Exercise?

[knp76]

I have been having a lot of trouble with my right ankle. One of the PA's I work with at an urgent care (I'm a nurse) says it has to do with my gait and that I tend to over pronate my foot (turn it inward) I also have flat feet and it is stretching the tendons in my ankle too much. He recommends orthotics for my shoes, I am working on finding ones that are good and that I can afford. My question is does anyone do any particular type of exercise that is easier on the joints other than swimming? I love to walk, but it has been difficult lately. I take a lot of ibuprofen and I know that I am going to have to give that up. I know that exercise would help with the weight loss and maintenance. Thanks for any suggestions and thoughts on the subject.

[Ann2]

I know what'll work -- lose 100 pounds!

And before you throw something at me, please know I'm serious and speaking from very personal experience.

I can't believe all the aches and pains and "body complications" that have completely disappeared since I lost 100 pounds. Pre-op, my knees sucked. I'd picked out an orthopedic surgeon, bought one of those very expensive Nu-Step machines for at-home physical rehab after knee replacement surgery, and was ready to schedule the surgery, pending losing enough weight to more comfortably go through post-knee-surgery rehab.

And then -- I cannot explain it -- after losing a lot of weight and, eventually, 100 pounds, I can walk and hike uphill, downhill, cross-country, with or without walking sticks with zero knee pain. Obviously, as a sleeved patient, I don't take any NSAIDs now either. Yes, my knees are still full of shredded cartilage, but, again, zero pain.

It's a bloody miracle!

[Merry Mary]

You could try bicycling. I find it easier on my joints

[knp76]

I know that losing the weight will do me wonders. I can't wait to feel less aches and pains. Thank you for your honesty Ann. Bicycling sounds like a good idea.

[Luv49ers19]

I feel ya!!! I'm down 82 pounds and my exercise of choice is walking as well. My knees have been screaming at me lately! I know I have to exercise to continue losing but it is almost a vicious cycle. I may have to try the bicyle as well. Hope it gets better for you.

[Nooblet]

100 pounds is great but not a realistic goal to set for yourself (at least not short term...long term, yes. Pace yourself. My doctor says even dropping 10lbs takes tremendous stress off the knees and joints. So try setting small more reasonable goals. You will be more successful this way and congratulate yourself along your journey.

[Christie13]

Pilates!! I love Pilates and you can get DVD's to do at home. They tone your whole body.

[Christie13]

100 pounds is great but not a realistic goal to set for yourself (at least not short term...long term, yes. Pace yourself. My doctor says even dropping 10lbs takes tremendous stress off the knees and joints. So try setting small more reasonable goals. You will be more successful this way and congratulate yourself along your journey.

I think you totally mistook what Ann2 was saying. In her experience that weight loss helped her. And with any sleever it is possible to lose the 100 lbs in the long term yes....I am one of the smaller sleevers (being 4'11") and I am already at 91 lbs lost so I do believe most people can lose 100 lbs with the sleeve. Although I am not actively trying to lose weight anymore....I would not be surprised if I hit 100 lbs lost or close to it.

[ghost_ryder]

Get Superfeet inserts. Go to a running store to test them . take your most worn pair of shoes so they can see your wear pattern. Also, buy shoes that are set for pronation. Your feet will love you.

[Nooblet]

I think you totally mistook what Ann2 was saying. In her experience that weight loss helped her. And with any sleever it is possible to lose the 100 lbs in the long term yes....I am one of the smaller sleevers (being 4'11") and I am already at 91 lbs lost so I do believe most people can lose 100 lbs with the sleeve. Although I am not actively trying to lose weight anymore....I would not be surprised if I hit 100 lbs lost or close to it.

All I was trying to focus on was setting small goals. And the fact that each 10lbs you lose, your knees will thank you. By all means, aim high in the long term. Lose 100lbs. Heck don't stop there. I'm just saying smaller goals...in addition to the bigger long term goal, might be something to try. I understand what she said just fine.

[Gvn71]

Go to a real running store and get some good shoes. Don't go to a chain store unless it's a New Balance store or similar. They will look at how you walk, run, etc and set you up with a pair of shoes that will ease some of your issues.

Losing weight is the key however. I was 291 and could not run more than a mile without having to stop due to pain in my hips, knees, shins, etc. etc... I can now run miles and miles. It was amazing how all of a sudden I could run pain free!

Find something you can do that keeps you active that doesn't cause to much damage and get ready for the weight loss that will lead to exercise being fun! Yes, that's rights, I said FUN!

Good luck, hope this helps. Get some good shoes, they will make a huge difference. I am not, was not born a natural runner but my weightloss and good shoes has changed everything.

[sraebaer]

I used to buy all my running/walking shoes from places like Kohls and always had sore feet. Then I went to a specific running store and they had me on the treadmill to see how I moved, and found the perfect shoes for me. (I also have bunions and wide feet.) More expensive, but so worth it to have good shoes made for your feet. I didn't even know there was a difference in heel height in these shoes. All I buy now is Saucony.

[Pam G]

Ive lost 100 lbs and everything still hurts!!! LOL. hips and butt (this is new since losing weight), knees, back, shoulders...guess the damage was already done. I'm thinking that the younger you are when you lose, the better your success with joint pain (sraeber and ann2 are the exceptions! They are "super losers"! LOL)

[Ann2]

Pam, I'm sorry you're still hurting. Really.

But dahling, you look mahvelous! Truly. You're a damn glamour girl!

[knp76]

I went to the gym the other day and did the recumbent bicycle. My right knee hurt at first but it was not bad and it actually started to feel better after a while. My ankle did not hurt. I still keep walking a bit, 10 minutes here and there so I am not causing too much strain. I feel like every bit of movement helps. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.