Strength training with an injured knee

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nz_deevaa
nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have a knee injury that I'm in the process of getting diagnosed.

I went to physiotherapy for 6wks immediately after the injury and dropped back at the gym during this time. My knee stopped hurting, but as soon as I went back to the gym my knee started hurting again. The physio said she suspected that I had some arthritis in that knee.

I saw my doctor and discussed it with him. He sent me for a knee x-ray and which ruled out arthritis. He suspects a torn meniscus, sent me for an MRI of the knee and gave me a referral to an orthopaedic specialist for diagnoses. My appointment with the specialist is on the 15th of Dec.

When I asked the doctor what I should avoid at the gym, he said I could do as much as I liked, as long as I was willing to put up with the pain. He said if it's impacting on my quality of life, then I should stop.

Currently my knee only hurts if I do any 'step' work.

When I work out with my PT he avoids most things that involve putting stress on my knee, but does get me to do some squats (without weights).

If I'm training by myself I do some squats with 20kg on, but I don't do anything else stressful on my knee. I RICE my knee when I get home, and while it's still painful on stairs it seems to have 'settled'.

(Sorry for being so long winded)...

I'm asking for suggestions of exercises that will work the large muscles in my lower body ( thighs, butt, quads), but that are gentle on my knees.

Replies

  • Myrrhdusa
    Myrrhdusa Posts: 4 Member
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    My knees are terrible, I have arthritis and I've had surgery to remove all of the cartilage in one of them. I actually do very well with the fitball workouts, Pilates, and some yoga, though I can't hold the stances for very long.
  • alz6690
    alz6690 Posts: 44
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    I've got messed up knees, basically genetic condition I was born woith so find the pain sometimes effects working out. For me, I've been told low impact on a bad day can help as long as its not really painful, but if thee is any swelling RICE and no exercise! Squats wise I have them as "homework" from my physio (1/4 ballet squats and single leg half sqauts) and also homework from my trainer. Sometimes strengthening the muscles around the knee can really help. To be honest, its your body and you're the only one who can judge how you're feeling about it!
  • alz6690
    alz6690 Posts: 44
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    Ooog, sorry forgot to say, maybe you could try swimming! that's meant to help too!
  • sangostar
    sangostar Posts: 91 Member
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    Water aerobics can work wonders. Or doing some laps. It's easy on your knees and you're still working your heart with cardio and some strength training.
  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
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    Thanks for your replies... I'm actually specifically looking for help with strength training. Squats are so good for so many muscles, I would like suggestions for how to work those muscles without putting so much strain on my knee.

    I could/should have been clearer in my original post, but I thought it was important to give the details. Perhaps not. LOL.

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