Arthritic Knee

[Vanett]

I am starting to get so depressed. I can't work out like I want to because of my damn left knee. A few years ago I injured it from working out incorrectly and since then I've fallen on it several times. It started bothering me so bad back in December to the point that I could barely walk. I had to take off work for a few days and I went to the dr and they took xrays and an ultrasound on it and could not determine what it could be. The dr said it could be arthritis. When she said that I started to feel so old. I'm only 32, why am I suffering arthritis and in my knee of all places. I try to work through the pain but the other day, I started doing Taebo and it's been killing me ever since. My personal trainer said he would train me so we can strengthen the muscle around the knee. I've read that losing weight helps which I'm sure it does, but how can I lose AND build muscle if it pains me to even bend it. I really can't afford for my weight loss efforts to suffer and now I feel like I'll never reach my goal if I can't even work out. I'm so upset right now. Sorry but I just really needed to get this off my chest.

[FLchick]

I can relate. My foot has been bothering me lately and it really impedes my working out. Have you tried taking glucosamine chondroitin? In my experience, it REALLY helps. It does take a while before you start to notice a diiference - anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

[Vanett]

Wow, literally just watched an infomercial about this product. It sounds great. I will do some more research. Thanks so much!!!

[sosassafrass]

i think i recommended this to another poster...if it was you, sorry if i'm repeating myself. I have pins in my knee from a car accident and then you couple all of this extra weight on my 5'0 frame...its a lot. I'm not that much younger than you actually, but what helped me a lot when I had to do PT (physical therapy) was walking in the swimming pool. My trainer and I would walk the length of the pool during my session and it really helped me a lot.

I would just walk the length of the pool...The pool was 3 ft. at the shallow end and at the deepest, it was 5 ft. I got to a point where I could jog in the pool (with aqua shoes on...they look like sneakers but they are much lighter...i got mine out of the Land's End catalog). It has definitely helped my range of motion...and i'm not in nearly as much pain when I exercise on land.

I have a friend that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and i've been trying to get her in the pool for years...yet she gives me more excuses than a man going to the electric chair. *shrug*

does your gym have a pool?

Here are some articles discussing the benefits of water exercise and arthritis.

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/aerobics-aqua.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2146155_reli...-aerobics.html
http://www.aerobics-exercises.com/water_aerobics.php
http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumat...38/20408/water

[FLchick]

You can buy it anywhere - at the grocery store, drug store, etc. And any brand will work. I personally like to buy the liquid because I feel you get results faster and I'm trying to switch all of my vitamins/supplements to liquid if available. I use the Wellesse Joint Movement Glucosamine, but again any will work and tablets too. I own a pet related business and many of my clients give their dogs glucosamine for arthritis/stiff joints and it's amazing the amount of improvement that takes place. I've had dogs that were barely mobile (mostly due to age related arthritis) and after a few weeks/a month on glucosamine they are getting up without problems and have a pep in their step again.

[villajoe]

Hello I too have a bad left knee and I know what you are going through. I am also hoping to loose this extra weight to help with my knee pain. I was told that I am a candiate for total knee replacement surgery. I hope that it doesnt come to that. What you should be able to do is ride a recombant ? bike. I probably didnt spell that right. Anyway this is a stationary bike that you sit on and use mostly your legs and thighs to pedal. I have good luck with this as I too have a hard time walking very far. This is working for me.
Good luck.

[Vanett]

Thanks for the support and suggestions, that's why I love this site so much. Well, I went to the doctor today because I just couldnt take the pain anymore and loss of sleep and what I actually have is Tendonitis. I was relieved it wasnt arthritis but it not really that much different I suppose. He prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication that I need to take twice a day and he says to keep my feet elevated and keep it iced. I cannot take stairs. I was bummed to hear that because I love being active during the day. He said the meds should help but if I continue having problems to come back for a follow up. It looks like my days of working at the front desk of a hotel has finally caught up with me. Well I just wanted to keep you guys updated. Thanks again for the advice!!!

[lizmcgarry]

Definitely losing weight will help your knee. If you have access to a pool I agree with sosassafrass. If you feel uncomfortable in a swim suit, wear a t-shirt. If not, then good on ya! Who cares what people think. (We all do care though.) You just envision yourself at your goal weight and remember, that is what it's all about. I had my ACL reconstructed in the right knee and it always hurts when I cycle or use my elliptical. After about 20 minutes exercising, the endorphins kick in and it helps. I have been doing long distance cycling since my surgery. I rode 318 miles over mountain passes in CO 6 months after surgery. Have you asked your Dr about some kind of knee support? Also, I would go see an Orthopedic Doc about your knee. "probably" arthritis doesn't mean for sure. You probably need an MRI to determining the extent of your injury!!! Good luck. Hang in there