Waldron’s Test

Waldron’s Test (also known as the “squat test”) is an orthopedic maneuver used to assess the presence of patellofemoral joint pathology—especially patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or “runner’s knee”. It evaluates for crepitus, pain, and abnormal tracking of the patella in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions.

How the Test is Performed

  • Client position: Performed in both supine (lying) and standing positions for a thorough assessment.

  • Supine phase: The client lies relaxed with knees extended; the examiner gently compresses the patella against the femur and passively flexes the knee.

  • Standing phase: The client stands, and the examiner palpates the patella while the client performs several slow deep knee bends (squats).

  • A positive test: Reproduction of the client’s anterior knee pain, crepitus (grinding, crunching), or the examiner feeling poor patellar tracking during flexion—especially under compression or during the squat.

Clinical Significance

  • Positive Waldron’s Test supports the diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), chondromalacia patellae, or other structural/biomechanical abnormality affecting kneecap tracking.

  • Test is especially useful when symptoms are provoked by activities such as squatting, stair descent, running, or after prolonged sitting.

  • Crepitus alone is not always pathological—pain or poor tracking combined with crepitus is the key indicator.

Assessment

  • Use Waldron’s Test in clients with anterior knee pain, grinding, crepitus, pain with squats, or functional limitation during weight-bearing activities.

  • Document? pain location, presence/absence of crepitus, and which phase (supine/standing) symptoms occur for tracking and referral purposes.

Treatment

  • If positive:

    • Avoid deep manual compression or aggressive patellar mobilization.

    • Focus on gentle soft tissue techniques for quadriceps, hip, and peri-patellar musculature; prioritize pain management and restoring symmetrical, functional movement.

    • Educate about movement modification (safe mechanics for squats, stairs), quad and hip strengthening, and corrective exercises to support patellar tracking.

    • Discuss the importance of gradual return to high-load activities only when pain and control permit and patellofemoral mechanics improve.

  • Refer for imaging/orthopedic review if pain is severe, persistent, or associated with mechanical symptoms.

Safety and Referral

  • Refer promptly for specialist evaluation if symptoms persist or are aggravated by activity, or if structural pathology (chondromalacia, maltracking, or loose bodies) is suspected.

  • Encourage an interdisciplinary approach for difficult or recurrent cases.