Question about jogging with bad knees?

Question

I need some advice. I would really like to strat jogging but I was born with a disorder in my legs. It has caused my upper leg muscles to grow at approximately 30 degrees (as opposed to the 20 degrees most peoples muscles do - according to my doc.) Instead of lifting my knee caps off my leg bones they kind of hold them down. My knees lock up all the time and cold weather is hell. I was thinking of using those leg braces. Any advice?

P.S. I have spoken to my doctor about this. He's a quack. He says I should be able to jog fine. But whenever I try I end up in excruciating pain afterwards.

Answer 1

why do you jog? because you like the work out? i know my doctor told my sister that if you want a good work out and you have bad knees then to try swimming. swimming is very easy on the joints and you can get a great workout. if you just want to work out your legs then just hold on to the side of the pool and do some kicks. the water adds good resistance and works you out pretty well without straining your knees.

my sister fell and hurt her knees so she had to go to rehabilitation for a while and pool exercises. i do not think knee braces would help you if your muscles grow differently. as far of the pain goes i suggest consulting an acupuncture specialist to get their opinion. (i noticed that many doctors are not very effective when it comes to knee pains, and arthritis). my mother has really bad arthritis and acupucture is the only thing that eases the pain and actually prevents more pain from coming back.

this probably wasnt exactlly what you wanted to hear but im just giving you a few options. hope it helps

Answer 2

I was a competitive distance runner for 30 years. I had extensive gait analysis and was videoed by a renowned international running coach as an example of perfect running form. I always ran on dirt or asphalt, never concrete. I replaced my shoes sooner rather than later. One day, after 30 years of running, while just normally walking, my knee popped very loud and painful. 10 days later the orthopedic surgeon removed 75% of the cartilage in my my knee. All that running had destroyed the cartilage. I now regret the more than 25,000 miles I put in training and racing. There are other, low impact forms of exercise that I would have pursued if I had known what I was doing to my knees. While I obviously enjoyed running a great deal, I would not now recommend it to anyone as exercise.

Answer 3

Hello, Liz. I think you already know this, but I'll say it anyway. Excruciating pain is not good. It's never good for you.

You should see a different doctor, preferably an orthopedist who specializes in knees. Or you might try getting evaluated by a physical therapist. Some of them are very knowledgable. I've been seeing one who has a PhD in physical therapy for rehabilitation of a shoulder injury, and he knows far more than my doctor does about the important details.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Jogging is hard on your knees even if there is nothing wrong with them. It's not the exercise for you. Swimming might be better. I think you need a different doctor. Find a good orthopedic specialist or a specialist in physical medicine to help you.

Answer 5

Check into Yoga and Pilates to help stretch your muscles under the guidance of a professional. I'd also check into a doctor who would specialize with variances in muscle tissue formation. I can't come up with the technical name of such a doctor; perhaps another person can, but there has to be someone out there who works with people who genetically or by accident or injury has needs for special therapy in your area.

I would do the stretching in the meantime. My best to you!

Answer 6

The pain is sending you a clear message: No jogging. If you are anxious to engage in physical exercise, try jogging under water and see if you still feel the pain. If you do, look for other exercises. There are plenty of options available.

Answer 7

I would start off useing the leg braces, then as your muscle grows stronger you can rid of them. You might want to start on a tread mill as well, then its not so hard on your legs. There are many cardio machines at a gym to make your legs strong till you can run outside. Please stress to your doctor as well about the pain. By the way..KUDOS TO YOU! I think its great you want to do this.

Answer 8

The advise I think that can be appropiate from me is, if it hurts so bad to job then don't do it. Don't hurt yourself, its insane. Go to the jym, and tell your trainer about your condition. He can make a good routine for you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 9

Don't jog

Walk

or swim