Tips and help for my knees

Showmm

I am looking to see if any one has any tips or tricks to help me with my knees.

A brief summary: back in my 20s, I hurt my knees doing improper deep side lunges. I had a light elastic brace for a few years and some physio which helped, but they still hurt. Then a very clever doctor told me to watch and make sure I wasn't hyper-extending them when I was standing (ie, don't lock my knees) After keeping this in mind and a bit more physio, they were back to nearly good as new, as long as I was sensible about them.

Now fast forward a decade and a half and several pounds/kilos more than I used to be. I'm doing the 30 Day Shred and although I have been very careful with doing squats and side lunges, my knees are starting to complain. At first I modified the jumping jacks, now I run on spot and I've stopped with the side lunges because this is not something I want to happen again just as I try to get back into shape.

What I'm looking for are perhaps some tips of how to warm my knees up better so they won't be so "creaky" (for lack of a better expression) when doing anything where they are bending. Or other exercises that might help it. I know bike riding was always very good for them, as it kept them in a static angle forward, but lots of movement and making the leg muscles stronger. However that's not currently an option with the snow and lack of bike paths around here. Anything else? Or foods or vitamins that might help? Don't worry, I'll take everything you all say with a grain (or entire shaker) of salt, I just am looking for some new ideas of how to look after them while still continuing to work out.

Happyme2009

I have bad knees too, also herniated disks in my back, from an accident. ......and I love the gym. So, what works for me is this.....
no lounges, no squats, no stairmaster, no running.
Lots of elliptical, bicycle, rowing machine. All weight machines except squat and leg press.
Good luck!

Showmm

Yes, back when I was a gym member, the leg press machine was not my friend unless it had a very light weight on it. What do you do to work those leg muscles instead?

wisebuys

I had both hips replaced and had a bad knee and herniated disks in my back. Losing weight will help immensely. I also have started seriously swimming laps again (now that I can again, thanks to the hip replacements). If swimming isn't your thing, walking in the water is also extremely helpful. As for vitamins, I found omega/krill oil capsules to be helpful. I had spent several years walking with two canes and using all the supermarket scooters to get me around. I seriously feared losing my independence. Thank God things have turned for the best.

bahhumbug2

As a member of the walking wounded (R knee rebuilt after soccer mishap in 1981 and L knee rebuilt after bad fall in 2001) I was told by an orthopedic surgeon that I was facing total knee replacement. When I inquired how long I could put that off, he snidely replied "you can put it off until you die, it's just a matter of how much pain you want to be in!"
Fast forward to today - JOIN THE Y! They have a wide range of water exercise classes, from water tabata, boot camp to shallow water work outs that are fun, at all different days and times, and best of all - don't hurt.

edge_dragoncaller

The first and foremost step you should take is talking to your doctor. There may be some rehab style excercises he/she could recommend to strengthen the muscles at the knee so that you can gradually build into the leg press or lunges.

August62012

I swear by a good instructor and water aerobics at the YMCA. After a total knee replacement, I'm in the pool every chance I get. Not being a good enough swimmer to get a good workout, I'm in a class that is 60-90 minutes.

megedoug

I blew my knee out at 24 and was told that I had the arthritic knees of a 70 year old and to expect knee replacement in 7-10 years. That was 11 years ago. I went to physical therapy immediately following that and I still religiously do my exercises. Even at my heaviest and most un-active, I did the PT. I still feel it with too many squats but I've started running again and overall feel good. So first I'd head to a good ortho and get some safe exercises to strengthen your quads...that'll hold your knee cap in place. Then build up strength nice and slow. I love the 30DS but I always stick to the 'easy' version of squats and often do the boxing during the cardio parts. You just have to take care of it and you'll be fine

Showmm

The pool and swimming ideas are good ones. I worked at different pools in different countries for over 10 years, so it's a bit like going to work for me! I suppose I could do it, but it's not really my first choice.

Showmm

Bump for a different time and a different crowd.