Is it possible to find a safe work out regime with a bad knee that may need surg

1. 62

   Sp4rk1eposted 14 years ago

   Is it possible to find a safe work out regime with a bad knee that may need surgery or at least a br
   
   I had a knee injury where the knee cap moved to the side, since then the ligaments and insides are slow to repair. I am waiting for an mri scan to determine the damage and see what, if anything can be done to fix it. In the meantime I am less active and the pounds are coming. At 40 I dont want to lose my good health and shape.

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2. 65

   Sasha Sposted 14 years ago

   Activities such as jogging and other 'high impact' activities are a very bad idea and should definitely be avoided - for instance, running supposedly places 3 times your bodyweight in force through each leg as you run.
   
   I'd suggest swimming, it's good exercise and the water will support your body and hence your knee. It's also a great way to tone your whole body all at once which is always a bonus!
   
   Other considerations if you don't have a local swimming pool:
   Cycling should be ok as while it does use your knees a lot it is far more gentle on them, also a great opportunity to get some fresh air - just don't go off mountainbiking!
   
   Gentle stepping would be ok as well - use a staircase if you don't have a 'stepper' (a strange little machine that seems to have been invented for people living in bungalows). In case you don't know the process, stand about a foot away from the bottom of a staircase, put your right leg onto the first step with your knee and ankle in line, then life your left leg up to the step, place it lightly then bring it back down to the initial position before doing the same with the right leg. Repeat over and over - swapping the leg you start with occasionally (There are other variants on stepping routies - try searching around on google for some but this is the one I'm familiar with!). If you go down this route it might be an idea to find a strong box or something similar to use and place it in front of a tv to make it more entertaining!
   
   Hope it helps and that your knee recovers!

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3. 79

   LiamBeanposted 14 years ago

   First, you absolutely should talk to your surgeon or general practitioner.
   
   Yes, swimming is very low impact. So low in fact that it could be called "no impact." Water resistance on all parts of the body while swimming means that many muscles will be worked. Because we are largely buoyant in water stresses on joints and ligaments are greatly reduced.
   
   Bicycling is higher impact than swimming, but considerably lower than running, walking or jogging. After all, your leg motions are circular with no sudden starting and stopping at the joints.
   
   Yoga is also low impact, but requires a wide variety of "poses" some of which could impact that knee. Should you consider yoga consult your physician and the yoga-master.
   
   Many pilates routines are also low impact, but not all. As with yoga I'd speak to your physician and an expert instructor before starting.
   
   The most important step is speaking to your health professional and explaining that you need to exercise.
   
   Good luck. I hope you have a happy outcome and are once again the picture of good health.

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4. 56

   FirstStepsFitnessposted 14 years ago

   First of all my symphathies it can be very limiting and painful .
   Have an MRI as soon as possible only with that test can you tell the truth about the injury and the need for surgery or just working with a Physical Therapist .
   In the mean time I would recommend a healthy diet .
   Ice applied to the knee a frozen bag of peas conforms to the knee joint well .
   If you must do cardio try swimming ! Try walking the pool !
   If your a Fitness Club member try the recumbant bike not the upright bike they are different . This bike will keep the pressure off your knee joint .
   Wrap your knee with an ace bandage when in use . Do not take any pain meds prior to working out with it because it will mask the pain .
   Good luck I hope your recovery is quick !

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5. 61

   hworkerposted 14 years ago

   Sp4rk1e,
   
   I have exactly the same question. In fact, I have been waiting for so long not being able to exercise that it is depressing.
   
   I used to play football regularly and it has been more than 8 months since the last time I played. I go to the gym regularly but it is not the same. I have been looking for a workout regime that makes me sweat and feel exercised enough.
   
   Many have suggested swimming, however, for me it is painful for my knee to kick even in the water.
   
   Fortunately, tomorrow I will see the doctor with the results of the MRI and finally I will find out whether my problem has a solution.
   
   Hope you have found a solution for yours. Please if you are exercising, please share.
   
   Cheers.

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6. 60

   suzannewman8posted 14 years ago

   Find someone who does Kinesio Taping. That will help the most. I don't know how your Physical Therapists are where you live but, I would try and find a good one. That is a must. You want to strengthen the muscles that are around the knee to sabilize the knee. Walk for know that's it. You don't want to make it worse and you will if you don't know what your doing. Hope this helps! Take care. See what the Doctor says after the MRI. MRI's are very accurate finding a good Doctor and PT well.... talk to a lot of people you respect and if it doesn't feel right in your gut go some where else. I went to 5 PT's and they all where horrible thank god for number 5. I still have to take it easy I had surgery last December.

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