I have a big problem. I am a runner, I love to run, it is my therapy. Unfortunately, over years of being an athelete, I have injured both knees rather severely. I have been told by my orthopedic surgeon that I am no longer allowed to run unless I want to spend several years on crutches (I need to have at least one, probably both knees replaced, but I am only 29, and no one will do it!), I am no longer allowed to run because my bones are literally grinding each other away. Yes, it is painful to run, but that is why Advil was invented!! So anyways, I am allowed to walk all I want, but it doesn't seem to me like walking is as good for me cardiovascularly. I walked 4 miles today, and I wasn't sweating or out of breath. I really need someone to convince me that walking is as good for me as running, otherwise, I may take my chances with the crutches!
2006-10-23 13:57:13 · 10 answers · asked by houndgirl44 2 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
im the same way you are, if i cant run then im not happy, if you live near a beach or sand (or any other soft surface) then run on that, it is more of a work out and takes a lot of pressure of of your knees, the second thing you can do is ride a bike, you shouldn't have any problems with your knees but if you do, try using the lower gears, if neither of these work, find some other outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking
2006-10-23 14:10:51 · answer #1 · answered by butterstma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walking is just as good if not better than running.There is certainly less stress on the joints.Have you tried walking on a treadmill?Most treadmills have programs you can choose from.I prefer the incline program and gradually work up to full incline.You will be very surprised how you will feel at the end of 1 and a1/2 hours presuming,of course,that you last that long.Don't run anymore please,throw away the crutches.A life on crutches is no joke.
2006-10-23 21:15:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you continue to push your knees then you will for sure eventually wind up a cripple. There are many other forms of cardiovascular workout. Try swimming as an all around body workout. Swimming incorporates the arms the legs and doesn't put much stress on any of your joints due to the floatation aspect.
2006-10-23 21:09:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the same thing happened to me 4 years ago.
I was told to do a bunch of leg exercises to build my leg strength. I was told to ride a bike, walk, elliptical, swim, and to lay off running, none of it worked. what worked was time.
It took me close to 2 years to finally recover, which felt like eternity, but that's what i needed. now i'm able to run, but on softer pavement such as a treadmill or on a track. i stay on and even ground, no hills, no stroll around curbs etc.
it sounds like you're a total runner, so if want do anything in comparison plan to do double the amount of time you would on a walk, bike ride, elliptical, etc.
if you want to do something more fun (for the time being) try taking up boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, yoga, Pilate's, or a spin class, you'll definitely get a good workout. before you know, you'll be running!
good luck!
2006-10-23 22:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by mr.kick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Running burns suger, walking burns carbs, so walking is actually a lot better than running.
Try to do laps of swimming at your local pool, swimming is a very intense workout just as jogging. Your knees won't be as under pressure because of the warm water (they wont grind) and you can workout your arms and stomch too with swimming!
2006-10-23 21:11:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First: Heal! Heal! Heal!
Second: Continue to Heal!
While you're doing all that healing, investigate swimming for the cardio. Believe me (heart surgery patient), swimming makes the blood flow. The water provides the resistance against which your legs will push, thus improving muscle tone. Without the thump, thump of your feet on pavement, swimming will put LESS stress on your knees.
Confer with your doctors about swimming and HEAL!
2006-10-23 21:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by Eric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walking is considered the best, and safest exercise, by most exercise instructors. That said, if you can't stand it, get a Gazelle! It's low stress on your legs (I have arthritis in knees and ankles, and ankle joints degenerated to approx. nothing) and gives you a really good cardio workout.
2006-10-23 21:05:46 · answer #7 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk! It is good for you if you get your heart rate up. Use a treadmill and walk a little faaster. I'm not allowed to run and I find that walking really fast on my treadmill works fine. I'm allowed to ride my bike also.
2006-10-23 21:07:31 · answer #8 · answered by Annie Hightower 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not power walk? Kick it up a notch don't just stroll get a good brisk walk by lengthing your strides.
Good Luck to you!
2006-10-23 21:16:20 · answer #9 · answered by Ghostgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try swimming.. its really good for you. or riding a bike, which is actually way better for you.. (doesnt hurt you)
2006-10-23 21:06:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