Best Cardio Option for Osteoarthritis?

IsineYe
IsineYe Posts: 1
in Introduce Yourself
Hello all! :) I'm back to steady good workouts again, but I've run into a problem. I've always had a bad knee from an injury when I was in high school, but after not doing regular exercise for 2 years, I've found that my knee is much worse off this time around. I had an xray and they told me that I have mid-grade osteoarthritis. I'm 29 and I honestly didn't expect this, but as someone that used to run 6-7 miles 3-4 times a week, I have been running 3 miles the last 4 weeks (treadmill and outdoors) and I have horrible knee pain for 2 days after, that NSAIDs won't touch. This never happened a couple years ago. I've just kinda been running through the pain, though it leaves me limping and with difficulty sleeping at night, etc. After a few days the pain subsides but I can still feel bad pangs going up and down stairs. Can anyone recommend a good cardio exercise (that isn't swimming) that won't leave me in pain for days after? Thank you so much!!

Replies

  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    http://shp.missouri.edu/vhct/case2100/recommendations.htm

    I would probably try an elliptical because its' weight bearing but low impact.
  • nicolared1
    nicolared1 Posts: 13
    I have osteoarthritis in my hip (I'm 39). It's due to a problem from birth so I always knew it would happen at some point, but the diagnosis was still tough. When you are relatively young, it feels very unfair and quite isolating to have what is regarded as an 'old person's' condition.

    I have never been very sporty, partly because of the hip problems I've always had but partly I just don't think I'm that sort of person. I took up running about five years ago and loved it - it's the only exercise I've ever truly enjoyed. However, I was diagnosed about 18 months later and I was in a lot of pain at the time so I pretty much just gave up.

    Since then I've managed to get my pain under control as much as possible, although arthritis is an unpredictable disease! I did a LOT of googling etc and found most people saying that arthritis sufferers should avoid running and walking. The advice is non weight bearing exercise: swimming, cycling etc. I hate swimming and can't use a regular bike due to losing some of the bend in my knee as a result of my surgery, so I decided to try running again. I now stretch a lot before and after, take it slowly with frequent walking breaks, and just listen to my body. But it sounds like your arthritis is more advanced than mine, so that may not be an option. I'd say try swimming and cycling if you can - I'm thinking of trying a recumbent bike as they're meant to be very good.

    Oh and I recommend the book The Fit Arthritic - a slim volume but it has good advice and stretching exercises to strengthen your joint.

Categories