Why can the knee allow walking but not squatting?
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The ability to walk but inability to squat may be caused by factors such as meniscal degeneration, mild synovitis, or damage to important cartilage within the knee joint. Generally, treatment can be carried out under a doctor's guidance using anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, such as diclofenac diethylamine gel or Fenbid tablets. It could also be due to skeletal factors, which are more commonly seen in elderly individuals.
The ability to walk but inability to squat may be caused by meniscal degeneration, mild synovitis, or damage to important cartilage within the knee joint.
1. Meniscal Degeneration
When a patient's meniscus undergoes degeneration, it may lead to local enlargement. Pressure on this area can cause knee pain. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention under a doctor’s guidance to relieve symptoms locally.
2. Mild Synovitis
Mild synovitis may result in slight joint effusion. While there is relatively sufficient space in the joint when standing, during squatting the synovium tightens and joint cavity fluid decreases, making squatting difficult and often accompanied by pain. This condition is typically managed under medical supervision with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, such as diclofenac diethylamine gel or Fenbid tablets.
3. Injury to Important Cartilage in the Knee Joint
Damage to critical cartilage in the knee joint commonly occurs in young individuals due to improper physical activity or ligament injury from external forces, resulting in difficulty squatting. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at a hospital is usually required. Immobilization of the affected area and reduced activity may help, and in some cases, surgical repair may be necessary.
In addition, the ability to walk but inability to squat may also be caused by bony factors, which are more commonly seen in elderly individuals.
