Cardio and bad knees

Runningjunkie

Runningjunkie

New member
Ok, here's the deal. I have been diagnosed with chondromalacia in my right knee. I have strengthened my legs through running and weights, and religiously wear a patella strap while doing cardio. About a week or so ago, I did something to my left knee, which now hurts more than my right ever did. I did some research, and it sounds to me like I have strained or torn my PCL. The remedy is good old RICE, which is fine when I'm at work (all hail the desk job), but once I get home, there's meals to cook, laundry to do, and I am up and down my stairs all night, which does not help.
My question is, since I obviously can't run, do TaeBo, or any other form of cardio that involves bouncing on my feet, what on earth can I do for cardio? I have considered the elliptical at the gym since it is very non-jarring, but I'm afraid that just the motion of the knee bending and straightening repeatedly is going to make things worse instead of better.
My husband tells me that I just need to take time off, but for me that's just not possible. Until my knee heals, would it be acceptable to just do weight training?
 
I have considered the elliptical at the gym since it is very non-jarring, but I'm afraid that just the motion of the knee bending and straightening repeatedly is going to make things worse instead of better.
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I've heard countless people say that the elliptical was non impact - I had knee surgery, twice, about 15 years ago and it seldom bothers me, until I stepped on the elliptical and then within minutes there was pain......

Try it out and see how you do with it -but as soon as it starts to hurt - if it does -stop..

My husband tells me that I just need to take time off, but for me that's just not possible.
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Why isn't it possible - you run the risk of greater injury if you don't take care o it..

Until my knee heals, would it be acceptable to just do weight training?
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Yes it would...

Have you been to a doctor for your knee?
 
Well technically I can take time off, but I am scared to death that I am going to gain weight. I've already put on 10 lbs since I got married 6 months ago, and I really need to get them off. With me, it's a psychological thing. I don't "feel right" if I don't work out. One part of my brain tells me that I have to rest the knee if I want to resume training at some point, but another part of my brain tells me that I'm a slacker for not working out.
I can't restrict my calories any more, I'm already down to 1200-1400/day, but if I don't work out, I gain.
No, I haven't been to the doctor about it yet...if it doesn't let up in another week, I will.
 
Just walk!

Brisk walking has the same benefits as running does. You actually burn the same amounts of calories walking if you base it off distance rather than time. If you went for a 4 mile brisk walk, you'd expend the same energy as you would running 4 miles. Walking has several benefits:

It's low impact. Less stress on your knees and joints

Far less risk of injury

Same caloric expendure as running (based on distance)

Higher percentage enegy expendure comes from fat, as opposed to running (Of course you'd have to walk alot longer)


I personally have a 4 mile brisk walk/jog 3-4 times per week...And it's great. Try it
 
Oh, don't get me wrong, I have definitely considered just walking. We have a treadmill at home, and it would be very easy for me to hop on and walk. However, even walking around the house doing my daily routine aggravates the knee. By the time I go to bed, it is stiff, sore and painful. It seems that I just can't win.
 
Runningjunkie said:
Oh, don't get me wrong, I have definitely considered just walking. We have a treadmill at home, and it would be very easy for me to hop on and walk. However, even walking around the house doing my daily routine aggravates the knee. By the time I go to bed, it is stiff, sore and painful. It seems that I just can't win.
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Don't know if you have access to the facilities, but have you thought about swimming laps? Swimming has virtually no impact on knees and is an excellent source of cardiovascular workout when done correctly.
 
I think you need to tell part of your brain to shut up. If you don't let that knee rest its only going to get worse. Do some weight training and swimming and give the knee a break. It doesn't make you a slacker!! It makes you a smart cookie.
 
Never thought about the pool! :doh: My gym has a pretty good pool as well as a whirlpool. I will definitely have to give that a try.
I did work out last night doing some circuit training for my chest, biceps and abs. Totally non-impact and it was pretty tough. For me, anyway...I have very poor upper-body strength. I guess while I'm waiting for this knee to heal, I can work on my chin-ups. Never have been able to do one.
 
I know this is an old post, but I'm just wondering how your chondromalacia is doing now. I have been diagnosed with this in my right knee (from running). I've been told to cut back on the running (which I hate to do, but am I for the time being). And injections have been suggusted to me.
 
ncrunner said:
I know this is an old post, but I'm just wondering how your chondromalacia is doing now.
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His last post was in 2008, I have a feeling he's not going to respond....
:lurk5:
 
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