Hints/Tips for exercising with osteoarthritis of the knee?
My knee was really bothering me late last week. Figuring that I had strained it, I went to see my rheumatologist as she's my "go to" person when it comes to joints in general. I've had psoriatic arthritis for 24 years and that mainly affects my hands and wrists. This doctor is an incredibly good doctor who has seen me through a LOT in the past 12-13 years that I've been her patient.
The rheumatologist surprised me and even herself with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee. She said I have very little cartilage left in my knee, so it has been deteriorating for awhile, even though it just started hurting me last week. She told me I need to lose the weight I have put on in the past few months, strengthen my quads (which I feel I have already done with regular exercise), and regularly exercise.
She's a great doctor, but is a bit weak on the details about exercising, especially when it comes to a home exerciser. I'm big on having ALL the details. So, I'm trying to wrap my brain around what exactly this might mean in the exercise arena for me. I figured I'd ask here for those of you who have experienced osteoarthritis of the knee for your tips and experience as to what works and what doesn't when exercising with osteoarthritis. Specificially, I'm looking at my step workouts wondering if they are just out or if they would help strengthen my legs. What else do I not know?
If you have had experience with this, what tips might you have with me as far as what to try and what to avoid?
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Laura
Laura's Workout Mantras:
Something is better than nothing
The best workout is the one you will DO
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