Knee Injury HELP!

dbananana
dbananana Posts: 1
in Motivation and Support
So, quick backstory: over the last year, I've lost right around 70 pounds. I had extremely poor habits and finally needed to change them. I've always been a bigger girl (nice way of saying I've always been fat), but I was tired of it. So I changed my life. I started working out two days a week and eating a better diet. Now I've started working out at least 4 days a week and keeping under 1200 calorie (usually) without eating back my calories. But now, I'm in an impasse.

On Monday, I injured my knee. After my workout, I was doing floor stretches. On my way to my feet, I misstepped and put my weight on my knee wrong. After hours of pain, I went to see a doctor. It turns out, I sprained my ACL and have a possibly torn meniscus. It's looking like surgery won't be necessary, but I am wearing a knee/leg brace when I am going to be in one place for an extended period of time (like sitting at work or in class).

My doctor cleared me to exercise, as he said there's not much I can do to make this worse. Whatever is within my pain limit is acceptable. The problem is, I'm not in that much pain, but my knee can't handle a lot of pressure (i.e., still walking with a limp, can't kneel, etc.). I've tried swimming (which went well, but it's not my favorite activity) and doing strength machines for upper body, but what else can I do? I want an exercise that can still get a good calorie burn from without hurting my knee.

Any suggestions? I greatly appreciate it!



TL;DNR: my knee hurts, what exercises can I do?

Replies

  • Querian
    Querian Posts: 419 Member
    Would an exercise bike be okay? When I had an ankle injury I was still able to ride the bike while wearing the brace with minimal awkwardness. Or maybe an elliptical? Swimming does seem like the best option but if you don't like to swim then it doesn't really work for you.

    It's okay to lighten up though while your body is healing. Sometimes we need to rest in order to kick some *kitten* later. :flowerforyou:
  • elliott82
    elliott82 Posts: 156 Member
    did you try a stationary bike or the elliptical? they are easier on the knees than just a straight treadmill or walking. my mom's had a few knee surgeries and those are the two machines she sticks too. obviously swimming is probably the easiest for staying off your knee, but i guess if you don't like it you might not want to keep on it.

    did your dr give you any suggestions on things that would be easiest on your knee? you might call and ask him.
  • BBinNC
    BBinNC Posts: 73 Member
    I've had an ACL reconstruction and know your pain. Swimming, elliptical, stationary bike, skating and walking were the best activities with the least amount of strain on the joint. Avoid impacting sports or exercises and anything that makes you pivot or move laterally.
    Take some time to heal and get to know what aggravates your knee. I also take an anti inflammatory before long work outs.

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