Why Does My Right Knee Become Tight When I Squat?

Posted on Mon, 4 Apr 2022

Question: When I squat, my right knee seems to become tight. I can get down to about 85-90% of a full squat. Left knee is great....

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Osteoarthritis is there.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

From your symptoms it seems that both of your knee joints have undergone osteoarthritic changes. These are basically age related degenerative changes in the weight bearing joints like knee and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Upon movement the stiffness gradually relives. Sometimes application of hot pads can make the movement possible.

The treatment options include pain killers, hot fomentation, lubricating agents like glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, dycerin, etc and some lifestyle modifications and physiotherapy.
Right now you can start taking Tablet Tylenol (Acetaminophen) Double Strength after breakfast and after dinner. It is suggested to add calcium supplements 500mg each twice daily. This will take care of your mild symptoms in 3-5 days.
You can start with walking and aerobic fitness exercises, quadriceps strengthening, patellar tapping, lateral heel wedges, etc- under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
A Big No to Stair case, squatting postures, any chair which has a sitting platform lower than your knees.

Knee brace can also be used for an earlier and prolonged relief. In severe cases intra articular injections of steroids and hyaluronic acid may be needed after consultation with your orthopaedician.

I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)

I am pretty active for a 58 year old. I lift weights that includes leg lifts, squats and upper body 3 times a week and run 4-5 miles/4-5 times a week. My knee started giving me problems after helping my husband work on replacing our deck. I did a lot of squatting, bending, lifting (no more than 20 lbs) and twisting. Just thought I'd add that.... Thanks..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can be minor capsular inflammation.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

If the problem started after helping your husband then it can be a minor capsular inflammation. Hot compress, ace bandage, rest and Dycerin supplements will help in bringing relief.

Hope my answer is helpful. Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar