Can frequent heavy squats cause knee damage in the long run?

Yes, frequent squatting can accelerate the wear and tear of the knees as the bodyweight is multiplied 5 times over the knees [1]. That is why, in Asia, many people have knee problems as compared to the West. And if there is a family history of knee arthritis and knee injuries, the risk of getting knee arthritis is higher.

However, this can be prevented with good supplements for the cartilage and joints such as:

• collagen,
• glucosamine,
• chondroitin and
• hyaluronic acid.

References:

1. D’Lima DD, Fregly BJ, Patil S, Steklov N, Colwell CW. Knee joint forces: prediction, measurement, and significance. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine. 2012;226(2):95-102. doi:10.1177/0954411911433372
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If you are keen to do squats, particularly in the gym, it’s good to follow the correct technique with a coach. Hopefully, this will lead to less injury to the knees. Although it has been postulated that squats are damaging, if done well, it also helps to strengthen your legs and this can be important as part of the rehabilitation process. Certainly, if you have ever had a knee operation, squats form a part of the recovery process.

Whatever you choose to do, do it with the correct technique.