Bad knees, should I walk on a treadmill for exercise?!


Question: My knees have been bothering me lately, is it alright if I walk on a treadmill? maybe on incline, or would that be bad for them? I won't run
what else (besides swimming) would you suggest to do for exercise?


Answers: My knees have been bothering me lately, is it alright if I walk on a treadmill? maybe on incline, or would that be bad for them? I won't run
what else (besides swimming) would you suggest to do for exercise?

I've had meniscus tears on separate occasions requiring surgery in both my knees. My first surgery was four years ago, and the physical therapist did have me doing lots of different exercises, but not any specific running. When I tore the meniscus in my other knee last year, I went to a sports doctor for treatment. Following the surgery, the later physical therapy also included walking on a treadmill and then later running on the treadmill. I have to say that I've never been a fan of running and would not do so on my own, but exercise on the treadmill was much easier than I expected. After my first surgery, it took over a year before I was back to 90% with my knee. It's now eight months after my second surgery and I am close to 90% already (I believe one should not expect a 100% recovery from any kind of surgery).

That said, I think the treadmill exercise did great things for the recovery of my knees. It'll be way easier on your knees than pounding on cement. A great (even less impact) knee exercise is bicycling, and I would recommend that to you as well. With bicycling, it's important you do not run in too high a gear (you're looking for lots of pedaling rather than pushing hard at each pedal).

Any kind of exercise you choose, it's important to be consistent at it. Don't over-do it, injure yourself, and then only do it sporatically.

I have terrible knees due to several things - 10 years as a softball catcher, other sports, being 50lbs over weight, and one leg shorter than the other by an inch.
I find the eliptical to cause very little to no strain on my knees.

yes your legs with gradually get better =)

exercise because it will build up muscle

Elliptical is low impact and gives you a good work out

As long as the gradient isnt too steep & its not too fast it will do you some good. The old move it or loose it saying is appropriate here.

Actually I've been having lots of problems with my knees and I find it hard to sustain a run or sprint. Despite all that though I have no problems cycling. I mountain bike in the spring, summer and fall and in winter I use the bikes in the gym or I spin. Because you're not really bashing your legs into the ground you can really work out hard and not hurt your knees. Spin will give you a great workout and will toughen up your legs and knees pretty quickly.

treadclimber

Like the other person mentioned... the elliptical. It was specifically designed to have little impact on your joints, while still giving you that running motion.

Give it a try.





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