If your knee hurts during squats, lunges, or workouts, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common issues we see in active adults and athletes in Austin.
Why your knee hurts when you squat
Knee pain is rarely just a knee issue.
It’s usually caused by:
- Poor hip control
- Weak glutes
- Poor tracking of the kneecap
- Limited ankle mobility
Your knee is simply taking on stress it shouldn’t.
The real issue: movement mechanics
When your body doesn’t move efficiently, your knee absorbs more load.
This is why:
- pain shows up during squats
- but not necessarily at rest
Why rest doesn’t fix it
Rest may reduce irritation…
But once you return to lifting:
👉 the same problem comes back
What actually fixes it
At FRWD Sports Therapy in Austin:
- Strengthening glutes + quads
- Improving squat mechanics
- Addressing ankle mobility
- Manual therapy + dry needling
The goal is to improve how your body moves — not just reduce pain.
When to get it checked
- Pain during squats or lunges
- Pain with stairs
- Pain that lingers after workouts
FAQs
Is this patellar tendonitis?
Sometimes, but often it’s movement-related.
Should I stop squatting?
Not always — we usually modify instead.
Can this turn into a tear?
Ignoring it can lead to worsening symptoms.
How long does recovery take?
Most cases improve in a few weeks with proper rehab.
If you’re in Austin dealing with knee pain during workouts, this is something we help people fix every week at FRWD Sports Therapy.