Help - what kind of exercise can I do?

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Coltsneck
Coltsneck Member Posts: 180
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
In an attempt to cast aside my couch potato inclinations, I started a walking program every morning. One mile the first week, 2-1/2 the second week. I felt great and was hoping that I could expand and progress in the number of miles I was walking.

Then, all of sudden I started to have knee pain. I couldn't walk even a mile. I went to the doctor and he thought it was a strain and advised 7 days of no activity. It felt a lot better. I then tried to walk around the block and what do you know, my knee pain is back.

Can anyone suggest an exercise program that doesn't include weight bearing on my knee. I definitely am not the push-up, abs crunching type. I need to exercise as I am ballooning up from the Aromasin. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Maureen
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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited July 2007
    a Concept2 rowing machine will provide a low-impact workout. Only "trick" is that you will need to get the technique right, but in NJ you should be able to find a boathouse to contact somewhere nearby...and they're generally glad to provide technique guidance.

    Alternatively, there are good "intro to rowing" DVDs available. But it's nearly always better to have someone look at what you're doing!

    If you need more info, please PM me...

    HTH,

    LisaAlissa
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  • LuAnnH
    LuAnnH Member Posts: 8,847
    edited July 2007
    Can your doc refer you for physical therapy? They can teach you exercises to stregthen your muscles in your leg. That will take the pressure off your knee joint to make walking easier. Also, a knee brace will help your knee when walking.

    LuAnn
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  • BlindedByScience
    BlindedByScience Member Posts: 314
    edited July 2007
    Walking is such a good exercise--weight-bearing for our bones and easy to do anywhere. Would you consider seeing an orthopedic doc? You may have a muscle issue as your doc thought, but it could be that you have torn cartilage in your knee that could be easily removed arthroscopically.

    People can develop small tears and ragged edges in the meniscus (cartilage) over time (wear & tear) or through a sudden injury. It can happen almost without realizing it, but even a small tear can cause pain, swelling and inflammation. The site below explains it all quite well and has pictures:

    http://www.arthroscopy.com/sp05005.htm

    In the meantime, instead of full weight-bearing exercise, perhaps bicycling would work or swimming.
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  • KariLynn
    KariLynn Member Posts: 1,079
    edited July 2007
    Hit the pool - great exercise. I ride a stationary bike - not good as far a weight bearing but if you increase the tension it does an ok job.

    Do try to solve the knee thing - walking is the best. Are your shoes good? That can throw the knee off if not.
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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited July 2007
    First of all, yoga is great exercise for strengthening the muscles around the knees that protect our knees. I had terrible knee problems (I am a runner) and yoga has helped tremendously.

    The other thing to do is see a good orthopedist to make sure you haven't sustained some kind of injury. Such a doctor can recommend a good physical therapist who can get you over the initial problem.

    Finally, it is really important that you not stop exercising. If you allow your muscles to weaken around your knees your pain will only become worse. Just make sure you continue under a doctor's supervision.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007
    I work in fitness and encounter many participants with knee problems. I agree with all of the above advice....find a means of repairing the current injury, strengthen the supporting muscles (the knee is a highly unstable joint, with bones 'loosely' held together by muscles, ligaments and tendons) and find a cardio alternative. Eventually, the elliptical trainer or a recumbent bike would be good activities, but while still injured, you'd be better off sticking with swimming and water aerobics.

    Marin
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  • Coltsneck
    Coltsneck Member Posts: 180
    edited July 2007
    Thank you so much everyone. I appreciate the time you took to suggest some alternatives. I was thinking of going to an Orthopedic doctor but since my primary didn't suggest it, I didn't follow through. I will definitely do that now. I never thought of going to a physical therapist, so now I will also ask the Orthopedist about that. I'll let you know what they say about the situation. Again, thank you all very much.
    Maureen
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  • jrp
    jrp Member Posts: 21
    edited July 2007
    Hi,
    I recently read a study that said that gardening provides better weight bearing exercise that running or walking. Hope you have some ground space to work in. Also agree with prior posts about yoga - good for strengthening and relaxation.
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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited August 2007

    Ditto on the PT. Before cancer I called my PT my primary care provider. Any "real" PCP that wouldn't give me a referral to her "on demand" was history.

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited August 2007
    I went to a physical therapist that specialized in breast cancer patients..she was wonderful and got me back on track of what was good for me..she individualized everyone's program..
    Hugs, SoCal
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