Excercising with bad knees

2015-03-07T17:08:24-05:00

I ended up getting discharged because I had a birth defect they didn't notice until the damage was done. At the age of 22 I was told I had the knees of a 70 year old. With multiple failed surgeries I was then told I need knee replacements which they will not do at my age. My only other option for pain management was opioids, which I declined. I've been out for four years now, and really do eat like I can burn the calories off no problem, which I obviously can't. So to put it mildly I've put on quite a bit of weight. I keep being told "if you lose weight your knees will hurt less", which makes a ton of sense. So Id like to know what everyone here does to keep fit and healthy with injuries, especially knees. Good diets, excercises, stretches, and pain management. I love to swim and my hubby just got stationed to a great place with a pool so I will be hitting that up and would love info on any routines you all use there too.

Thanks in advance!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 7 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-03-07T17:10:03-05:00

Are you able to do water aerobics classes at the pool? My wife has an untreated I-T band tear from 25 years ago, and between water aerobics and light bicycling, she's able to remain active.

Response by PO3 Amanda Crippes (Powell) made Mar 7 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-03-07T17:13:37-05:00

I can see if they do classes on base. Haven't had a chance to check out their schedule, but that's a great idea. If not, I may be able to find some basic workouts online.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 7 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-03-07T17:20:02-05:00

First of all PO3 Amanda Crippes (Powell), thanks for serving our great country!

You seem to have a great attitude and you've got the hard part done, you've self-realized a need to improve yourself. That makes implementing change in your life that much easier.

There's a lot of information out there from therapy socks to pool therapy to increased low-impact aerobic activity. Your best bet is to get your medical professional to help you along with a fitness professional.

For my two-cents, it might help to get a couple pieces of equipment: I'd look at either an elliptical or a tread climber machine and also purchase a stationary to help break up the routines. You don't have to buy these new as many military installations have a bookoo site close by where our military families are selling or trading the things they don't have room for or no longer use. Best of luck, something tells me you are going to do fine!

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 7 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-03-07T17:33:32-05:00

Swim. I have some arthritis in the ankles that took me off the elliptical and treadmill machines, so I swim. Best exercise ever.

Also, find a good (really good) chiropractor. I was not a believer, but my options with sciatica were either let an orthopedist cut me or a neurologist drug me. My daughter who had been hurt while rowing insisted I try her chiropractor. The sports medicine people at the university where she was rowing hadn't helped. He did. So, I did. The man is a witch doctor. One treatment and the pain was bearable. About six weeks of adjustments fixed it. Now I go back about once every three months.

Anyone else living in southern Orange County California need a referral, contact me. Everyone else, sorry...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 7 at 2015 6:25 PM

2015-03-07T18:25:01-05:00

Glucosamine. As a supplement "might" help. Ask your doc about it. When I first started running again, my doc suggested it.

I had been out 8 years and had sworn I would never run again. I loathe running. But I put on enough weight for me to go "oh hell no" when I stepped on the scale. Next day was the hardest mile of mile life.

I'm not really a swimmer. Never have been. Which I recommend to you like others. Full body work out, better calorie burner over all, and less wear & tear on your joints due to weight. But check out Glucosamine. Might help a bit. I noticed a bit of difference when I used it. My mom uses it as well (she had two knee replacements), and had positive experiences.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Mar 7 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-03-07T19:04:09-05:00

I am attempting to hold off as long as possible on the double knee replacements I need. That is what will put me out in the next month or so. My answer has been walking the dogs, a good road bike and the pool. It is tough keeping the weight off when you are so limited by pain. Swimming a the first few laps will make you humble real quick if you are in the best of shape. But it will keep the weight down.

Response by SSgt Chris Kleckner made Jun 13 at 2019 7:34 AM

2019-06-13T07:34:59-04:00

Man, that's a real drag. Mine got messed up when I was in my early sixties and the VA replaced both. There are two types of people who get it done, those who say it's the best thing they did and hose who biitch constantly. If you don't start exercizing the new joint as soon as you get out of sugery you'll wind up in the atter group.