How to handle a nagging knee problem

[Ryan]

Ok, if you follow my training log, you probably know that I'm about at the end of a training cycle now, about 4 1/2wks out from a meet.

I have been battling a very old knee problem that doesn't want to go away. I won't let it stop me from training or competing and I plan to take a week or two off after this upcoming meet to rest it and have another MRI to see where it's at.

However, I have a question in the meantime:

Do I stop squatting and DLing from here on out until the meet or no? The problem with my knee (specifics, if this helps anyone form an opinion on what I should do) stems from an old congenital disorder that's not totally uncommon, called Osgood-Schladders disease which was made worse by a fractured kneecap later in life. Now the patella tendon is constantly sore and swollen, but the swelling and pain are manageable.

So I'm wondering whether I train through the discomfort up to a week or so prior to the meet which is when I'd normally shut down anyway, or do I do something different.

I realize none of us are doctors (I dont think!?!?) but I'm looking for the opinions of other lifters who put themselves through what I do, who know what pain is all about and who have dealt with similar nagging issues in the past.

Thanks for any advice-
Ryan

[crazy]

for what it is worth, when my 1rm got over 500 I had to begin to rotate in knee sleeves, recumbent bike and reverse cable extensions for my knees.

[cejaay]

I have dealt with nagging pain in my knees for years. Weight and Martial Arts related I'm sure. I'll share what Ive started doing recently.  I have combined Squats and Deadlifts into the same workout.  Ill focus heavy on one and light and low volume on the other and alternate every week.  Looks something like this.

Week 1 Leg Day: Squat (heavy 85+%) Deadlift (50-60% 3x3)
Week 2 Leg Day: Deadlift (heavy 85+%) Squat (50-60% 3x3)
Repeat.

I train on a 6 day schedule so this gives me 5 days of rest between training legs and I only train heavy squats every 12 days.  Doing things this way, I'm always "Fresh" and ready for big weights.



My full routine
Squat/Deadlift
OFF
Bench
Accessory Lifts
OFF
OFF
Repeat