Started dieting and exercising. Have question about knee.

[brandonb]

Hi all,

I bought a treadmill and decided to start exercising/dieting. I decided I was getting fat enough and want to fix it. I was at 232 pounds a few weeks. So I picked up a treadmill and assembled it. Ran on it about 3 times in the last week.

Slightly before buying the treadmill my knee was giving me some issues. It felt like I have fluid in the joint much like you would have if you needed to crack your knuckles and it didn't "crack"... It's been bothering me somewhat, but not when I'm on the treadmill.

So my question is, should I wait until my knee feels better or should I continue to run? Not sure how to fix it, this is the 2nd time I've had this knee problem in the last few years. The problem lasts a few weeks if not a few months before the sensation goes away.

- Down to 222 in the last few weeks by cutting out soda + fast food. Eating high fiber diets like chili + drinking a ton of orange juice + water + jogging on the treadmill. I feel I'm on the right path but I don't want to give myself an excuse to stop the treadmill exercises but not sure if I will harm my knee in the process. I have no health insurance at the moment (I just started a new job within the last month and I have to be employed 6 months before health coverage's kick in)

 

[Zivic]

Hi all,

I bought a treadmill and decided to start exercising/dieting. I decided I was getting fat enough and want to fix it. I was at 232 pounds a few weeks. So I picked up a treadmill and assembled it. Ran on it about 3 times in the last week.

Slightly before buying the treadmill my knee was giving me some issues. It felt like I have fluid in the joint much like you would have if you needed to crack your knuckles and it didn't "crack"... It's been bothering me somewhat, but not when I'm on the treadmill.

So my question is, should I wait until my knee feels better or should I continue to run? Not sure how to fix it, this is the 2nd time I've had this knee problem in the last few years. The problem lasts a few weeks if not a few months before the sensation goes away.

- Down to 222 in the last few weeks by cutting out soda + fast food. Eating high fiber diets like chili + drinking a ton of orange juice + water + jogging on the treadmill. I feel I'm on the right path but I don't want to give myself an excuse to stop the treadmill exercises but not sure if I will harm my knee in the process. I have no health insurance at the moment (I just started a new job within the last month and I have to be employed 6 months before health coverage's kick in)

only you know if the pain is tolerable or not. if it were me, I'd go to my chiro and have them check me out if I had problems in a joint.

also, skip the orange juice. basically liquid sugar. and add in resistance training. it will benefit you more than the treadmill

 

[highland145]

Read the sticky. diet>>exercise.

My 3rd knee surgery was in 1985 so I've had some issues. I can't run because it hurts and swells. Bike/elliptical used to be pain free but I'm 50, doing cardio5/6 days per week and am having some minor problems. Had a massage person work on the IT band for several sessions and I was nearly pain free for several months. Need to go back for some more.

Yeah, skip the orange juice. Look up the diabetic diet. That'll steer you in the right direction too.

At one point, I was somewhere over 230lbs, 6'1". 196lbs now. So it's doable and you don't have to starve.

If you have access, weight training is also very important.

Ice after running.

 

[lk2500]

If you are worried about your knee definitely see a good orthopedic/sports doc.

The advice I got from my sports knee doc that I can pass on to you, is that the WORST thing you can do to your knees is pick up an exercise regimen too quickly. You need to start at a RIDICULOUSLY small amount and slowly work your way up. And if you do any load bearing exercises for your knees, don't do them on the days you run.

So, you really should be starting at some incredibly low, like even less than one would think, amount. Like maybe 5 minutes, 3 times a week. And increase a few minutes a week from there. Maybe vary your exercises and rotate from treadmill-exercise bike-elliptical so you aren't putting too much stress on your knees.

You won't get instant results like you want, but you'll be better off in the long run.

Good luck!

 

[Scarpozzi]

I'm 6'4", 225...I fluctuate between 212-230 depending on how active I am.

My advice is to take it easy until your knee feels better. Lower the impact and see if just walking makes a difference. With my height/weight, I feel more comfortable on a recumbent bike than running, but I do walk quite a bit.

Definitely cut out the OJ....it's just sugar with some vitamins. Even Gatorade G2 is better than that, but I'd stick to water if you can. Most energy/sports drinks/juices/smoothies are all wasted calories and occasionally extra sugar/sodium that you probably don't need.

Exercise makes a big difference and a little strength training in there (light weights)

 

[inachu]

Buy the knee guard sock. it h as a hole where the knee plate shows through.

Being fat and working out is asking for problems. Trust me..... been there done that.

Be kind to your knees. Don't say I didn't warn you. I'm 6'4" and 260

 

[brandonb]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I will play it by ear and take it easy. Maybe just have a nice steady walk with an incline. I don't want to give up on it entirely like I said because I want to keep motivated.