Running with bad knee

I don't know anything about the bum knee, but it might help to slowly work up to your time/distance goal instead of trying to do it right out of the gate.

Do you have access to a physical therapist? I'd think you're flirting with permanent damage if you don't get help ramping up correctly.

If you hate cardio, don't force yourself to run. Injury or not.

If you actually want to run, talk to a physical therapist

My knee has the same story as yours! twice torn ACL, cadaver replacement, meniscus, all the works. I now have arthritis in that knee which is why it hurts when I run sometimes. I have found the only thing that helps is if I work really hard on strengthening my leg and butt muscles a lot. That way, your muscles are supporting your movements so it doesn't all have to rely on the joint.
After a really quick google search, it seems pretty easy to find good leg exercises to help stabilize keees. here's the first one that came up:
http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/Knee Strengthening and Stability Exercises_tcm28-180797.pdf

edit to add: My knee felt the best when i was consistently lifting weights through New Rules of Lifting for Women and then after that Stronglifts

I literally just typed a post about running after a major heel fracture and reconstructive surgery. I decided not to post it (because people in the forums can be cruel) but here's what I'm dealing with and how I'm attacking it from my angle.

On April 26, 2014, I fell off a 10 ft. wall during a Spartan race and severely fractured my heel. This injury has been life altering. I had to have reconstructive surgery in May which required a plate and 12 screws. It took 5 months for the doctor to allow me to take a step followed by 3 months of PT. I still walk with a slight limp. My doctor has said several times that I will likely never run again but also reminded me that I have surprised him every step of the way to this point so anything is possible. I am so determined.

With all of this I will tell you what I'm doing and maybe you can add me as a friend to see if it works.

I am starting out with weight loss and walking as much as I can. I am trying to set "running" goals with my weight loss goals. Example: I started out at 178.8. Until I reach 160, I plan to walk 2 miles 3-4 times a week and attempt to better my time. Once I get to 160, I plan to start the couch to 5K program. The plan is that if I do a week and haven't "mastered" it, I'll repeat it. I'll do so until I reach the end.

Walking 2 miles has been really hard some days. I have excessive swelling and pain. It aches a lot when I'm resting it. I'm sure you have the same issues with your knee. The doctor told me that usually once you get 1 year post injury/healing, you will start to feel normal again. He also said these types of injuries are chronic with pain and to adapt your exercises accordingly.

Try to keep in mind that we aren't typical people. I myself have never been an avid runner but prior to my injury I had beat shin splints and inflammation in my feet. I was up to running 3 miles consistently. Not very fast but enough to make my pony tail bounce. haha.

Just remember that you have to build up to it and that some days will be harder than others. Sorry to write a book. I just know where you are coming from and although I feel terrible for you, it's nice to have someone who can relate.

Good luck and feel free to add me!

Leeanncalloway wrote: »

I can walk 3-4 miles without terrible pain (usually) and really thought I had strengthened the supporting muscles enough. I most likely will give up the idea of running again, just wanted to give it a good try and wondered if wrapping might help.
DavPul-my ortho was just doing what he felt was best to get me back on my feet quickly and felt that since I was 40 and willing to give up skiing, the cadaver was the best choice for me.

I understand. The same thing happened to me, and even though I was in my 30s, I wasn't ready to give up playing ball do I opted for the longer recovery route. If I had to do it again today, I'm not certain what my decision would be. Probably the same as yours.

I wasn't criticising your doc, I was stating that your knee is limited and you'll need to work around that. But you should go see him, because there's a good chance you need something cleaned up or tightened in there. I've had to do that to mine twice. Minor procedure with easy, quick recovery. Missed one day of work, IIRC

Tiny hole, did.....something (I'm an Internet doctor, not surgeon) and I walked to the car under my own power. Wife drove, of course. Oh, and when the anesthetic completely wore off I wished I hadn't done that walking.

YMMV, of course. But if you stick your head in the sand things could deteriorate to the point where you DO need to get the whole shebang done again. Don't go that route.

Is running your only option? What about swimming or group fitness (e.g. aerobics class or spinning). Even though it is very much an 80's kick back, I love step aerobics. I have a torn ACL and am missing most of my meniscus. I am able to do step aerobics completely pain free as long as I am careful not to pivot or make lateral jarring movements with my "bad" knee.