What would you do instead of running?

LKArgh
LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been probably overdoing it regarding running the last weeks, getting too enthusiastic about being serious again after a year or so of just running here and there, and it looks like I have stressed the tendon on my left knee.
It is only painful when I run. Mentioned the problem to a trainer at the gym, he did not consider it serious enough to skip classes, and it does not hurt with anything but running. However, I have been really getting into a rhythm and hate to stop, but also do not want to end up immobile for weeks from more serious damage.
I go to the gym twice per week, cannot go more often and also cannot do things like e.g. swimming, because of lack of time.
I have a treadmill at home, and dumbbells, could get more equipment, as long as it is nothing big.
I need something to replace the 3-4 times per week running sessions for a while, to let my knee recover. I know the obvious answer is to walk, but it is boring for me on the treadmill. Any ideas?

Replies

  • ZOOpergal
    ZOOpergal Posts: 176 Member
    Is it the impact that hurts your knee or the bending? If its the impact that hurts, maybe biking?
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    It is the impact. But unfortunately where I live, biking is not safe at night (the only time when I could find time) and I do not have a stationary bike.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't run much...too hard on my joints. I cycle primarily for my cardio and throw in some swimming and hiking and whatnot. I run some, but not much...mostly just for mud runs and the like. I also weight train which I encourage.
  • suzely0530
    suzely0530 Posts: 150 Member
    Do they have elipticals or cross trainers at your gym ? Would be less stress on your joints
  • WinterWait
    WinterWait Posts: 7
    I feel your knee pain. I had full ACL reconstruction a few years ago. RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Sometimes you have to listen to your body and give yourself time to recover. That being said I don't do well with sitting still... I found yoga, pilates and stregth training helped. You mentioned you don't usually swim but if you can find time it's also a great alternative. Hope you are feeling better soon.
  • starkitty4
    starkitty4 Posts: 17 Member
    ive had double ACL reconstructions and tibial tuberosity transfers (ligament realignment) so i have to do low impact exercise. my doctor recommended pilates, aqua fit classes and i do the NHS strength and flex podcast workouts but im not sure where you are so i dont know if you could get on the nhs website to acess them.. if i inflame my ligaments my physio usually tells me i need to boost by muscle strength by doing low impact stretches. maybe you could look into this kind of thing to help you :smile:
  • Binky_Muffin
    Binky_Muffin Posts: 191 Member
    Walk on an incline on your treadmill.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Like Winterwait, I had ACL reconstruction a bit ago. I did indoor cycling and weight lifting. When my knee could not take the pounding of running, it could take squats, etc.
  • Skrib69
    Skrib69 Posts: 687 Member
    How about swimming???
  • JTick
    JTick Posts: 2,131 Member
    It is only painful when I run. Mentioned the problem to a trainer at the gym, he did not consider it serious enough to skip classes, and it does not hurt with anything but running.

    I'm not sure a trainer is qualified to tell you if it's serious or not.

    I would probably try something low impact like biking, maybe an elliptical depending on how the knee reacted. If the pain persists, you need to see a doctor.
  • morehealthymatt
    morehealthymatt Posts: 208 Member
    hop?
  • wannaBrunnner81
    wannaBrunnner81 Posts: 107 Member
    cross country skiing....this is assuming you live where there is snow ;)
  • StraubreyR
    StraubreyR Posts: 631 Member
    If you already own a bike, get a trainer for it, so you can use it indoors. I have done that for winter. Much, much cheaper than buying a stationary bike!
  • ImpishVanity
    ImpishVanity Posts: 224 Member
    I do spin classes, stair climber, elliptical, rowing, etc. I try it all and switch it up to keep from getting bored.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    I have been probably overdoing it regarding running the last weeks, getting too enthusiastic about being serious again after a year or so of just running here and there, and it looks like I have stressed the tendon on my left knee.
    It is only painful when I run. Mentioned the problem to a trainer at the gym, he did not consider it serious enough to skip classes, and it does not hurt with anything but running. However, I have been really getting into a rhythm and hate to stop, but also do not want to end up immobile for weeks from more serious damage.
    I go to the gym twice per week, cannot go more often and also cannot do things like e.g. swimming, because of lack of time.
    I have a treadmill at home, and dumbbells, could get more equipment, as long as it is nothing big.
    I need something to replace the 3-4 times per week running sessions for a while, to let my knee recover. I know the obvious answer is to walk, but it is boring for me on the treadmill. Any ideas?

