JadeStar Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 What's the best exercise machine for someone with a bad knee? I haven't been to the doc yet, and probably need to go, it doesn't bother me all that much, but every once in awhile. My neighbor who works at a orthopedics doctor told me from what I described it sounded like arthritis in my knee but I could come in and they would rule out any kind of tear. My problem right now is, if I jog in place or put any kind of jumping direct pressure on it, it wants to act up. Not all the time but sometimes. I got on a friend of mines treadmill not long ago, and when I started to run on it even kind of slow it wanted to act up on me. She said I might benefit more from an eliptical machine because its not direct pressure like running. I have not tried that yet. So would a eliptical be better for me? Are there any other kinds of machines I might could get a cardio work out, where I'm not putting direct pressure on my knee? Sometimes I feel I'm limited to what I can do as far as intense cardio, because me knee willl act up. Jade Link to post Share on other sites
EnigmasMuse Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 I would think an elliptical trainer might be best for someone with a bad knee. It doesn't put as much pressure on the joint as running or jogging, thats more of a jar to the knee joint. You might could ask your neighbor who works for the orthopedics doctor to see if they have any more suggestions too. Link to post Share on other sites
My Fair Katie Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 I like elipiticals because of how easy they are on the joints. But also, with a bad knee, do you have access to a pool (indoor if it's winter obviously). Water aerobics might be beneficial, if you don't mind working out with grannies. Link to post Share on other sites
3rd Chance Fitness Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 The bike is also good as it is not weight bearing...meaning your body weight is kept to the seat of the bike instead of your knees. You can also adjust the seat height so your knees are bending at a comfortable degree. Link to post Share on other sites
Jinxx Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 Invest in a knee brace. You can get one at any sporting goods store. It gives support and reduces the amount of stress on your bad knew while engaging in any type of physical activity. Link to post Share on other sites
LoveLace Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 An upright or recumbent bike is good, swimming is probably the best work out you can get for the joints and also for cardio. Elliptical is not as weight-bearing as jogging or treadmill,etc, the knee brace is also not a bad idea. And the best way to strenthen your knees is by doing leg extensions, to strengthen your quads, in which case you should also leg curls for your hamstrings, to prevent muscular imbalance. Link to post Share on other sites
stace79 Posted March 7, 2007 Share Posted March 7, 2007 I have arthritis from having ACL reconstruction in my left knee. The biggest improvement I ever saw was from doing weight training for my leg muscle groups, particularly my quads. It's amazing what I can do now after a program of more than a year lifting weights. I can actually jog without getting pain. Also, when you are done working out doing whatever you do, it helps to alternate cold and heat on your bad knee. Also when it is cold my knee tends to be more temperamental, so I use ibuprofen sparingly to ease any inflammation. I'd second what everyone else said about exercise: swimming, bike riding, ellipticals are best. Link to post Share on other sites
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