Persistent, but Unpredictable Knee Pain In The Squat. Where To Look For Guidance?

[Msmith68w]

Rip,

I injured my right knee about a year ago. Not while squatting mind you, but while swinging under the bar to set up to squat. You know how some guys hang by the bar, swing under, then stand up to set up? That's been my routine for years without issue, but one day, on the first warm up set, as I dropped down to swing under, I heard a pop and had quite a bit of knee pain. I did a couple light sets and it was pretty bad so I took the day off.

For about 2 months after that, I would have knee pain whenever I squatted, but only during warm up. Once I got over 200lbs, it was fine. I tried making sure the knees were warmed up before squatting, and using knee sleeves to keep them warm, but this has made at best a modest difference. I also notice it if I'm getting up off the floor, you know, like a lunge. I don't do lunges, and I'm sure that would piss it off.

After 2 months or so, it more or less went away, but it will occasionally pop up, seemingly with no rhythm or reason. It is typically not present on any sets over 200lbs, but there's a part of my mind that's always concerned it's going to flair up during a heavy set, and it's kinda screwing with my head.

Can you recommend any books or articles on the subject? Would it be wise to get it x-ray'd? I'd hate to go deal with those dumbass physical therapists you're always ranting about.

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

There is no better way to learn about why we don't worry about little pains like this than spending a lot of money at the doctor's office. I suggest you make an appointment today. Then do the PT he prescribes.

[Msmith68w]

There is no better way to learn about why we don't worry about little pains like this than spending a lot of money at the doctor's office. I suggest you make an appointment today. Then do the PT he prescribes.

Haha well clearly I am resistant to the idea of paying those charlatans money, given that I haven't already been to see them in a year. My thought was just that there may have been some sort of a tendon or ligament issue since it hasn't seemed to heal.

So your conclusion here is that this sounds pretty normal, and to just train through it without giving it much concern? Any tips for correction or prevention, similar to your "Pin Firing" inspired deal for elbows?

[Will Morris]

What's the concern here? You had knee pain....it hurts on occasion....doesn't hurt during heavier weights....this is seemingly a chief complaint that could be reported in essentially 100% of the population.

What would you expect a radiograph to show you?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Train through it, like we all do. And learn to squat with your hips.