Why Does Knee Pain Occur When Squatting?

When you squat, your knee moves through many degrees of bending. This position can create a lot of pressure on the patellofemoral joint (the space where the kneecap meets the thigh bone). The extra pressure can sometimes cause the cartilage and other soft tissues in this area to become irritated, which leads to pain. Studies have shown that squatting, particularly deep squatting, tends to increase the load on the knee joint. This is because the joint experiences higher forces that can be stressful on its structures. In some cases, if the squatting form isn’t correct or if there is an imbalance in the muscles that support the knee, the extra force can further wear down the cartilage or strain the surrounding tissues. Over time, repeated stress on these structures can contribute to conditions often seen in people who perform frequent squatting, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome. It is very important to use proper technique, build up strength gradually, and ensure flexibility to support the knee during squats.