Knee Problems

[TheInkMan]

When I'm doing pushdowns I get this insane pain in my knees.
I have a feeling that its from ignoring my legs so long.
So I ask the gym manager should I do squats or deadlifts to try to strengthen them and he says no, it will only make it worse.
Is this right ?
Maybe I should just trade it for another tricep exercize?

[TheInkMan]

Oh ,
I should mention that occasionally it sortof twists.
Like it bends and I sort of fall down.
It's incredibly painfull.
It also makes this popping sound occasionally.
I don't want to injure it more but at the same time if there are some exersizes that might strengthen in , I am willing to try them.
Thanks.

[Jaden]

Have you seen a doctor my brother? For until you do you shall not listen to another.

[G o r t]

Stop tensing your knees while doing arms!

On a side note I have all but given up on regular pressdowns because the weight throws my body back.

Try decline tricep presses, in a smith machine works well, only prob there is you have to hook your legs to stay up.

I had a minor knee injury once that caused my leg to buckle for years, get it fixed if you can!

[trez]

Where exactly in your knees do you feel the pain ? What kind of a pain is it (sharp, burning...)?

[D-Dog]

You might have a torn meniscus. Hard to say for sure. Stay away from leg extensions before you get evaluated. Good rule of thumb if the exercise is causing you joint pain stop doing it. With that said squats and dead lifts are not that bad for your knee depending on what the problem is. If you have ligament problems the sheering force from leg extensions will make the problem worse. Get it checked out or lay off all aggravating factors for a couple of weeks and work back into it. If no pain then it may have just been a transitory problem.