    I have horrible knees. Fractured both of my patellas twice and have torn my meniscus. I also have Osgood–Schlatter disease and chondromalacia patellae. I highly recommend swimming or using a stationary bike. Both are great for knee recovery.
  • StacyRenaee
    StacyRenaee Posts: 3
    I need a knee replacement, therefore weight bearing exercises are painful for me. All of the comments on this post are helpful to me as well. I do want to try swimming and cycling. The treadmill and elliptical are out of the question. My knee will crack likes its out of place and I can barely walk for days! It makes exercising complicated. Walking a long distance even affects it. I'm 39, this is crazy. Feel free to add me as a friend. I'm new here.
  • CJ_Holmes
    CJ_Holmes Posts: 759 Member
    Does your treadmill do an incline? Hill walking is pretty intense, and won't hurt like running. Even speed-walking can be a pretty good burn, especially if you focus on your butt and maybe use some hand weights. You won't look cool, but oh well...

    I always tend to overdo it when I run, and have to mix it up.
  • hilts1969
    hilts1969 Posts: 465 Member
    I feel for you i was laid low for two months with injury and couldn't run, didn't do anything else as exercise bikes, cross trainers etc are second rate, your injury may not be that serious we all get niggles, have a short break and try running again, if this doesn't work you will have to go with something else until it clears
  • RECowgill
    RECowgill Posts: 881 Member
    I have shin fractures that prevent me from running any more than about 200 feet. If I need to do cardio I do elliptical or rowing or the bike. Those are low impact enough that they don't hurt me. I really wish I could run, it bugs me that I can't. Really bugs me sometimes. I would love to be able to.

    I'm pretty sure I would totally kick butt if I could do it. What I do instead is heavy lifting, and I have lost a fair amount of fat doing that. If I were you I would just grab those dumbbells and move them around for 45 minutes instead.
  • jaygreen55
    jaygreen55 Posts: 315 Member
    Running on the treadmill (or outside) doesn't agree with my knees either. Instead I walk on an incline. Right now I'm doing 3.8 MPH at 6-10 percent incline and it's quite a workout getting my HR up to about 80-85 percent of my max. Just make sure you stretch your hamstrings well afterwards as it will make them very tight
  • PrairieRunner2015
    PrairieRunner2015 Posts: 126 Member
    Going too fast, too soon, is a cause for this, as is going too far too quickly, as well as muscle imbalances. Do you do any cross training such as weight lifting or lunges, planks, leg lifts (If you don't have access to weights)? Do you foam roll and stretch after you do a run? I added lifting, dynamic stretches (pre-run), and foam rolling (post run) to my running and stretching (post run) and it made all the difference in the world. My knees no longer hurt (Foam rolling can be uncomfortable, but it's a good pain, lol.). I would go to your Dr. or a physical therapist to make sure it isn't something more serious such as a torn meniscus. I have a few good links on another computer, wish I was able to share. I will look to see if I can find them.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Going too fast, too soon, is a cause for this, as is going too far too quickly, as well as muscle imbalances. Do you do any cross training such as weight lifting or lunges, planks, leg lifts (If you don't have access to weights)? Do you foam roll and stretch after you do a run? I added lifting, dynamic stretches (pre-run), and foam rolling (post run) to my running and stretching (post run) and it made all the difference in the world. My knees no longer hurt (Foam rolling can be uncomfortable, but it's a good pain, lol.). I would go to your Dr. or a physical therapist to make sure it isn't something more serious such as a torn meniscus. I have a few good links on another computer, wish I was able to share. I will look to see if I can find them.

