torn hamstring tendon..now knee swells when squatting.

[BigJavs]

Hey Rip,

I searched for this issue and didn't come up with anything specific but if you've answered this question before, I apologize.

I tore what I believe was my hamstring tendon while at work packing boxes. I felt something pop in the posterior part of my knee joint. It felt like a muscle pull (from what I've experienced with pulling my calf muscles) right at the insertion of the hamstring into the knee joint. I eventually lost range of motion a few hours later and I had to limp around as I couldn't fully extend my knee. A few hours after that the lateral side of my knee in the front swelled up.

After sports massage and foam rolling, I felt a lot better and regained range of motion and started deadlifting. The swelling got a lot better but my knee still looks a little bigger than the other one.

I've had two squat sessions since and my knee swells up while doing my worksets. After ice and sleep a lot of the inflammation subsides the following day. It doesn't really hurt so I'll keep on squatting but I'm wondering why my knee keeps swelling up and if it's something to be concerned about.

Thanks Rip!

[Mark Rippetoe]

Sounds like a meniscus tear. You have a lateral and a medial hamstring insertion, you know, not just one. But the swelling and pain symptoms are those of a meniscus, not a tendon insertion. Had you torn a tendon you would not be deadlifting yet. But as usual, I can't see it from here. If you're worried about it, get it diagnosed.

[BigJavs]

That's what I was afraid of. I've read from searching on here that meniscus tears eventually resolve themselves sans surgery. Is the swelling indicative of needing treatment though? I don't have any of the locking, clicking, pain when rolling over in bed I've read about with meniscus tears so I'm assuming it's probably not worst case scenario. If I keep squatting with good form, will the swelling eventually resolve itself?

I really really really don't want to go to the doctor and I really really really really don't want to stop squatting.

Thanks Rip.

[Mark Rippetoe]

A minor tear resolves fairly quickly. If it doesn't it's not minor. Wait another couple of weeks, and if it's not better then, make your plans accordingly.

[Phil Stablein]

I recently (3 weeks ago today) did almost exactly the same thing, although I was stretching my ankle instead of packing boxes. Same symptoms, a small amount of pain when rolling over in bed, but otherwise identical presentation.

Squatting does inflame it, but just ice it down, take your ibu and fish oil and don't make any sudden movements. I've been 6 days pain free now!

If it messes with your life or your training after 6 weeks, then get it scoped, otherwise play it cool.

[BigJavs]

Would you advise to squat in the meantime? I get the feeling that rest wont do much to promote healing of this type of injury.

[Mark Rippetoe]

You can squat light, and you should.