Joint Problems......But...I'm So Young!

FireRedFurry
FireRedFurry Posts: 11 Member
edited November 15 in Fitness and Exercise
Part of the reason I'm experiencing joint problems is because of my rapid weight gain. Because of this, I cannot run very well. I fractured my ankle due to so much weight being put down on my foot, causing my ankle to turn at an unusual angle and fracture. Now, since I am unable to do high stress activities like running and bicicling, I REFUSE to let that cripple me! I started to swim for an hour and a half twice, sometimes three timesa week. It has made me a lot more energetic, a lot healthier and a lot happier! Anyone who is wanting o excersize, yet scared of the risks, try swimming!

Replies

  • ameirah20
    ameirah20 Posts: 49 Member
    I think it's important that you realized not to "run through it". Swimming is great, just plain walking. Slow and steady, keep it up!
  • FireRedFurry
    FireRedFurry Posts: 11 Member
    ameirah20 wrote: »
    I think it's important that you realized not to "run through it". Swimming is great, just plain walking. Slow and steady, keep it up!

    You're right, I also do plain walking as well:)
  • SBRRepeat
    SBRRepeat Posts: 384 Member
    Swimming is great! Good call. You can get such a good workout without joint soreness. I would recommend it to anyone.
    In fact, I did 40 minutes of 100 and 50 yard sprints before work this morning.

    I started having knee problems when I was quite young- 14 or so, in part due to genetics, in part because of my weight. I run and bike and whatnot now, but man, I wish I had access to a pool when I was heavier.
  • esjones12
    esjones12 Posts: 1,363 Member
    Bicycling is usually considered a low impact, low stress exercise.....?

    Swimming is great too, but obviously you need to know how to swim.

    Keep up the good work and make sure you are logging and measuring all of your food. Nutrition is where you will drop the weight the fastest. As you lose weight you will definitely notice a difference in your exercise/fitness abilities. Work hard (correctly), don't quit, and you will find success :)
  • Bugdude54
    Bugdude54 Posts: 137 Member
    I had a major car accident 11 years ago which basically severed my right ankle at age 22. The doctors attached it as best they cool and saved me from being an amputee. The downside is there's not much bone left in my talus and my foot does not have any range of motion. I cannot run or do high impact anymore either. The risk is if I damage what little bone I have left there's no fix, I lose my leg.

    It makes cardio tough but I found swimming or even walking on an steep incline treadmill can get my heart rate up. I can ride a bicycle but its awkward with the range of motion required.

    Also figured out that if I put a folded hand towel under my foot to help compensate the negative angle its stuck at I can use the precore machine the towel also provides a bit of impact cushion so its not as painful. I look funny but F what anyone thinks. I do it for me.

    I guess what I'm getting at is don't give up and don't settle. There's always a way to do something even if it takes a little outside of the box thinking.

    Also I'd suggest taking a glucosamine supplement. It will help lubricate those joints and if you're in pain or limited like me every bit helps even if its just a placebo effect. Haha


  • Mistraal1981
    Mistraal1981 Posts: 453 Member
    Doing punches is also a great way to get your heart rate up if u have lower body injuries.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Hah I'm your opposite - I love swimming and used to swim competitively, butterfly and backstroke. I screwed up my shoulder and so now I have to do all my exercises on my feet!!
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