Bummed about my bad knees. :(

lainiefig

lainiefig

Cathlete
(If you're in one of my check-in groups, you've probably already read about this, but I wanted to vent some more.)

I'm kind of depressed today. I went to the orthopedist about my knees this morning and he said I had to stop doing step aerobics. My kneecaps are apparently a bit funky, for one thing. He mentioned how much they moved around (which I didn't know was not normal) and in the X-ray you could see how off-center they were. Apparently I'm just built that way, so it's not a result of injury or whatever. It seems my quads have been weakened since my ankle injury this past summer (when I greatly limited cardio and lower body work) and that has worsened already weak, wobbly knees. I told him how I like to exercise and what kind I do and he immediately said I should quit stepping. Like for good. I suggested a 4" step. Nope. And to quote him:"step aerobics are the worst thing you could do with those knees." So that's the deal.

I will find out more about this and I have another prescription for physical therapy (well, at least my PT is a cutie). I figure I will question both the orthopedist and the PT more about what I can do. I'm afraid he's probably right, because I'd already lowered to a 4" step and was still having difficulties. I'm thinking about getting one of those MatStep things where you can do step on the floor (so it's not actually stepping at all but the mat is the size of a step). Of course he suggested biking, so I'll have to start pestering DH for a stationary bike again. He also didn't say I had to quit kickboxing, so that's something.

I'm bummed because stepping is absolutely my favorite form of exercise. Just venting. x(

[font face="comic sans ms" font color=purple]***Lainie***
My fitness blog: http://fitnessfig.blogspot.com/ http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif

If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Her your plans.[/font]
 
So sorry to hear that Lainie! I know you're a huge Cathe and Amy fan! Maybe once you build your quads back up with weights?!
 
Thanks Christine. Sadly, it sounded like a pretty permanent thing, since my knees are just a little weird naturally. My sister has knee troubles (but she's pretty obese) and my mom is getting both her knees replaced. I am pretty sure my dad is getting his replaced to, come to think of it. So we definitely have issues with this in the family. But we'll see. I will try to get an apptmnt with my PT soon to discuss more.

To cheer myself up, I ordered another Cathe 4DS outfit--the racer back tank and capris from the Kickbox workout.

Also, tomorrow I had planned to do 4DS HIS and I think I'll go ahead and do it as my last hoorah of stepping. I will just modify as much as possible and go with a 4" step. I also went ahead and ordered a MatStep for that option.

[font face="comic sans ms" font color=purple]***Lainie***
My fitness blog: http://fitnessfig.blogspot.com/ http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif

If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Her your plans.[/font]
 
Oh my, you must feel like you have just lost a close friend or something. Sorry, I'm making it worse, not better...

I would get a second opinion. If another Dr. says the same thing, then... I don't know. At least you can lift, right?
 
I don't know what to say, but I understand. I'm kinda in the same boat. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to listen to the DR yet. PT says once I'm healed (just off 2nd surgery) I should be able to GRADUALLY go back to what I was doing as long as I listen to my knee and don't push it. I think I like her better than Dr. NoFun!!!

Nan
 
Lainie,

((((((((hugs)))))))) Give up stepping?? Oh, that's awful! Don't give up hope though, really. Get through the PT (with the cutie ;)), strengthen those quads and then get a second opinion. I was told when I was 27 years old that the ONLY exercise I could do was walking because I was having knee problems. Well, that wasn't gonna fly. I did my PT and learned through trial and error. I'm 44 now and I can do step aerobics, some hi-lo, and kickboxing, but I can't run or do serious hi impact aerobics (tuck jumps, airjacks, bunny rabbit hops, power turning squats, etc.)

Your doctor is giving you the safest prescription for avoiding knee problems. I would give your knees plenty of the rest they seem to need. Start with the step mat and then try adding step back slowly and see what happens. I'd stay far away from Cathe's high impact stuff (including Drill Max) and only do low impact step and even then only once a week. I think it's the frequency of stepping, length of workout, height of step and amt of impact that you have to play with. Some folks have to watch the twisty/pivoty stuff with their knees too, so be careful there.

This sounds really wierd, but when my knees were at their worst I had do step workouts that used the step perpendicular to the TV (not parallel) Eg. Kathy Smith Great Buns and Thighs and the second half of Karen Voight's Energy Sprint. The torque on the knee is different if you are placing your weight forward onto the step rather than sideways. (I know it sounds bizarre but it's true.) Neither workout is Cathe, but I did work my way up to her and while I can't do most of blasts in Imax 3 or Kickmax, I can do RS, SB, SJP, BM2, LM, C&W, LIS, CTX etc but I modify where I have to. I just recently tried the first half of Imax 2 and modifying, managed no problem.

