Knee area soreness with squats etc...

[KimDW]

I've got a question about doing forward static lunges, squats, and inner thigh work. For about 4 months I've been taking this Body Bar class at the gym and using a 12 pound bar for all leg work (my legs tend to bulk up easily) and I know I'm doing it correctly. But lately I've noticed the part right about my knees being sore not the actual knee cap (if I've been sitting on the floor or sitting on the couch for awhile or even going down steps they are sore). Is this my legs just being sore from the work? I've done the same leg work for years in the other classes but no weight and they've never bothered my. Could the weight be causing the problem? Or could it be that (like my mother always says) I'm getting older. I only 30 years old. What do you guys think? I will gladly get rid of the bar with the leg work so I don't cause future problems. Thanks,
Kim

 

[Jcrew3082]

Hi Kim,

Are you doing enough stretching? I think you are referring to the part of the muscle just above the knee cap. Lunges especially make that area sore for me, and I find that doing yoga once a week or so helps.

Gina

 

[KimDW]

Gina: I don't think I stretch enough. I know they only do a 10 min warmup and then maybe 5 mins of stretching at the end. Should I concentrate on stretching the quad and the hamstring or just one. I know it always feels good when I grab my ankle behind me (while standing) and stretch my quad. Thanks for the advice.
Kim

 

[Jcrew3082]

Hi Kim,

I would probably start by spending a few more minutes stretching the quads. I like the stretch you mentioned and also lying on your stomach and hugging your foot behind you. I know that it's important to balance the muscles of the quads & hams, and if you think stretching your hams will help, hey, why not! Hopefully, your knees will feel a little better.

Gina

 

[scm]

I think I can take a guess at what you have.. it's called Chondromalacia. I developed the exact symptoms you have in my early twenties. I went to a couple of "specialists" before I did my own research to find the correct answer. These so-called doctors told me I had arthritis and gave me tons of medications! I knew they were wrong. My "runners knee" was easily corrected by a physical therapist. They straightened my patella by taping it ~ so it stayed in place, then I was connected to an electrical stimulation machine which contracted the vastus medialis muscle. Along with the proper exercises to strengthen that muscle I've not had that problem come back since, and it's been just over 10 years ago.
Susan C.M.