Does the elliptical hurt anyone else's knees?

I have very bad arthritis in my knees, which I am sure my weight does not help. However, my orthopedic doctor banned me from the treadmill because it was too much weight bearing. I have no problem walking up stairs, but when I go down it hurts and I have to do it sideways. With that said, I have no problem with the eliptical at all. When my knees were at their worse I was able to build up to an hour.

I was having the same issues, knees, hips, numb feet, and then I did some research: Are you leaning forward and bouncing while using the elliptical? I was, because that felt like the fun, natural way to do it. Turns out that's completely wrong. I switched it up and sat back on my heels, moved my legs only and concentrated on keeping my balance with my core, all the pain went away. It's about 20X HARDER, and I can only go about 20 minutes instead of 45, but I have zero pain now. It's very tempting to slowly go back to bouncing and leaning forward, but that's what's killing your knees and numbing your feet.

No but it makes my feet go numb after about 15 minutes.

Same thing happens to me.

I find that all the ellipical machines seem to be different in how much resistance they put up, the size of the eliipses (SP?) etc.....

For instance, my one @ home puts GREAT resistance and is hard to push the pedals on the lowest setting while the one @ the gym i cannot even break a sweat on the lowest setting (plus size of ellipses very small) - b4 you totally give up, try a few different ones.

There are also some elliptical-like machines out there - like one that is almost like a combo elliptica/stairmaster where you do a sort uphill ski action - one where your legs go out to the sides, etc.

I also have knee issues - patellar tracking - which i am pretty sure was brought on by WALKING on the treadmill @ incline + not stretching the IT band. So walking on incline is not something i do much of anymore except for an occasional interval.

I HATE the stationary bike with a PASSION....some ppl like it!

Ellipticals are tricky and can be the best and worst machines to use. They are an engineered repetitive fixed motion which is very prone to causing repetitive motion stress issues if they are not properly sized for the individual (similar to carpal tunnel syndrome). I picked the one I own for primary purpose that the stride length is adjustable and the pedal sizes are large enough to allow my feet to sit a good distance apart. I use mine 5 to 7 days a week since last June without any pain and have actually used it to strengthen my legs and correct some stride issues which have helped my newly found attraction to running. This takes a consistent focus and thought about what my body is doing (leg motion, foot motion and pressure, hips, back, etc.) which I cannot do while watching the TV.

As being a big proponent of ellipticals but you have to be smart about them and which ones you use. Make sure you can adjust the stride length and pay attention to what your body is doing. Using an elliptical without thought and consideration for your own physique can be damaging. It is even worse if you are doing it mindlessly while watching TV or otherwise ignoring the motion you are making.

It doesn't hurt my knees & my right knee tends to bother me off & on so I'm glad for that. I did start out only a few minutes at a time & worked up to 15 minutes during the 1st week of using it. But like the others said, you do have to keep your feet flat & let your weight go back into your heels. Also, I have the same problem with my feet going numb after about 15-20 minutes every time I use it.

What is the correct foot position while doing elliptical? While pressing down, the heel should be elevated and press down with the ball of the foot Or foot should be flat while pressing down?

I can do elliptical for 60 minutes and have been doing it 2-3 times a week. But recently I have pain below my right knee, may be it is shin bone (about 3-4 inches in a straight line). I am not sure it this is because of elliptical. But what I am reading from this thread many people have issues with elliptical. I have already stopped running on the treadmill for more than a month.

Interesting. My knee has just started bothering me since using the elliptical at a new gym. I had thought the same thing...how can this be? the elliptical is supposed to be ok for the knees. I will try adjusting the stride and paying more attention to my foot positioning. Otherwise, stationary bike, here I come.

yes it was awful and now I can do 45 min without issue. I started at the lowest setting for 5 minutes and got off then tried to go 6 min. then 10. as i built endurance and lost weight the knee pain left

Treadmill hurt my knees. Hence I switched to Elliptical. You have to find a right treadmill for you. From my personal experience I have felt that not all Elliptical are same.