B.S. I'm the same height and have no problem getting down to parallel. Unless you have major structural issues with your knee, which you should be fixed regardl

B.S. I'm the same height and have no problem getting down to parallel. Unless you have major structural issues with your knee, which you should be fixed regardless, your knees can't handle the position because you don't get in the position. Get a pair of 7mm knee sleeves that are kind of hard to put on, because they are tight, and start squatting. The sleeves will keep the knee warm and provide some additional support until you get the surrounding structure of the knee stronger. I would highly recommend either Starting Strength or Strong Lifts 5x5.