jtp1242

I hear Mark talking about how bad his shoulders and knees are getting. It has me thinking how this plays out long term. When I get through the novice phase, is it OK to maintain? Do I need to lift heavier and heavier and heavier? If I’m strong, and I’m happy with my weight totals in each lift, can I just stay at those weights and maintain my strength? If I’m deadlifting 400lbs do I need to go to 500lbs? What is the best way to maintain strength and joint health?

Mark Rippetoe

You don't need to do anything. But when you get your deadlift to 400, your perspective may change.

ak0693

I did heavy leg presses without warmup and now my right knee is injured.

I have a sharp pain in the right knee at the bottom position of the squat. I rested for a week and it was fine and I was able to do squats without barbell without any pain, but the pain came back when I did squats with 20kg warm up set. How do I manage my injury? How long do I refrain from squatting?

Thanks for your time!

Mark Rippetoe

Good.

porcopedico

You might have torn your meniscus

Mark Rippetoe

Hell, he might have. Consistent with the symptoms. This is also good.

ak0693

I’d like to point out that the pain occurs only when in a certain position, a few inches above the bottom of the squat. Above and beyond that position there’s no pain. Pain also occurs when doing lunges. I’m refraining from squatting and other leg work till it heals. Only doing leg extensions.

Mark Rippetoe

Yes. Lunges and leg extensions on a knee injury. Do those. Best thing you could possibly do. Excellent. You have this figured out.

ak0693

What should i do then? Should I just take a week or two off until it heals?

Mark Rippetoe

Oh, yeah. Take a layoff for a knee injury. Best thing you can do every time you get hurt. Just sit there. Don't move at all. Let it heal. Absolutely. I've always said this. Let it heal. I mean, how can it heal if you move it, right?

Maybe you should spend some time reading this board before you post again.