Need Excercise But It Causes Leg Pain

IndyAnnaK2015

I'm retired, so I have TIME to exercise (prefer walking) but impact-type exercise really bothers my right leg that I severely broke a number of years ago and had rodded. I haven't looked into the customized insoles that you can get sized for, but wondered if anyone else has tried these and found them helpful. I know regular excercise helps maintain a proper weight, so any suggestions are welcome.
Karen

LJgfg

I don't know about the insoles, but I do know from personal experience that what shoes you wear can make a real difference. Even just changing a brand or model of athletic shoe can totally change how your body feels after exercise. Took some experimenting but I went from severe calf pain to zero calf pain just by changing which shoe I wore (both were properly fitted, brand name athletic shoes - one just worked better for me). Don't know if it would solve your issues but may be a piece of the puzzle.

maroonmango211

You could try lower impact higher intensity workouts that don't involve jumping. Some kickboxing videos are quite more upper body focused and no jumping, body weight circuits for strength, yoga, kettlebells are great for working up a sweat and quite easy on the joints.

As far as insoles work, they may never give you the type of relief you need after an injury like that but if you feel it might help you stay more active its worth a try.

Cherimoose

Insoles are more for foot abnormalities - flat feet, for example. They tend to weaken the arch, which creates other problems, so it's best to avoid them unless absolutely necessary. I recommend trying a comfortable pair of skateboard shoes. They don't have a raised heel like most sneakers, so they're "ergonomically correct" to walk in, and are less likely to aggravate orthopedic problems.

Consider adding bicycling into the mix too.

CharlieBeansmomTracey

for what its worth(nothing much to do with insoles). I have a rod and pins in my left leg from ankle to knee. It was put in in 2003. what helped me was to start out slow with the exercise and do low impact first(did a LOT of walking). then I tried other things,if it hurt I stopped, if not I just did the exercise. I tried many different insoles and nothing helped.

I couldnt even kneel because of the rod hurting my leg/knee,now I can. I can also run,jump and do things I never thought I could do again. It helped me to strengthen up my legs,I still have pain on some days but its nothing like it was.you can always try resistance bands as well which will help with making your legs stronger .always listen to your body.

IndyAnnaK2015

Thanks! To be honest, I never considered the type of walking shoe that might be best. Being the tightwad I am, I've always gotten cheap "tennies" and called it good. But no doubt the proper sole would make a difference. I suspect, after my 4 surgeries I have one leg longer than the other, and possibly a simple silicone heel insert might be all that is required.

CharlieBeansmomTracey

talk to an orthopedist if you can and they may suggest a lift which will help with the one leg being longer than the other.