It hurts so...good?

svanhoecke
svanhoecke Posts: 266
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have terrible knee problems and have surgery on both of them. After working hard all summer and this fall I can now run over a mile on a treadmill. I still can't run outside.

But I am starting to get frustrated. Whenever I try and push myself (which I think is healthy to to do) I end up with extreme knee pain. I am so proud that I can run for longer distances and faster, and I am seeing changes in my body from it, but I just don't know if it's worth the strain on my knees. They usually feel better in a day or two, but I am wondering if I am causing more damage than good.

I am also working on strengthening my quads to help my knees out.

What do you guys think? Running on the treadmill has given me the best calorie burn so far of any other exercise...so I don't want to give it up. Suggestions? Do you relate?

Replies

  • adjones5
    adjones5 Posts: 938 Member
    I can relate. I love going for 5-10 mile runs but my knees right now are sore so I really can't and its killing me because its the best calorie burn ever! You have to ask yourself is doing this run today and hurting my knees worth the huge break I'm going to have to take from working out later when my knees crap out? In my opinion its not worth it. Do something that is easier on your knees. When your body hurts it is telling you something, listen.
  • lifeismoto
    lifeismoto Posts: 245
    STOP...listen to your knees...trust me...it is not worth pushing a little bit more to put yourself out for a few days....i have joint problems...and I listen to them...some days are better then others...but I can tell you this I regret every time I push them...it is simply not worth it!
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    I would 100% recommend that you talk to a doctor about it.

    In my very inexperienced, amateur opinion, I would think that switching to something equally demanding cardiovascularly, but LOW impact, would be a much better alternative.

    Biking is a great alternative, and I can get as big of a burn on the bike as I do when I run, it's just a matter of exerting yourself. I'd also recommend swimming as it would virtually eliminate stress on the joints. Actually, swimming might be an even better alternative -- when I was on the swim team I had a pretty toned back -- can't get THAT from running!!

    Good luck to you!!
  • SpringFever19
    SpringFever19 Posts: 180 Member
    Agree--- Listen to your knees. Try swimming, spinning, or an ArcTrainer/ellipical. I know it's not running but they do get great calorie burns if you vary the speed and resistance, AND they are much better for the knees. You don't have to give up running, just do your stretching and strengthening for the quads and hammies, and mix in the other cardio exercises!
  • melizerd
    melizerd Posts: 870 Member
    You do NOT have to run to be healthy and/or lose weight.

    If you have knee problems you NEED to be working with a doctor.

    More than likely you should use an elliptical machine, a bike or swimming, but NOT running. Running is hard on good knees, there's just no way that's good for someone who's had surgery on both and having pain, pain is your body's way of telling you there is a problem (beyond being sore).
  • TrekkerCynthia
    TrekkerCynthia Posts: 155 Member
    It sounds like your body does not want to run. Knees are pretty important for mobility. Where do you see yourself in your 70s? In your 80s? Do you want to be able to get around without any kind of walking aid? Knee damage is cumulative, the more damage you do the worse it is going to be as you age.

    What about biking? I've seen people who bike seriously and professionally. Great bodies, great butts, in great health. And none of those pesky injuries from high impact exercise. You can take a spin class when the weather is too bad to bike outside. Bottom line, you need to consider long term health, not just short term gain.
  • cbbarge
    cbbarge Posts: 250 Member
    Please don't do anything to cause your knees any more damage. You are still very young and those knees have to carry you around for many more years.
  • bookyeti
    bookyeti Posts: 544 Member
    You do NOT have to run to be healthy and/or lose weight.

    If you have knee problems you NEED to be working with a doctor.

    THIS!

    It is NOT good. Get it checked out.

    My husband, who is a Physical Therapist, would tell you not to run at all. He sees a lot of people who run on a regular basis, and are fit... but their joints have really taken a toll (even if they can't feel it now); in other words they're joints are shot to pieces after a matter of time. He wishes people would opt for speed walking instead, as it's lower impact and the health benefits are equal. Though you may have to walk longer to get the same calorie burn as a running, it so much easier on your joints. Unfortunately, the "coolness" factor isn't the same as running. ;)
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