Weak knees but want to squat

I'm pretty sure I developed Arthritis in my knee due to sitting on a shitty chair for hours on end years ago. I haven't done squats in a very long time because of that, but recently tried it again since a friend convinced me. I didn't feel the pain initially or after doing about 4 sets of traditional weighted squats 50+ kg, it was only a day or so after where the pain really came in and hasn't gone away since and it's nearing a week (pain in other muscle groups faded). I purposely didn't put too much weight so the pressure wouldn't go so much to my knees, but I love how it works out many parts of my lower body/back. At this point it's not worth continuing with this pain, but really want to know if there is a way to limit the stress on the knees yet still do squats or should I just stop doing it altogether?

 

Is it just one or both knees that are affected? Potentially a knee wrap could help provide a bit of additional support. Asides from that all I can think of is doing partial squats instead (not going fully ass to grass). Have you experimented with other versions of squats?

 

Both knees, hurts so bad right now. I haven't went all the way down, pretty sure I stopped at an angle because I think I'd shatter my kneecap going all the way. I haven't done other variations of squats. I've seen a few, but it involves bending of the knee. It's barbell squats btw.

 

I'm no expert but I wouldn't risk it. Squats are good in the fact that they're a compound lift but you don't want to be doing them if it's going to further impact your health negatively. There are other exercises that you may be able to do which won't be detrimental but you should proceed with caution regardless.

 

I'm most likely going to the doctor soon to see if I have arthritis or worse. I'm considering just dropping it altogether being as the pain got worse (came back from gym doing cardio). It's unfortunate though, it's a great workout.

 

The same thing happens to me every time I come back to being active after a long time of not being active. I always start with very light leg workouts like a bunch of seated leg extensions to build up the muscle around my knees before I attempt anything intensive like weighted squats. Don't put your knees in jeopardy if you aren't feeling it. Just keep testing with light weight or no weight at all to see if the pain is still there. I probably don't need to say this but make sure your form is good of course. Bad form especially on squats can be deadly for your knees.

 

I would definitely shoot for more seated leg workouts than anything

 

Starting to worry me now because I get major knee pains after doing squats ;-;

 

Check your form only thing in pain should be your hammies and quads.

 

Doctor told me it's very possible I have stage 1 arthritis in my knee, or even stage 0 and that the pain was reactionary to not doing squats for a very long time. I'd have to go back for an x-ray just to make sure. I am pretty sure I had the form down correctly, but i'll have to see next time.

 

I would recommend starting very light on leg extensions and be sure to warm up properly beforehand. I wouldn't recommend anything except for bodyweight squats or if you're feeling good, hack squats.

 

I got arthritis from both of my knees from soccer, but I always had to use knee wraps and couldn't do heavy weight. One thing that always helped was foam rolling and doing stretches and the pain really wouldn't be there.

 

get bands for knees mate, lots of people use.