I'm sixty-nine years old and have moderately severe osteoarthritis in both knees. To strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joints, I do squats and deadlifts. My form is perfect on both exercises. For squats I go only 2/3 of the way to parallel using a somewhat wide stance. 285 lbs, 15X. Deadlifts are done with an almost straight leg, 225 lbs, 12X. I do not feel pain while doing these exercises. However, I have been told to stop doing them, that they will hasten the destruction of the knee cartilage. Is there any truth to this advice?
Yes, there is. No matter how perfect your form, you're still rubbing the surfaces of the knee joint against one another, which in turn will cause destruction of the knee cartilage.
I do exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints but not to the extreme that you've stated. Started strengthening the muscles when I knew that I was facing bilateral knee replacements. Well, the time has come and I'll be receiving my first knee next Monday. In one year's time I went from moderate to severe bone on bone.
If you want to preserve what's left of the cartilage you might have to modify greatly your exercise routine. Cartilage doesn't magically reappear but it does magically disappear with use. Good luck. Lindy
I am 54 and have no cartliage on my knees. I was told by a specialist I should never do squats or leg lifts only walking. However if it works for you it's up to you.
cat33