Help and Advice for Bad Knees

Yoga is a great way to exercise, stretch and keep everything moving, along with Sigrid's post about water aerobics. Also, glucosamine & chondroitin is a great supplement. I would highly recommend it. The only drawback on it would be if you were allergic to shellfish as this supplement is a derivative of shellfish. My dr. recommended that I go on this OTC supplement and the brand that she suggested is carried at Costco in a larger quantity It's called "CosaminDS" and I bought a 230 capsule size, although you can buy it at a local Walgreen's in a smaller quantity. Good luck.

I had knee surgery 4 years ago. Torn mincus (sp?). When I went to physical therapy I did not realized how important doing the right exercises was. Some of my leg muscles were very strong while others were weak. The physical therapy helped so much! My knees are great now. I also started taking the glucosamine and chondroitin and I really do believe it makes an incrediable difference. I also take if for arthritis in my shoulder.

I would suggest getting a referral to a physical therapist. You would be amazed at how building the strength in your quad muscles and doing exercises and everyday activities properly make a huge difference in knee pain, strength, etc.

One thing you can do is change some of your exercise to swimming and water aerobics. Doing exercise in the water both gives you a good work out but also give your body resistance with every move you make. Most fitness clubs offer classes in water aerobics but once you learn the basics you can do it on your own in any pool. Just jogging in place in a pool supports your body so so much force is not coming down on your joints.
Creams and pills will only help for a while you need to make life changes in your exercise and daily habits.

Best of Luck,
S.

I have had some challenges with my knees also.
My hubby & I started dance lessons in '92 & dancing became our passion.
I tore a meniscus ligament in my right knee on the dance floor in 2000. I had diffrent degrees of pain for 2 years until with the help of a chiropractor I learned to strengthen the muscles surrounding my knees with simple rubber band exercises.
I recently stressed my left knee on the dance floor. I used ice packs a couple times a day & started the knee exercises. I took a couple weeks off my exercise routine since I use a treadmill or elliptical 5 times a week.
Just because you come from a family of 'bad knees' it doesn't have to be your destiny. You may be just the one to figure out the remedy.

Vital Points Therapy in Libertyville, Dr. Malina Chung. I limped in with son for his treatments every week with excruciating knee pain. Had been through PT with only short term relief. Malina said she could help me. I was not anxious to have needles poked in me, but in a few months, I was dancing! Accupunture was the key. My doctor couldn't believe it. Haven't gone in 9 months because I continue to feel good. You're right that you are too young to be restricted. A lot of insurance companies do not cover it but they might have a discount program for it. She is a licensed occupational therapist as well as licensed accupunturist and does combine treatments if needed.

I have had knee problems all my life. I agree with another poster - get a referral to a physical therapist. You need to strengthen your quads, but there are some quad exercises that will actually make the problem worse. A PT can tell you the right exercises and the right form. When you do squats/lunges, make sure your knee does not extend beyond your toes - very important. I also recommed the glucosamine & chondroitin supplements. They seem to really help. One other thing a doctor told my mom(knee problems also run in my family!) is that it is important to watch your weight. Even an extra 10 pounds puts extra stress on your knees. I don't know if that might be an issue, but something to consider. I haven't tried acupuncture myself, but I have heard great things about it. Worth a try if you can get a good referral. You are right - you are too young to be restricted in what you do, especially with 2 young children. Good luck!