I still have to listen to my knees. For example, I never do step workouts on consecutive days and I only use a 6" step, never 8". I don't do heavy lower body weight work either. I'm using 30 lbs for squats. If I do heavier than that, my knees ache. Lastly, I take Osteo Biflex which I swear by. I know not everyone finds it helpful, but I can tell when I'm not taking it.

Sorry this is such a long post, but with time I think you'll be able to get back to stepping. Take care--

Jonahnah
Chocolate IS the answer, regardless of the question.
 
Lainie--I'm so sorry to hear this. I think that Jonahnah has some encouraging advice. Perhaps if you are really diligent with your PT, you may be able to step in a modified fashion someday. You might want to get a second opinion as well.

I'm finding as my body ages, I'm just generally more injury prone, which is a real bummer, because psychologically I can really push myself when working out. I used to be able to lose weight and stay in shape using exercise alone. That is to be no more. I'll have to pay more and more attention to diet as I age.

Anyway, I'm sympathizing with you.

(((hugs)))

Maggie:)
 
Lainie,
I had chronic knee pain about 15 years ago. I was doing step for every workout and my knees were killing me. I basically at that point stopped step and obsessed with power walking and weight training. I really just changed my focus for a bit and after about 6 months I went back to step and had no problem at all. I think sometimes the body just needs a break from doing the same thing over and over. I would find it unacceptable to have someone say to me that I should never do step again. We all have very strong bodies and sometimes we just need to refocus and try something new for a bit. I would NOT give up hope and check out the pain free book that I mentioned on another thread. It addresses knee problems and has helped many people with knee pain. I hope this helps. Don't give up!!! You will continue to be active;-)

Susan
 
{{{Lainie}}} from one bad-knee-er to another. I know exactly how you feel. Just this couple month break I'm forced to take from step is killing me. I agree with those who suggest you take a break, strengthen yourself, get another opinion and re-try step with some modifications. You may never be able to step everyday again, but I bet you can manage to fit it into a reasonable rotation. Good luck!

PS. What's the worse that can happen? That you need knee replacement someday sooner, rather than later? Could that be a good thing?
 
Did he tell you to never walk up a flight of steps again either? Not to be sarcastic but, I'd take his mandate to "never do step" again with a grain of salt, and get a couple of other opinions, and do tons of research on your "funky knees" . Not taking away from the medical profession here, but I believe you always have to be your own health advocate. (Experiences with close relatives have taught me that) Good luck to you.
 
Oh Lainie. I'm sorry! (((hugs)))

Well, hopefully the PT will give you more suggestions on types of cardio you can do in lieu of step. The mat option is a great idea! That way you can still have fun with Cathe w/o threatening your knees.

Keep us posted on what the PT says!
 
Thank you, everyone, for your encouragement and advice. I drove home from the orthopedic appointment in tears yesterday, but I am feeling better today, and that's greatly due to things I've read here and from my friends in my check-in groups.

I went ahead and ordered the MatStep to try it out. I am also pestering my husband to buy us a stationary bike, which we've thought about for a while but haven't done yet.

I am also considering again joining the local Y where there would be more cardio options, including a pool--I love to swim and that can't be bad for my knees.

I'll call the PT office next week and see when I can schedule an appointment. I found my PT to be outstanding when I went through therapy for my injured ankle this fall.

Thanks again. I will take it one day at a time for now!

[font face="comic sans ms" font color=purple]***Lainie***
My fitness blog: http://fitnessfig.blogspot.com/ http://bestsmileys.com/exercising/7.gif

If you want to give God a good laugh, tell Her your plans.[/font]
 
Hey Lainie,

I don't have any advice to give, but just wanted to send {{{HUGS}}} your way! I hope you can make the stepping work again for your knees!
 
Lainie, this same news was delivered to me a year ago. I too have patellar maltracking (which I did end up having surgery for because it was so bad) and step is one of the worst things for it. My issues have to do with twisting and turning. I used to love step aerobics and I do dearly miss them. But I have to say that it has given me the opportunity to find other things that I like to do (elliptical, treadmill, rowing, swimming, spinning). The one thing that I am not too excited about is that I had to join a gym also DH bought me a spin bike. So, I can do Cathe weights and spinning at home but supplement my at home workouts with gym time. Again, I am so sorry that you received this news. It is really heartbreaking for awhile, but I am sure in time you will find other things that you enjoy. Who knows, you might be able to step again. I just found that it isn't worth it for me to do it again since I have found other things I enjoy.
 
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