Cathe, Question About Knees and Such

[avgm1972]

Cathe,

Hi - I just wanted to thank you in advance for answering this question if you get time ...

I have been doing a lot of your workouts at home over the past yesr (in fact they helped me lose 25 lbs. last summer)! I am now very close to my goal weight (within ten pounds) and I am thinking of changing up my workouts from 6 cardio a week to 4 cardio and 3 strength a week. I am hoping this will help burn off a think layer of fat that still covers my torso (I can feel the muscles underneath though!).

Also, about ten years ago I visited a chiropractor because my right knee would experience periods of weakness (esp. walking up stairs) and he told me that my knee-cap was misaligned, being pulled over by my very well-developed quadricep. Since then I don't have really any problem with it (I've been doing the exercises that he recommended). However, I am somewhat "afraid" to do jumping/lunging moves like power scissors because I am scared something in my knee is going to "give." What can you suggest?

One last thing - since the weather has really started warming up here in northern Mississippi, every few days I get in the swimming pool for about an hour and basically just walk around the pool holding my three-year old. Those nights I find myself much more tired when working out ... can an hour of walking around in a pool really have that much effect? By the way, you are a big part of the reason I am even going in the pool (first time since 1992 that I have been able to subject the general public to my body in a swimming suit)! Your DVDs/videos really help us with not only physical appearance, but mentally keeping positive about our body image as well!

Thanks for reading ...

 

[MarleysMom]

Hi, I am not Cathe and don't ever jump in to answer a question, but I can help you out a little with this one. You suffer from Patellofemoral pain syndrom. It is very common in women and it does make your knee cap misalign. I suffer from it too and I can just say from experience don't over do it. If it hurts, stop. Basically I went too far and over use for years has caused a lot of injury and now I will be undergoing surgery next Tuesday to fix the problem. Any 90 degree angle will inflame the knee cap and stepping up with also cause pain. You might want to limit your step to once a week and try to find other exercises like biking, walking on days you don't do step. Always check with your Dr to see what they feel is best for exercise. Most people do not require surgery just adjustment to some exercises. Best thing I can say is be very upfront with your Dr about your exercise and your goals and see if you guys can come up with an effective plan. You can also do a search on the internet to find out more info on it. Webmd has good information about the condition.

Best of luck to you!

 

[avgm1972]

Thank you so much for your response to my question. You are right about the 90 degree angle thing ...I only ever feel that discomfort when it is a weight bearing leg with downward pressure though. Stepping up really doesn't bother me at all.

THANK YOU!

 

[Beavs]

Just wanted to say hello to someone from Mississippi My main squeeze is a Mississipian... or is it Mississippite? We are fans of fellow Mississippians the North Mississippi Allstars

 

[ncl]

I just want to say, please pay attention to your body! I have patellofemoral syndrome as well and I killed my knee with jumping lunges (which is when I was diagnosed). I have not been able to do aerobics or step or lunges or squats since then. I have been in rehab for almost 4 months. I so miss my usual cardio workouts, but am banned to the treadmill (flat, can't even use a grade) and swimming and cycling. I can't even hike and I live in the mountains! It is a major bummer, not to mention being in pain! Just please be careful. I would stay away from the very high impact repetetive movements...why risk it? Make sure your quadriceps are well-strengthened, make sure you are wearing VERY well-fitted and supportive shoes and make sure you are stretching well.

I don't mean to scare you, but would hate to see you where I am now. I have a couple of friends with the same problem who have been able to return to their normal activity.

 

[ashleyann]

I think that is the same thing that my Dr. thinks I have. I hurt my right knee a few months ago and I had to lay off of all cardio (I couldn't even go walking)and lower body weights for about 2 weeks. I was feeling a lot better so I went bike riding with my husband and about 30 min. into our ride we had stopped for a minute and when we took off again I got a really sharp pain in my r. knee (I would use it to start off with) so I haven't rode my bike since. The Dr. had suggested I get a Chopet Strap and I went to the medical supply store that day and got it. It really helps alot, I've been doing all of Cathe's workouts (including IMAX) and my knee has been OK EXCEPT I try to be careful as to how I step up on the step. It seems that if I step up with my right leg a certain way I'll get a pain in my knee (not a sharp, piercing pain like before but still it hurts). When I go for my next Dr.'s appt., I'm getting an MRI so he can be able to see exactly what the problem is. I know there is something wrong with my knee, I'm just trying to hold off until the end of summer if I'm going to have to get surgery. ANYWAYS, the purpose of my message was to suggest the Chopet Strap to all of you knee problem sufferers. I think its' purpose is to help keep the knee cap in place. My Dr. said that because women have more estrogen it tends to make their joints more pliable, (i'm not sure if that is the right word). He asked me to hold my arms out straight so my elbows were facing the ground ( I'm REALLY double jointed)and he said "Oh my!". Evidently this has something to do with women having more knee problems also he said because we have hips and the way our legs go in it tends to put a strain on our knees. It makes sense. Well, try a chopet strap (mine was $20.00) and see if that helps.

Ashley

 

[avgm1972]

Thank you everyone has replied to this post. Of course over the weekend (well Friday night) I got a BAD cramp in my right calf and it has been so tight I can hardly walk since then!

I am guessing that I have a pretty mild case of this problem since stepping up doesn't hurt me at all, and I haven't had that "buckling" feeling in at least ten years ... maybe my legs are stronger now and the 30+ lbs. Cathe has helped me lose probaby has made everything better too!

Thanks again and I will heed you all's advice (and my doctor's)!