I have no cartilage between my femur and patella (actually one sixteenth of an inch is all). Both knees are affected. I need to do aerobic exercises, but the only thing I've been able to do is swim, and I can't do it year round because there are no indoor pools here. I never get to a good level of fitness because it takes me all summer to work up to a good aerobic level--if I do it too quickly, my shoulders go. I have been told that a Lifecycle Recumbent bicycle would work for me, but others have told me no bicycle at all. What do I do? Help!
2007-07-19 10:54:15 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Cycling would be your best bet. A good recombent bike should allow you to work at a level to boost your heartrate. It is one of the lowest impact choices you have. Keep in mind that you do not want to set the bike up with your knees flexed very far, for this will increase the loading at the patellofemoral joint. At the bottom of the arc, you should be almost fully extended at the knee, but not locking out. Make sure you also keep flexible, stretching your muscles after a 5 minute warmup on the bike. Good luck to you!
2007-07-19 12:35:21 · answer #1 · answered by cps 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a type of machine called a UBE that provides a cardio workout using the upper body. It's like a bike that you pedal with your hands. This is only one possibility of exercise that you can do. I recommend that you ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapy program, where they can teach you a number of things that you can do to be healthy. I am sorry about your knee condition and I commend you for wanting to have good health.
2007-07-19 18:08:32 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can do crunches, push-ups, and general exercises to keep you in shape
2007-07-19 19:21:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
idk im sorry for ur loss! my dog has only three legs!!
2007-07-19 18:53:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