The knee is a complex interworking of bones, muscles and tendons that are prone to injury. When an injury results in the inability to squat, this is known medically as loss of knee flexion. Because lack of knee flexion can indicate tendon or ligament damage, it is important to seek a physician's evaluation to determine a course of treatment to restore range of motion.
Causes
While a number of knee injury types exist, common injuries include ACL injury, torn meniscus, knee bursitis or patellar tendinitis, according to MayoClinic.com. A meniscal tear is one of the most common injuries that can result in an inability to squat, according to the National Health Service Harrow, a British healthcare organization. Your meniscus is a cartilage band that rests between the shinbone and thighbone. When the knee twists, a meniscal tear can result.
Symptoms
In addition to the inability to squat, meniscal tear symptoms include knee swelling, clicking with knee movement, knee locking or inability to bear weight on the knee, according to Sports Injury Clinic. If the swelling is concentrated at the front of the knee, this can indicate bursitis. Like a meniscal tear, patellar tendinitis --- typically due to overuse of the knee --- can cause a clicking sound when moving the knee. Other symptoms include difficulty climbing up stairs and swelling after activity.
Diagnosis
When you experience difficulties squatting following a knee injury, your physician can inspect the knee to determine if you have additional damage, such as a meniscal tear. Be prepared to answer questions about the activities you perform, previous injuries and surgeries and the duration of your symptoms. Testing such as a functional capacity evaluation can help you to determine the extent of damage to your knee, according to the Sports Medicine Institute at University of Minnesota Orthopaedics. Your doctor also can help you to set goals for functional performance, including restoring the ability to squat.
Treatment
If your physician diagnoses a meniscal tear related to the inability to squat, your physician may first recommend conservative treatment. Icing the near, wearing a protective bandage and elevating the knee can help to restore function over time, according to Sports Injury Clinic. Rehabilitation can help to restore knee flexibility, according to Robert A. Panariello, a New York City-based sports therapist. One rehabilitation exercise involves using resistance bands while lying on your stomach to pull the leg toward the buttocks. However, if your level of function does not return, your physician may recommend surgical intervention to repair knee damage.
Warning
The inability to squat following a knee injury can indicate the presence of an injury that requires a physician's attention, according to MayoClinic.com. Failure to seek medical help can worsen the injury and lead to permanently reduced range of motion, osteoarthritis and knee deformity. Seeking treatment as quickly as possible can help to prevent the worsening of symptoms.
