Knee Pain - when to stop?

rhianna818

Just to preface this I do have a Dr's appt scheduled with a sports medicine ortho but its not for 2 weeks and I was cleared by my GP for exercise.
I am 5'2" and 335 lbs currently, and before I started on MFP 40 days ago, walking more then 5 mins was a struggle. I am trying to move more so I have added the stairs at work instead of the elevator Mon-Fri. My knee hurts everyday. But everyday the pain is a different level. Some days its just a slight burn and if I keep walking it seems to work itself out. Other days it feels like my knee cap is gonna blow out the back of my leg.
My question is do I keep pushing myself? Or on days where it's real bad should I not push it?

I have a long way to go and I just don't want to mess anything up and make my progress even slower. I am not looking for an excuse to stop. I have continued to take the stairs. I'm hoping to get some answers at the Dr's appt, and maybe a knee brace. But in the mean time does anyone have any ideas.

questionfear

I would not push it on days when it really hurts.

And I would ask your ortho for a referral to a physical therapist. Many times knee issues are because your quads or hamstrings are weak, or your hips are out of balance, and your knee is taking the brunt of the imbalance. A good PT can help you make sure you're in alignment and give you more strength exercises to keep your knee healthy.

rhianna818

That's a great idea, for PT. And I am actually thinking the right knee pain is a result of an issue w/ my left foot. So, it could very well be a compensation issue. Hopefully I get some answers from the Dr. Thanks.

SueInAz

I've heard that every 10 pounds you are overweight is like 30 pounds to your knees so losing weight alone is possibly going to make your knee problem lessen.

One question, which part of walking stairs hurts your knee: up, down or both? That answer could be helpful for determining what exactly is wrong. For example, I've noticed that when my running shoes start to get worn out my right knee gets a little achy in general and walking down steps hurts a little but walking up them is pain-free. Once I get a new pair of shoes, that problem goes away. For many people, though, pain while walking down steps is indicative of weak thigh muscles

tomatoey

Definitely stop pushing yourself. Not just on "bad" days. Move, but only within the limits of pain, and stop when things hurt. Rest your knee when you can. Walk as normally as possible, try not to limp or do other weird things - even if you have to go slowly to do it. If you need to limp, you need to stop.

+1 see a PT asap - they're usually easier to get an appointment with than sports meds, and can diagnose soft tissue stuff. If it's something else, they'll let you know. If you need a referral for PT, get one from your GP if you can get in there more quickly, or even from a doctor at a walk-in clinic.

rhianna818

SueInAz wrote: »

I've heard that every 10 pounds you are overweight is like 30 pounds to your knees so losing weight alone is possibly going to make your knee problem lessen.

One question, which part of walking stairs hurts your knee: up, down or both? That answer could be helpful for determining what exactly is wrong. For example, I've noticed that when my running shoes start to get worn out my right knee gets a little achy in general and walking down steps hurts a little but walking up them is pain-free. Once I get a new pair of shoes, that problem goes away. For many people, though, pain while walking down steps is indicative of weak thigh muscles

Honestly I'll have to pay closer attention next time and see. I believe its going up. Going down I can usually move pretty quickly, going up its a slower process, one step, one step, lol.

rhianna818

tomatoey wrote: »

Definitely stop pushing yourself. Not just on "bad" days. Move, but only within the limits of pain, and stop when things hurt. Rest your knee when you can. Walk as normally as possible, try not to limp or do other weird things - even if you have to go slowly to do it. If you need to limp, you need to stop.

+1 see a PT asap - they're usually easier to get an appointment with than sports meds, and can diagnose soft tissue stuff. If it's something else, they'll let you know. If you need a referral for PT, get one from your GP if you can get in there more quickly, or even from a doctor at a walk-in clinic.

I try not to limp, or walk on tip-toes, some days I have to really focus on not walking funny. I'll check on the PT options. Surprisingly having my leg up, like on the reclined part of the couch, is not comfortable. Either down or out feels better. If that makes any sense. Thanks!

lorrpb

Take it easy and don't try to push through pain. That's never recommended. Get a good eval and I second PT. My foot knee and hip pain had great reduced with weight loss and strength building and correct shoes. Good luck and great start!!

mbaker566

in the meantime, if you haven't yet, consider some light stretching. much can be done on the floor or on a chair. and concentrate on walking evenly as has been already mentioned. and don't push.
remember exercise is for fitness. calorie deficit is for weightloss.
and
you got this feel better

lithezebra

I would switch to stationary cycling for exercise, at the very least, until you know what is causing your pain.

TinyTexn59

I would agree on the cycling. You use and build stabilizing muscles when you cycle. I had horrible pain in my left knee and added the cycling. Started in April by June I was completely pain free.

shor0814

When I had an extra 120 lbs my knees hurt and started swelling up after any exercise. The best advice I can give you is to focus on diet first. Yes, you do want to be more active but make certain that those activities are easy on your knees; swimming, walking, water aerobics, recumbent cycling and other knee saving exercises. When you lose some weight you can start with light knee work and increase as you get stronger and lose more weight.

When I weighed 350 my knees ached, now I am squatting with 350 on my shoulders and my knees don't even complain so I know it can be done but it does take time. You don't want to hurt so bad that you give up, ask me how I know that one.

rhianna818

Thank you everyone for the suggestions and advice. And I will be speaking to my Dr's about it soon.