Bad knees, treadmill

kasey98226
kasey98226 Posts: 18
in Fitness and Exercise
I just got a used treadmill, and although it is pretty awesome, after a moderate workout, my knees were KILLING me. I do have knee issues, so any advise would be great. My work out was about this:

Quick stretching
Warm up walk for 1.5min
quick walk for 4min
jogging for 4 minutes
quick walk for 4 minutes
easy cool down for for 5 minutes.
I did a little stretching after because I was feeling stiff.

Should I stretch more before? After? Maybe do something totally different?
Thanks!

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    How are your shoes? New? Old? Specific for running?
  • kasey98226
    kasey98226 Posts: 18
    Honestly, I don't know much about them (new to excersizing on a tread mill.... before having kids I did areobics classes, but I didn't have as many knee and joint issues back then) They are snug fitting tennis shoes from a family member that works out. Champion brand. So I assume they are for running. Do you have any suggestions on a proper shoe if that could be the issue? Thank you!
  • kasey98226
    kasey98226 Posts: 18
    Oh, and only about 2 months old.
  • shawnakrebs
    shawnakrebs Posts: 50 Member
    Know this could be a little too late, but my husband had a knee injury so we got an elliptical machine instead of a treadmill.
  • kasey98226
    kasey98226 Posts: 18
    I would love one of those, but my legs are really short. We got the treadmill cheap used from a friend, but I'll keep an eye out to see if I can find a cheap elliptical that I can reach :)
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    Shoes, shoes, shoes.

    I had knee issues from the age of 10 to 34. Been to doctors, specialists, physical therapists, taken pills, had shots, you name it. It's held me back whenever I got into any physical pursuit, but I generally gritted it out.

    Then in January of this year, as I was getting back into fitness and running in particular, I went to my doctor. He suggested one simple thing no other doctor had before - go to a running store and have them assess me. The pedorthist at New Balance found I supinate horribly, and have ridiculously high arches. One pair of appropriate running shoes and orthotic inserts later, and I've had no issues. I now run 5k, three times a week with nary a twinge.

    Before this experience I had assumed that shoe fitting was just a way of selling extra stuff. Which it undoubtedly is, but now I know that it's not without value.

    Edited to add : You can't be squeamish about the price. Unfortunately you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for running shoes with inserts (if you need them). For me, it was well worth it.
  • kasey98226
    kasey98226 Posts: 18
    Goodness! That's quite a shoe!! I should... My sister in law actually used to work for a store in Cali that did all that (she is now a trained physical sports therapist) I guess I am going to have to grovel to her to set me up as we don't have anything like that around here. Sounds like you all are seeing what I didn't even think to look at :) I do have lowered arches, half inch shorter in one leg, and tendionitis. Maybe that would help a ton. Thanks!!
  • kasey98226
    kasey98226 Posts: 18
    Thanks for everyone's advise. I talked to my sister in law, and had my feet and gait checked out. Everyone was right, I need training support shoes. Thank goodness she knows all about that stuff and got me a good deal on some Mizuno inspire shoes :) She had a few others she would have preferred, but I couldn't afford them at the moment. She said the inspire will get me started, and unless I train for Marathons like her, I shouldn't have any issues with them. :)

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