Squats do cause unwanted stress on the knee joint. If it is already damaged, such as with runner’s knee, then it should be an exercise generally avoided. However, most of the risk comes with poor form and can be corrected. There are also squat alternatives as listed above that can take some of the stress off the knee while performing the squat. You will want to ensure that you take the following tips into account so that you are performing squats the right way, and in turn minimizing the impact of this activity on your knees;Start by standing with your back against the wall, having your feet shoulder-width apart. Your heels should be around 18 inches away from the wall, and your knees should stay in line with your heels at all times. Take a deep breath in this position and squat as you exhale, sitting down as far as you can without dropping your bottom below your knees. Tighten your core muscles and push your back flat against the wall to return to the standing position. Inhale as you slowly raise your body to the original standing position. Make sure that you push from your heels and not the balls of your feet, as you want to use the muscles in the back of your legs. Doing squats in front of a mirror will ensure that you can watch your form and correct yourself if you are making any incorrect movements. If you belong to a gym you can also ask the staff there to watch your squat and help to correct any mistakes if you are in the improper form.