Doc says no running, so......walking?!

matchbox_girl

Hi guys! I really need your help. Despite my love for running, it's taking a terrible toll on my knees and ankles and doc suggests I find something that won't screw with me. I have decided to focus more on a less impacting workout, and I know a lot of people have success with simply walking. Does anyone have any walking success stories? Distance? How long? Incline? Recently it's been difficult to want to go to the gym because I dread the pain I will feel in my ankles and knees during the run.....so something needs to change. I would love some walking success stories as well as suggestions for a Walking Challenge App......I can't seem to find one anywhere! Thank you guys

SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage

Have you tried water running? While I was dealing with a hip injury, my physiotherapist suggested water running. She cited studies that have shown that running in deep water (with or without a float belt) provides the exact same benefits as running but with no impact. I've tried it and it's really difficult and a great workout.

TeaBea

Can you run on a rebounder (mini-trampoline)...it won't be the same, but very low impact. I love mine...it's a Jump Sport.

mwyvr

Did you do all your running on a treadmill? Perhaps running on softer surfaces (trails) might have helped.

Whatever the cause, if you are in serious pain you've got to stop, if not permanently, at least to heal. Now would be a very good time to visit a sports medicine clinic if you have one in your area. Even my doc - who is an athlete, but is a GP - would send me to one. A sports med doc may be able to give you more insight as to what's going on and what if anything can be done so you can return to what you like.

In the meantime, when you are ready, cycling is something I did with vigour while my ankle injury (a range of motion problem due to an injury) was keeping me from running.

lishie_rebooted

What kind of doctor?

I suggest talking to an orthopedic doctor or a physiotherapist about it.
You might also experience less pain if you get off the treadmill and go outside.
Also, were you professionally fit for the shoes you're running in?

999tigger

What about the rower, bike or eliptical? Ask tiyr Dr or physio whats acceptable.They are low impact. Plenty of people walk though and the weathers nice now.

tanowicki

It depends on your walking. When I'm fast walking, it can still take a toll on my legs (although different toll than running). But, that's like 12 min/mile fast walking. Regular strolling or even brisk walking (say anything at or above 17 min/miles) doesn't seem to affect me as much.

Have you looked into biking? Low impact but still cardio and leg focused.

Docbanana2002

When I was a lot heavier I started learning racewalking because didn't want the joint impact of running. I run now but still do racewalking sometimes for variety. It uses slightly different muscles. Useful life skill, to walk somewhere quickly when in a hurry without breaking into a full run. I'm walking around a 10 minute mile which is pretty good for a 5'5' middle aged female, though of course not going to win me the Olympics where they are in the 6 min range! But it is still a good workout, my heart getting up into the same range as it does with running intervals.

rejectuf

Going to a sports md is a good idea. I find some general practitioners would prefer me to just sit around and do nothing. A sports MD will generally work with you on returning to activity.

RadiantChange

Because of a motorcycle injury to my right ankle years ago I have a terrible problem running for any length of time so I walk every day. The trick is to switch it up, walk different places at different paces and get those arms a pumping in time with your breath. I also do yoga and work out on the bag and weights. I lost 40 pounds just doing that and logging in my food. You can walk with weights or add a bag to your back and get out on the trails. If you have a dog...All the better, they just love to go!

All the best to you

MamaMollyT

Rowing machine will do wonders for you! If you can swing one at home they take up very little space and you can burn as much as running per hour. Works your upper body too.

LKArgh

There is no reason to run to lose weight or to get/stay in shape. Yes, walking works just fine. But if you are in pain from running, are you sure that walking until you recover will not also hurt? How about swimming, or cycling?

rontafoya

Can you pump iron and/or do kettebell training?

cheshirecatastrophe

Honestly? As much as I love running, from a pure weight/weight loss perspective, I've maintained without much effort on the diet front at my lowest healthy weight when all I was doing for cardio was walking. 4-6 miles/day (plus a short bike commute). My best theory is that walking is low enough intensity that it doesn't ramp up my appetite the way running and long cycling do. I didn't follow any kind of program or challenge app; I just put in my headphones, had a few routes I knew were 4-6 miles long (I walk outside--I canNOT walk on the treadmill at the gym), and used the time to think.

If running bothers your knees and ankles, have you considered either spin classes or road cycling? What about, at the gym, the elliptical or arc trainer? Those can feel somewhat similar to running but are much lower impact.

bionic_woman

I second the weights/kettlebell training, or swimming!

MeanderingMammal

matchbox_girl wrote: »

Despite my love for running, it's taking a terrible toll on my knees and ankles and doc suggests I find something that won't screw with me.

It's useful to understand how long you've been running, what distances you do, and how regularly you run. All of those are material to how walking might challenge you. It would also be helpful to understand what you mean by "taking it's toll", as running per se isn't damaging to the knees, although running with poor form can be.

I'd echo the points above about speaking to a sports medicine doctor, rather than a run of the mill GP. The myth of running being bad for the knees still has some hold among generalists.

It may be that what you need is something that strengthens the knees, so perhaps some cycling to complement the running, or some form of resistance training to help your core strength and the various muscular structures around the knees.

RodaRose

If you have pool access, you can walk at water level between your waist and chest/lungs.
Consider weightlifting for upper body.
If you are o.k. with regular walking, try Leslie Sanone "Walk Away the Pounds on YouTube," Netflix, and such.
You have LOTS of options!

angelabrown66

Hi such great advice from everyone on here. I've had knee & ankle pain for over 12 years... I loved running my passion but it finally caught up with me & I just had to stop I have severe osteoarthritis. I finally came to terms with my grief & haven't looked back. I do loads of weight training HIIT exercise kettlebells, rowing, cycling & swimming I mix it up. A good strength program will help build the strength in your legs to support your knees. I've also invested in Zeira shoes best thing I've ever done my ankles & knees have stopped hurting going down stairs now not a problem. I also have had two injections of PRP treatment which is where they inject your platelets into the knee joint. I am back squatting at the gym which I love. Running is hard the body especially if your mechanics aren't perfect. If you have had children or sit at a desk all day the chances of that is minimal & can cauae like mine a great amount of pain. I have opted out of the knee replacement I was to have Thai month. I'm only in my 40's. Best of luck & don't give up because you can't run Sorry that was so long!