to yield the best results.

How long will PRP effects last?

Results from PRP therapy can last many months, if not years, depending on the injury type. Regular physiotherapy and follow-up sessions can stretch the benefits even more.

Is PRP covered by insurance?

Insurance does not cover PRP therapy in most cases as it is still deemed an experimental treatment. Amandeep Hospital is dedicated to providing PRP therapy at an affordable cost so that you can receive the best treatment without breaking the bank.

What to expect with PRP therapy at Amandeep Hospital?

At Amandeep Hospital, we provide:

PRP injections guided by ultrasound for accuracy
Multi-disciplinary pain specialists and physiotherapy.
Individualized treatment plans that are affordable and effective.
Cutting-edge technology and laboratory-verified PRP preparations that lead to the best results possible