Weak Knees

swilk627

I'm trying to decide whether my legs are just weak or if perhaps there could be something wrong with my knees and maybe I need to go see an orthopedist.

When I exercise, my knees feels so weak and they just burn. It's my actual knees, like behind my kneecaps. I do have a family history of knees problems, which concerns me. But, I also know that I'm working muscles harder than they've ever been worked. I'm doing Jillian's Shred which doesn't bother them too much. However, jogging/running (which I know is notoriously bad for your knees) and the elliptical really exacerbates the pain. I've also picked up spinning, which I LOVE!!! But standing and spinning is killer in my knees. Could it be that my legs just aren't strong enough?

Anyone with any similar experience?

Elizabeth_C34

If you are running, you need to go and get fitted for running shoes. They are expensive, but reduce impact damage on your joints and worth it if you are prone to knee issues.

If that doesn't help, I would suggest going to see and orthopedist.

LilBee82

I used to have knee problems with that same kind of pain. I found out that my ligaments were weak. I saw one doctor and he said, "You're fat. Lose weight."

So I got a new doctor. and she told me I had weak ligaments in my knees, so I started seeing a physiotherapist. I also got cortisone shots and I haven't been in pain for almost 16 years.

I remember one exercise I had to do were squats. Ugh!

glass2diamonds

I would avoid the Orthopeadist. Go see a rheumatologist, I work for one and what you are describing sounds like early on set arthritis. they if need be can also fit you for a knee brace, the same the ortho's use.

swilk627

I would avoid the Orthopeadist. Go see a rheumatologist, I work for one and what you are describing sounds like early on set arthritis. they if need be can also fit you for a knee brace, the same the ortho's use.

That's my fear. Early onset arthritis is my family history. I had a cortisone shot in my left knee once and it was awful! I don't know if it was that specific doctor that did it incorrectly, but it was sooooo painful and didn't help at all!

Jillian has made me an expert at squats! That's one thing I can do super well now!

LilBee82

Have you gone to see your doctor?

swilk627

Have you gone to see your doctor?

Yes and no (I know that doesn't make a lot of sense - just trust me).

I'm thinking I do need to make an appointment with someone else to rule out anything. I just didn't know if anyone had experience with what I'm feeling at it ended up being a result of just muscles that weren't strong enough yet.

Alice_H

The Shred workouts are notoriously bad for your knees.

I suggest asking for a referral to a physical therapist. Mine did wonders for my bad knees - I have no cartilage in either of my knees but with the help of PT I can still be very active. I have to make sure I continue to do the PT every day, though, or I start having problems again.

My PT regimen doesn't just work on knees, it also works on my hips and my IT bands - I had alignment problems all up and down my body.

LilBee82

I strongly urge you to go talk to your doctor before trying anything else. There's no point in treating something that might be the wrong kind of treatment.