Valgus knee deformity (born with knock knees)

[Michael Fayle]

G'day Mark and Team,

I did search your previous threads to see if I could find anything about valgus knee but it all seems to be about people whose knees go 'valgus' when lifting.
I'm a 40 year old male, reasonably fit and healthy, never seriously lifted before. I have a valgus (knock) knee deformity which is causing some pain/discomfort in the lateral part of the knee due to 40 years of uneven wear and tear. I believe it is progressively getting worse.
Two weeks ago I started the SS Program and began squatting. The worse of my two knees has become painful and started swelling. I will probably have osteotomy surgery next year to correct the knee deformity, it's a big decision.
My question is, is it ok to keep lifting? Will the swelling subside, or, as I suspect, should I forget about squatting until I have this corrective surgery?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I love watching all Mark's stuff and have put several friends onto Mark Rippetoe and Starting Strength.

Sincerely,

Michael Fayle, Hay NSW, Australia.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Need to see a video of the squat from three angles.