Knee Pain with Squats or Running: What It Means and How PT Helps

Knee pain during squats, lunges, stairs, or running is one of the most common complaints among active adults in Columbia, MD.

At Arsenal Performance & Rehabilitation, we focus on correcting the movement patterns and strength deficits that overload the knee.

What Causes Knee Pain During Training?

Common contributors include:

• Weak hip stabilizers

• Limited ankle mobility

• Poor squat mechanics

• Rapid increases in running mileage

• Quad dominance without posterior chain strength

How Physical Therapy Helps Knee Pain

Treatment may include:

Movement Analysis

Evaluating squat, lunge, and running mechanics.

Hip & Glute Strengthening

Reducing excessive knee stress.

Ankle Mobility Work

Improving joint alignment and force distribution.

Progressive Tendon Loading

For patellar or quad tendon irritation.

What to Expect at Your Evaluation

We assess:

• Knee range of motion

• Strength and asymmetries

• Single-leg stability

• Training workload

Your plan is tailored to your sport and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain

Why does my knee hurt when I squat?

Often due to limited hip or ankle mobility increasing stress at the knee.

Is running bad for your knees?

Not inherently. Poor load management and weakness are usually bigger factors.

Can physical therapy fix runner’s knee?

Yes. Exercise-based PT is one of the most effective treatments.

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

Persistent swelling, instability, or locking should be evaluated promptly.