Pain in Knee with lunges

[just4momma]

Love your program. Got all the moms on the street doing it now.
My problem is that I have some pretty good arthritis in one of my knees. Have had several surgeries when I was a teenager and early 20's. Have kept my self in decent shape, although it takes a lot more work to do that. I am frustrated by not being able to do lunges. My 17 year old son is trying to help me, but he basically said that I will have a better butt only on one side! Any suggestions to work on that area without pain in my right knee? Doctor told me absolutely no more leg lifts or squats or lunges. Hopefully you can suggest something that will not be as painful! Thanks so much for all you do!

Christy

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Christy! I never like to dispute anyones doctors orders. I would feel better suggesting that you go see him/her again and let them know how very important this is to you. Since your doctor knows the history behind your knee's limitations, perhaps he/she can let you know exactly what exercises are doable/modifyable and to what degree you can (if permitted) lower down toward the floor for a lunge. For now focus on what you can do and give it your all. You already sound very committed. Take care!

 

[Venus]

If I could add on to what Cathe said, in 2002 I tore my patella tendon (ligament?). At the time my physical therapist said no more lunges again ever. Recently he cleared me to do lunges but not going as deep as Cathe does in her DVDs. Also, he said first sign of pain, stop. I do not have arthritis but I have a genetic defect in both of my knees that make them prone to injury and cause them to hurt depending on what I do.

I think now the reason he told me no lunges ever again in the beginning was to keep me from doing them and rest my knees, then after doing PT exercises for 2 years and healing, he opened me up so I could do them again. So I would listen to your Dr. but don't give up forever. Also, be sure to see a physical therapist if you haven't already. Not to knock Dr.s, but I got more help from my PT than my Dr. I also find it odd he told you no squats. I can see no squats with weight, but typically squats are pretty safe if done correctly. I can do step ups but only if I use a regular step and not the high step.

I still can't do step w/o pain but he said even that might be possible with time. Hang in there and good luck to you!

I hate to push supplements but I've had pretty good results with glucosamine/condritin. I've been on it about 4 months now and it's really helped my knees a lot. You might want to ask your Dr. about that too. Also, the floor work on both PLB and L&G is really good for "rehabilitating" your knees. Maybe you can do those exercises for now?