Knee Pain During Deep Squats

MoscowBarbell · Post by **MoscowBarbell** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 2:30 am

Lately I get an ache right under the patella when I hit the hole on back squats. Any tips for patellar tendonitis?

NorthernStrength · Post by **NorthernStrength** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 3:05 am

Isolate the tendons with heavy slow resistance. Spanish squats or slow tempo leg extensions do absolute wonders.

ProperGainz · Post by **ProperGainz** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 3:42 am

Check your ankle mobility too. If your shins cannot migrate forward naturally, your mechanics shift stress straight to the patella.

MedellinMuscle · Post by **MedellinMuscle** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 4:12 am

Are you tracking your knees over your toes properly or are they caving inwards? VMO weakness could be an issue.

KrystalE · Post by **KrystalE** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 4:45 am

Flossing with a voodoo band before training helped restore my fluid dynamics in the joint. Try it out.

MoscowBarbell · Post by **MoscowBarbell** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 5:20 am

My ankles are quite tight from old soccer injuries. I wear lifters but maybe it is not enough.

NorthernStrength · Post by **NorthernStrength** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 5:50 am

Heel elevation masks the issue but doesn't fix the root. Work on heavy loaded calf stretches between sets.

ProperGainz · Post by **ProperGainz** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 6:15 am

Also back off the total depth slightly for a bit. Box squats to parallel can let you train through the injury safely.

MedellinMuscle · Post by **MedellinMuscle** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 6:45 am

Are you using knee sleeves? Keeping the joint warm reduces the visceral ache considerably.

KrystalE · Post by **KrystalE** » Thu Jun 04, 2026 7:25 am

Yes, 7mm neoprene sleeves are mandatory for old lifters like us. Game changer.