Batteling Knee Pain/Chondromalacia

30togomoveit

It is keeping me from the 3 classes I LOVE at the gym. Combat/Pump/Spin. I also want to do a run/walk routine to help w/ weight loss but that bothers me too! Oh...and the Stairmaster @ the gym! Soon enough I hope to post that I am back to doing all of these things!

I just put Pilates back into my routine. I am hoping this helps. I know losing the weight I am up (about 15 lbs) will help. I don't remember my knee bothering me before I put the 15 back on! :mad: :explode:

Has anyone dealt w/ this condition? I was diagnosed w/ it back 1997. It was under control for a long time since I had lost weight in 1998 originally. Oddly enough, it did not bother me when I was pregnant both times.

Chenoachem

I don't have this condition in particular but I am missing cartlidge in my knee. The trick is to build up some strength in the muscles around the knee before trying anything like running that has impact. Hit the recumbant bikes and the leg press machine and build up. Also try getting a band and do some lateral strength training. If you are unsure about what exercises to do, see if you can get a session or two of physical therapy to give you a step in the right direction. I can run over 8 miles now. But it is a slow process and you need to make sure you don't push yourself backwards. Slow and steady....

Good Luck.

30togomoveit

Did you find that losing weight helped? Since their is less strain on it overall?

JennyJG

I have had multiple surgeries on my knees for chondromalatia patella and an ACL replacement. I am right with you.
I am starting to develop arthritis (as the doctors said would happen because of all the surgeries) and it can be discouraging and painful.

My plan is to use "Strong Knees" - an excercise tape created by a physical therapist to strengthen and stretch muscles related to the knees. I am with you on the intense aerobic/calisthenics being very hard to give up - gives mental relief as well as endurance.

I am guessing that you are a highly determined individual - I am wondering if you just need to redirect that determination to excercises that will ultimately help you get better and be patient. May not be the same for you, but that's what I need to do!

Best regards and don't give up!!
Jen

CardioRS

I have the same condition. I was originally diagnosed when I was running cross country as a very fit teen. My doc at that time recommended swimming and low-impact activities. I would wear my braces when I did anything on concrete or a gym floor then.

Now that I am older (and much heavier) I stick to the arc trainer, which is 1 of my favorite exercises. I specifically chose the gym I go to because they have these machines there. I still swim like crazy - about 2500-3000 yds per hour and it burns a crazy # of calories (and my arms are getting ripped). The third exercise I do is the elliptical machine which I'm sure you are familiar with. None of these exercises bother my condition at all.

I too wanted to build the muscle like Chenoachem, so I walk in the gym's lazy river AGAINST THE CURRENT and do some muscle building exercises at the gym.

I can honestly say, I am pain free AND getting great cardio workouts. I am hopeful by taking off more weight that I can get into a Zumba class without pain.

JennyJG

I have the same condition. I was originally diagnosed when I was running cross country as a very fit teen. My doc at that time recommended swimming and low-impact activities. I would wear my braces when I did anything on concrete or a gym floor then.

Now that I am older (and much heavier) I stick to the arc trainer, which is 1 of my favorite exercises. I specifically chose the gym I go to because they have these machines there. I still swim like crazy - about 2500-3000 yds per hour and it burns a crazy # of calories (and my arms are getting ripped). The third exercise I do is the elliptical machine which I'm sure you are familiar with. None of these exercises bother my condition at all.

I too wanted to build the muscle like Chenoachem, so I walk in the gym's lazy river AGAINST THE CURRENT and do some muscle building exercises at the gym.

I can honestly say, I am pain free AND getting great cardio workouts. I am hopeful by taking off more weight that I can get into a Zumba class without pain.

I am very encouraged to hear your experience - I have never tried the arc trainer and didn't know you could burn so many calories swimming. Thanks for sharing your story!

Chenoachem

Did you find that losing weight helped? Since their is less strain on it overall?

Most definetly it helped, but was not necessary for starting to run.