Stupid knees >:(

jkmccaherty
jkmccaherty Posts: 2 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So to be quite frankly honest with myself I have about 45 pounds to lose. I'm trying to use my elliptical to exercise but holy heck after 20 mins my knees just feel like they give out. Its not painful it's like I have no muscle in them. After exercising I will be walking through the house and my knee will give out. I was diagnosed 4 months ago with tendonitis but what's weird is my knees are not painful now they used to be but now
they just give out. I don't know if it's because of this weight I need to lose or if it's something else but its a daily reminder that I need to get this weight off :( I'm 35 and shouldn't be having problems like this ugh!

Replies

  • jprewitt1
    jprewitt1 Posts: 264 Member
    Joint problems come with being overweight. There are also other factors, but the weight is definitely a big issue. Were you active before gaining a lot of weight? Did you play high impact sports like volleyball, basketball, softball, etc.? The deterioration from years of high impact exercise can definitely cause problems later in life. I know you're only 35, but it can definitely cause problems. I played football and basketball in high school and college and my knees are shot. Almost no cartilage left in my right knee and my left knee isn't much better. Years of obesity have done extra extensive damage as well. Losing weight has significantly helped my joints, but I still have a long way to go.
  • ilex70
    ilex70 Posts: 727 Member
    Knees that crunch and crackle like popcorn? Check. And a torn meniscus too. Mine don't so much give out as try to bend the wrong way.

    What was recommended to me by an ortho was walking (motion is the lotion) and building muscle up around the knee to support the joint.

    If you have access to a stationary bike that might be a better option for you since you can adjust the resistance.

    It's definitely a daily reminder.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    edited January 2016
    Time to visit a doctor and discuss. It might be as simple as weakness or muscle imbalance or could be much more serious but it's definitely something I wouldn't hesistate to get checked out.
  • GsKiki
    GsKiki Posts: 392 Member
    Maybe elliptical is too hard for you to begin with?
    Do your knees hurt when you walk? You might have to start with walking, and some exercises for strenghtening knees first, before doing elliptical.
    Also if the pain is so bad I would advise visiting a specialist. They will be able to tell you more precisely what kind of exercise to do.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I have to be very, very careful with my knees and build up slowly. Traditional squats and lunges are not options at this time. However, I am able to walk/hike up to three miles now and stairs are no longer a problem.

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

    erzjo9i9tau5.jpg
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Stop using the elliptical until you see a doc and a physical therapist.
    Try swimming. Do upper body weights.
  • LatreiceSoHealthy
    LatreiceSoHealthy Posts: 20 Member
    I have the same problem with my knees. I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees and hips a few years back. It makes it very hard to workout at times but I try my best to push through. I was told to do exercised that doesn't not put pressure on them. Such as: biking, swimming, water aerobics.
  • LatreiceSoHealthy
    LatreiceSoHealthy Posts: 20 Member
    Thanks for posting this!
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I have to be very, very careful with my knees and build up slowly. Traditional squats and lunges are not options at this time. However, I am able to walk/hike up to three miles now and stairs are no longer a problem.

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

    erzjo9i9tau5.jpg

  • LatreiceSoHealthy
    LatreiceSoHealthy Posts: 20 Member
    I love running but it's time for me to give that up and start walking! Thanks for posting this!
    ilex70 wrote: »
    Knees that crunch and crackle like popcorn? Check. And a torn meniscus too. Mine don't so much give out as try to bend the wrong way.

    What was recommended to me by an ortho was walking (motion is the lotion) and building muscle up around the knee to support the joint.

    If you have access to a stationary bike that might be a better option for you since you can adjust the resistance.

    It's definitely a daily reminder.

  • jkmccaherty
    jkmccaherty Posts: 2 Member
    My knees are doing better! My left knee still gives me a bit of trouble because I fractured it years ago I toned down the resistance on the elliptical and do light workouts so that I can gradually build up muscle I started doing those leg exercises that someone posted on here also!! Just wanted to update .. I think I was definitely having some muscle weaknesses but so far they are getting better
  • LatreiceSoHealthy
    LatreiceSoHealthy Posts: 20 Member
    Well that's good that your knees are doing better. I need to incorporate more leg workouts if it strengthens them!

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