Knee pain and working out?

[Anonymous]

My squat form is great, maybe I lock my knees a little too much when I deadlift but it's not too bad. Lately, my knees have been killing me! They feel okay after I've warmed up during a work out, but after they really ache. Same with my elbows when I do overhead tricep lifts and all that. And in the cold, it's almost crippling haha
I've assessed my form, and it's good. I'm thinking of buying knee warmers, but I need to know how much knee pain is okay before I should take it easy rather than risk a knee injury. I do find that the smith machine taxes my knees more than just a bar squat. Should I quit the smith machine?

[Justdance22]

The smith machine doesn't exactly allow for a natural movement when squatting (as far as I know, and from experience). I would start doing regular squats without any machines. Just barbell and plates. As for your knee pain, it could be from A LOT of things. If you want people to take a look at your form, make a youtube video showing yourself doing squats from your side so we can see barbell positioning, your stance, how deep you squat, etc... You may think it's fine, but it's always smart to get many people's opinion if you can (even though some might be bullshit). Your knees shouldn't hurt so much unless you got bad form or you're starting to lift 'heavy'. Safety first!!!

[cth96190]

You should speak with a physiotherapist. It sounds as though you are asking too much of your knees. Remember, because you are female you also have smaller joints that bear less load and are easier to damage. Pain is the body's way to tell you that there is a problem. Please do not hurt yourself.

[Asker]

Yeah, I'm very worries about knee injuries and then having to be out of the gym for a while. Could it also be a quad and ham imbalance? My quads seem to develop a lot faster than my glutes or hamstrings.

[cth96190]

@KingJessie A physiotherapist could answer your questions and tell you how to either fix the problem, or modify your exercise regime so that you do not injure yourself.
Right now you are 20 years old, so your body can do all sorts of things. If you push your body past what is wise, by the time that you are 40 you will pay a price.
I did all sorts of crazy things with the army when I was not much older than you and I have been a dedicated student of karate most of my life. I was also an aspiring Olympic swimming during my teens. The result is that now there are days when it hurts to be alive. - lol
This year I had to stop running because my knees could no longer deal with the stress. The compromise was to use a cycling machine at the gym for the cardio work. The point of telling you that story is to show that there are usually other and less injurious ways to get to the same goal.

[PippiL]

My knees hurt when I squat, too. Maybe you should go easy on them for a while.

[Figleaf]

Do you consume a lot of acids in your diet? Tomatoes, vinegar, orange juice, sodas, coffee, etc. Try cutting back on these a bit.

Another sign of excessive acid intake is gastric distress.

And don't forget that protein powders contain amino ACIDS lol.

Best of luck!

[Asker]

I do! On tom of acidy fruits and diet sodas, I drink about 7 cups of coffee a day. I had never thought of relating my coffee intake to my knee pain, but I'll try cutting back and see how that helps. Thanks!

[MyNameIsJonas]

Look through my best answers...

Smith machine = bad.

You need to use myofascial release to relieve tense muscles and gain flexibility. You have muscle imbalances.

[Asker]

It's particularly my right knee that hurts the most, so I suppose the smith machine wouldn't be helping. I do notice lots of pain EVERYWHERE when I use the SM. Back, neck, traps, knees. The only reason I like it is because it allows me to push more weight while focusing on really using my glutes. I also have scoliosis. Maybe some more single leg work would help.

[areyaready4this]

The smith machine is good for leaning against and that's about it. That being said, your knees should never be 'fully locked' for any lift for this very reason. Soft knees is what I always emphasize for both squat and dead lift... hope this helps.

[Shaft50]

I had something similar with my left knee and I took a break from weighted squats, and just did bodyweight squats for a bit... worked on endurance instead of strength. I'm back to weighted squats again.

[CourtJester]

tendinitis? maybe? anywhoo when you squat make sure your knees do go past your toes or that's bad form.

[Iron_Man]

How much are you deadlifting? Can yoi wrap your knees? Take it easy for a while if they are hurting you

[Iron_Man]

You

,,,,,,

[Asker]

I'm not lifting much at this point. 40 to 50 kilos max. I find my grip gives out if I go any heavier than that. I'm going to invest in some wraps and see how that goes.

[Iron_Man]

Well thats a lot so your doing great

[Iron_Man]

How many times a week do you Deadlift?

[Asker]

Sounds like a lot but it's my max and I can only do 6 reps 3 sets with that weight. haven't progressed in months, though! Too scared to bust my knees and die haha

[Asker]

Twice. Heavy on Mondays, lighter with more reps on Thursday.

[Iron_Man]

Sounds good just try and move up the ladder when you feel stronger

[dudeman]

Always have your weight on your heels. Your ass shoult hit the floor before your toes do.

[dudeman]

We would need a video of your form to be able to give advice.

[Justdance22]

This.

[Dtegesd123]

do your knees and elbows crack when you work out?

[Tarvold]

See a doctor.