So ive been getting pretty severe pain in my right knee while squatting, first set, generally like 5-7 reps in.

I cant be skipping squats since i work out from my home gym, i have a squat rack and such. I dont think lunges will be enough, and my legs just arent big enough to be giving up on them.

Any idea what is suddenly causing this? I do go really deep, ATG. Would a knee brace or bandage or w/e help potentially. Idk ive never had an injury like this, general ache and pains, nothing that that has been recurring like this.

change leg position
warm up and stretch

I have to do leg press before squatting

Ill warm up with lunges then, and change positions. might help.

Where is the lain localized? Do you have flat feet? Do you squat with your toes pointing out at absurd angles? How is your hip mobility? Do you have any unstability in the afflicted knee since the pain set in?

under the kneecap. Flat feet, dont think i do. I point my toes out, but only about 30 degrees off from straight ahead at most. Hip mobility, again no idea, but i can go down to the floor with my ass and back up with perfect balance if that means anything. No instability, its just when im warming up with bodyweight squats. I havent even done weighted squats since this started happening due to the fear of something happening.

I also play hockey, but ive been back in the game for over a year now and didnt get any knee injuries, but maybe the movement of skating has slowly built up to take a toll on my knee?

fuck idk, im grasping at straws right now.

have you been jogging? might have runners knee which would require a break or very light exercise until it heals

Why wouldn't lunges be enough? Very under rated movement imo, particularly when weighted.

Widen up your stance and point your toes more outward. That helped me out

Does your pain feel like a "soreness"

Pick up some knee sleeves

With chronic pain I'd really suggest visiting your doctor, if they don't know what's up I'd get an x-ray then MRI if you have good insurance / things go that far.

Joints are scarily fragile things, nn risking their health!