Losing Weight with Osteoarthritis

pelletiema

I have been struggling with this for several years. I feel i'm stuck between a rock and a hard spot. If I lose weight my knees will won't hurt so bad but, excising just puts me in more pain. Does anyone have any insight as to what has worked for them?

goldthistime

You don't HAVE to exercise for weight loss, just eat at a deficit. Personally though, exercise makes me feel good and helps me stick with the program. Swimming is the obvious answer but perhaps cycling, rowing, elliptical, walking or strength training would work for you.

pelletiema

Swimming hurts just as much as running so I don't do those. I do strength training and have started rowing. It is just hard because it all hurts. I'm cleaning up my diet and have come a long way but still get off track more often than I should. I'm looking at my first knee replacement by the end of the year and hopefully get the other knee done after 6 months or so. I would like to be well on my way to a 70lb weight loss goal by the time I get my first knee done.

goldthistime

Pain wouldn't elevate my mood. Maybe you just have to channel your energies into a self-loving healthful diet.

mommazach

I used to have the same problem and then I promised myself 3 weeks. 3 weeks of elliptical, (low impact) and I started with just 15 minutes a day. It took awhile and it hurt but I now have stronger knees that support me better and have completed several 5K's this summer. Here's what helped me.
1. Low impact EVERYTHING. I didn't start running until my knees were stronger.
2. Copper fit compression sleeves. They really do help.
3. Arnicare cream, or some other muscle pain ointment. Before, after, and throughout the day.

I didn't start out trying to run, but I knew my legs and especially my knees were weak. Once I dedicated to it, I started increasing the time to where I had a goal of 20 minutes, then 25 all the way up to an hour. It can be done, but don't fall into defeatism. Set a goal and work on it. If it's something that doesn't get better, than consult a dr., but it really helped me. You can also go out for walks, work on squats and lunges, or use some weight lifting equipment.

Best of luck to you.