Weird Knee Discomfort

[JBR]

Hi, I've been using the 5X5 program for about a month now and I've been experiencing a weird feeling in my left knee...almost like a feeling of looseness or pulling (the sensation is so weird that it's hard to tell) either behind or slightly below my kneecap, usually when I'm walking. It comes on every once in a while (maybe a few times a week for no longer than a minute each), but it never would happen during or immediately after a workout.

But then with last night's squats (still fairly light...only 100lbs.), I felt some kind of pressure in my left knee. I finished up my sets, and the rest of my workout, but I started feeling stiffness behind my knee when I got home. It feels really stiff when I fully straighten my leg, and it's been over 24 hours now. But I have yet to feel any kind of pain from this, besides maybe a very slight soreness now. If there is any swelling, it's too slight for me to tell.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before? I'm guessing my form could be better, since it sometimes feels like during squats either my knees are buckling or more of the weight is on my left leg. Should I try to get a video of my squat form when I go to the gym tomorrow, or should I stay away from squats for now? This will really suck if I can't do them.

Any advice?

[Cleave]

JBR,

It could be anything at this point. But it doesn't seem like too much of a concern just yet. Just getting started you will have minor pains here and there. How old are you?

I'm 43 and my left knee is weak. My guess is that my cartilage is a little loose and it pops occasionally and often feels like it could give out on me if my form isn't right. I've discussed it with my Dr and he doesn't think it needs any attention. I just need to get it stronger. I'm riding my bike a lot right now and I think my knees are getting stronger.

Point being, It doesn't sound like much to worry about just yet but listen to your body....Since your just starting out if you haven't squatted before or in a long time, or if you were like me and always bent over to pick up a pencil rather than squatting down, you will go through little unusual pains while getting your body used to this movement.


Cleave

[JBR]

Thanks for the advice! Otherwise, I probably would've avoided squats completely for a while out of fear of making it worse.

I just got back from the gym about an hour ago, and decided to drop some weight on the squats to try and correct my form. 2x5 with an empty bar, then 5x5 with 70lbs. I concentrated on keeping my knees out (they didn't buckle this time, as far as I can tell), proper foot stance, and pushing my hips out as far as I could. There were 3 or 4 reps where I felt pressure inside of my knee, but not nearly as bad as last time. I'm not sure if this is due to better form or the decrease in weight. And I think I might be having problems balancing the weight evenly on both legs. But I feel like my inner thighs were worked more than any other time squatting.

And my knee feels a hell of a lot better since the workout...it's been a lot less stiff since then.

I'll still have to get a video to have someone evaluate my form (I'm concerned about this and my deadlift form), but until then, I'll keep an eye out for problems as I add weight. Thank you.

[JBR]

Sorry, also forgot to answer your question...I'm 28. Wouldn't let me edit my post.