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Knee pain and need to workout for weight loss

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about lower extremity & knee injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1508
Printed Date: Dec 13 2024 at 12:34pm
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Topic: Knee pain and need to workout for weight loss
Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: Knee pain and need to workout for weight loss
Date Posted: Apr 14 2014 at 3:36pm

Our user asked: "Hi, I've been dealing with some annoying pain in both knees for the past two weeks. I've had pain from time to time--which I usually feel when doing lunges during my workouts, but the last two weeks have been severe. I know the pain was aggravated by a 7-mile running race I did two weeks ago, which prompted me to have my knees checked by the doctor. The initial diagnosis was for "Runner's Knee". The pain centralized in the front for the most part. They did X-rays and told me I have "minimal arthritis", but didn't recommend I do anything else at this point. The pain still comes and goes..climbing and descending stairs mostly, and standing up from a chair after sitting for a while. I also hear a clicking or "crunching" noise in both knees when I extend my legs. I'm VERY frustrated because, before the 7-mile race, I was just starting to get active again and eating right, working on losing the 50 lbs I gained this year from an office job where I sit most of the day. The upsetting thing is that just 2 years ago i was in the best shape of my life..i did Crossfit everyday, yoga, I was a runner and I even coached a bootcamp. I was strong and was at my ideal weight. PLEASE tell me what to expect and how to proceed?? Is it alright for me to go back to how I used to work out (high-intensity strength and cross-training), despite my new knee condition?? Will I ever be able to run again? My doctor suggested swimming, but I heard it's not great to lose weight--i need to lose 50 lbs! I really hope someone replies to this. Thanks so much for your time and thoughts!"

Ask a PT Response: "It sounds like you may have over irritated your knees with the 7 mile running, From what you describe, there could be a number of things going on. What comes to my mind first is patellofemoral pain syndrome: http://www.cyberpt.com/patellofemoraldysfunction.asp - http://www.cyberpt.com/patellofemoraldysfunction.asp . 
 
Don't know who told you swimming is not good for losing weight, but that is untrue. With any activity involving weight loss, you'd have to get your target heart rate high enough to achieve the cardiovascular benefits and demand for energy consumption.
 
As far as returning to high intensity and cross training, I would back off until the condition at your knees improve. You definitely don't want to exacerbate your condition.
 
Have you seen a PT yet to treat your condition? If not it may be a good idea. There are alot of things the PT can do with you including strengthening, stretching, PF taping, stabilization, etc."



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