Knee and Ankle Pain?

Question

After many years playing basketball my knees and my ankles are horrible.

I've broken/sprained my ankles numerous times and my knees are just as painful...I've been to doctors and have been put on pain medication.

Now, I'm a tad bit overweight (but not horribly overweight)...I can play many sports without getting winded or tired... but the result is always aching ankles and knees. This keeps me from being as active as I once was.

What exercises can I do (that are specifically geared towards losing fat) that won't wreak havoc on my ankles or knees?

Answer 1

I first would like to know if you are icing your legs after each sport that you play? I'm sure you've seen on tv how star athelete's do 20-minutes ice/20-minutes hot tub and compression rubs to keep their joints and muscles from swelling/hurting.
Its hard to do anything aerobic cardio if both your knee's and ankles are messed up, but the best thing is to keep your feet from lifting. The 2 best exercises I know of are the Ecliptical machine which will work your whole body without the pounding of running or strain of a stair climber. Biking (Stationary or outdoors) is also very good and nice change of pace exercise that will get your heart pumping. All fat burning exercises typically involve using your legs because that is the largest muscle in your body and will burn more calories. If you find these exercises to be too painful then a structured upper body routine of weight training can also help and is recommended even if you can do the cardio.