Knee problems

kshama2001 wrote: »

VintageFeline wrote: »

Agree with seeing someone but also that you are probably just too heavy for running and squats. I had some knee issues starting at 220lbs with a fitness background and had to go low impact for a while and really pay attention to form. I have no problems now but if I wasn't as self aware body wise due to my past I could have set myself up for long term problems leaving it unaddressed.

Ya, due to my knees, I had to build up to walking three miles at a stretch over about six months, and that was with good shoes (Asics Gel) and only walking in the woods (as opposed to harder surfaces.)

I have to be extremely careful with squat-like movements in the gym. The leg sled is the only thing that works for me, and I cannot do it when I am also hiking and practicing yoga. My knee is ok with any two of the three, but not all three.

I say I have no issues now, I could if I'm not careful. I am a horror for sitting all bunched up on the sofa and then getting up with really painful knees and hips (oh yeah, I also have hip issues, thanks gymnastics and dance!). I try not to sit like that nearly as much now but it takes conscious effort. So important to learn our body's cues and adjust as necessary, including resting completely if necessary. If you haven't learned those cues yet then seek professional advice.

I have overstretched hip flexors, which I am working on compensating for now that I know that's the problem but I have to be very careful not to push too far distance wise when running because simply going a few minutes too long means strained hip flexors. Injury is no fun, long term damage and injury is even less fun.

kshama2001 wrote: »

emilygraves1989 wrote: »

Well yeah, I'm not really excited about running anyways lol I won't miss it.

I will get into see someone soon I'm just hoping I don't stall my weight loss.

While there are many reasons to exercise, it's not actually needed for weight loss. You can obtain your calorie deficit in the kitchen.

I recommend not doing any squats, lunges, or medium-high impact activity until you are cleared by the doctor. Due to the way you described your knee issues in your OP, you may wish to avoid even low impact exercise like walking for a few weeks as well. Definitely never try to work through knee pain.

Here are the exercises my doctor gave me to strengthen the muscles around my knee:

^ Yes.
These are the ones my physical therapist gave me.

Consider upper body weight lifting. Swimming. On youtube look for "chair boxing."

My highest weight ever was 272. My painful joints is from arthritis... left knee, right elbow, and fingers/thumbs mainly. Weight loss and glucosamine/chondroitin has helped everything but my left knee. It's weird, 'cause I can go up stairs, walk, and jog with no pain. If I try to use a stationary bike, elliptical, a leg-raise weight machine, go down stairs, do lunges and such it hurts like nobody's business. I saw a pain doc on Friday. He's sending me for x-rays to see the extent of things and will then give me a cortisone shot and set me up for physical therapy. Hoping it helps. Good luck finding relief!

emilygraves1989 wrote: »

I've lost 17 pounds so far, my starting weight being 320.
I know it's harder to do things being this big, but my left knee is giving me horrible issues. I already stopped trying to jog. I was doing squats wrong and I have corrected myself.

Is there a way to fix this problem or will it be this way until I'm lighter? It has been swollen, pops and grinds and has very limited range of motion. It does usually cause too much pain.

@emilygraves1989 How did it go at the Dr. appt? Came across this thread and was thinking about you. I had my 2nd knee done a few weeks ago and it feels so good to move without pain. I was hoping he was able to help you out with suggestions on low impact workouts or others ideas.

Take care!

Hi there

I have osteoarthritis in my knees and stick mainly with the stationary bike and rowing machine for now. I had to give up the treadmill because it was too high impact on my joints and just made the pain worse.

if your doctor says you can use it , then do it but do it till your knees say no more. my knees are allows popping and cracking as i workout . keep up the good work

Has anyone mentioned tight its muscle? That can easily cause knee pain

I found the elliptical killed my knees. My doctor told me exactly the same thing, with the addition of recommending me to physical therapy (waiting on insurance approval for the PT now). He's worried that an old knee injury led to me using my leg muscles wrong and thinks I need to retrain my leg. bleh.

I bought one of those silly-looking Gazelle step-gliders, and it's been fabulous for exercising with no stress either to my knee or to my back (i have spinal damage), but honestly, the best thing you can do is walk. Just walk, especially on flat ground.