    I am in TRX classes twice a week (can see a definite change just after a few months in muscles) and do some weights at home, plus planks, push-ups etc. Running is my cardio exercise, but yes it is definitely too fast too soon. Thought I was too experienced and in good shape for this to happen to me at this point without noticing early signs, which shows I am more stupid that I thought :(

    I have been exercising and running on and off for more than 20 years, so from past experience I am pretty sure it is the early stages of a stressed tendon. Definitely going to see a dr if this continuous or gets worse.


    I am going to try the incline on treadmill for walking, but I think all you guys have me convinced to invest also in a stationary bike. Even after recovery, alternating between treadmill and bike will probably be better on my knees.

    Can't wait for summer, so I can join my kids in the pool (only pool close to us is open, and it is too masochistic for my taste to attempt classes there in the winter - heated or not, you have to get out of the water at some point).
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    I have been probably overdoing it regarding running the last weeks, getting too enthusiastic about being serious again after a year or so of just running here and there, and it looks like I have stressed the tendon on my left knee.
    It is only painful when I run....
    I have a treadmill at home, and dumbbells, could get more equipment, as long as it is nothing big.
    I need something to replace the 3-4 times per week running sessions for a while, to let my knee recover. I know the obvious answer is to walk, but it is boring for me on the treadmill. Any ideas?

    Boring? Well, a lot of exercise can be mundane and is boring, but welcome to what it takes to get in shape and stay in shape. It can indeed be boring at times. ;-)

    As others have mentioned, use your treadmill (and the incline on it) for power walking. Use your weights to work the body as well.

    I would get the knee(s) checked my a PT or doctor for a more official opinion. And I would make sure to see a shoe specialist to make sure your gait is correct of if some orthotics to correct anything that is off could benefit your stride and landing. Running is not for everyone, but it sure is cost effective compared to equipment needed for other things. Cycling is low impact and much less stressful on your knees. You can get a trainer for your bike and use it indoors at night or during winter weather. Also not to expensive...
  • wonderwoman234
    wonderwoman234 Posts: 551 Member
    As a former runner, I can tell you that it is better to back off and build up more slowly because once you are fully injured, it can take a while to recover. The runner's high can make that difficult. I used to run for an hour and feel like I could go indefinitely.... because I was in a rhythm and the endorphins were pumping. That is when I got injured.

    Are you icing multiple times a day? That is key.

    Building in cross training is also helpful. Spinning, walking on an incline, and using an Elliptical or Cybex Arc Trainer (my favorite) is lower impact and gives you a similar hard workout to running, but with less impact.

    Also building up the muscles that support running is also key. Finally, we are all limited by biomechanics.....so even if you are doing everything "right" you may still end up having to deal with injuries as a runner. That is why it's important to remain flexible about exercise. I had to learn this the hard way!
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    I have been probably overdoing it regarding running the last weeks, getting too enthusiastic about being serious again after a year or so of just running here and there, and it looks like I have stressed the tendon on my left knee.
    It is only painful when I run....
    I have a treadmill at home, and dumbbells, could get more equipment, as long as it is nothing big.
    I need something to replace the 3-4 times per week running sessions for a while, to let my knee recover. I know the obvious answer is to walk, but it is boring for me on the treadmill. Any ideas?

    Boring? Well, a lot of exercise can be mundane and is boring, but welcome to what it takes to get in shape and stay in shape. It can indeed be boring at times. ;-)

    As others have mentioned, use your treadmill (and the incline on it) for power walking. Use your weights to work the body as well.

    I would get the knee(s) checked by a PT or doctor for a more official opinion. And I would make sure to see a shoe specialist to make sure your gait is correct of if some orthotics to correct anything that is off could benefit your stride and landing. Running is not for everyone, but it sure is cost effective compared to equipment needed for other things. Cycling is low impact and much less stressful on your knees. You can get a trainer for your bike and use it indoors at night or during winter weather. Also not to expensive...

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