5ft 5 10 stone with knee pain should I loose weight?

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Bit a stressful time with work and being ill recently. I used to run a lot (not far and I wasn’t good at it but running up country lanes was me time - my absolute love) but now both knees have tendinitis which has lasted months and I’m seeing the physio but they’re not improving. I can’t seem to even walk on the pavement without pain.

I’m not overweight but thinking I could weigh less. Looking great isn’t my motivation at the moment but wondering even though my bmi is “healthy” if losing some lbs might get my knees into better condition to start running again. Any thoughts dear mumsnetters

I don't think you need to lose weight but you do need to strengthen your legs. try gentle weights or swimming...maybe yoga to stretch properly too.
Research shows jogging is actually good for your knees, you need the right shoes though

If you have knee problems OP, I wouldn't be looking to go back running. Running is very, very hard on the body.

Your weight seems fine. I would follow your physiotherapist advice. Rest well and take anti inflammatories.

Knees won't get better themselves.....rest is very important.

Following with interest as I'm in a similar position - I'm swimming a lot at the moment although it doesn't have quite the same impact. I also go to a Pilates class and generally ask the instructor how to beat modify the moves.

*best

Lose not loose!

Thanks for replies calypso so we’re in this together. I can get my head round swimming it’s cold have to get changed drive to the pool and it ruins my skin - excuses? Brilliant you’re finding other exercises though.

Sasha yep physio said some running isn’t actually bad for the knees and she also recommended rest and anti inflammatories. I’m not good at sitting still when my body feels as though it has energy.

Billy don’t say that 😢 maybe that’s reality though.

I talk about weight loss but sitting still a lot is going to make losing weight even more challenging.

*can’t get my head round swimming.

Realised my post is quite negative, sorry trying to find some way of taking back control.

I probably would not start with the running again if you have painful knees. I dont think 10 stone either heavy for you height, have you discussed your weight with the physio?

If your cartilage/meniscus is compromised don’t run again. You’ve got 4 to 8 times your body weight going through each leg depending on how fast you’re going/running gait, not worth it, take up cycling or swimming

how old are you? Running isn't for those 40 plus even though plenty do it - and get the problems you have.

please see a medical professional. Sorry if you have to give up a sport you love, know the feeling.

You see cycling hurts the knees too oddly.

I’m over 40 😢😢😢😢

I’m the same height but two stone lighter, surely losing weight would help a weight bearing joint?.

Loosing weight at 10 stone is not the solution and post above is stupid to suggest it. You need to get to the bottom of what is causing the pain and get it sorted.

Have you tried rowing? That’s fairly low impact on the joints.

Your weight is fine. Could running have caused the knee probs in the first place? They say it an be bad, especially without correct running shoes.

Are you drinking enough water? Knee pain can apparently also be due to synovial fluid issues, and you need water to help the fluid.

Hi Op, this sounds similar to me... So, have you considered whether it's not actually your knees but in fact your back? Months off running, knee exercises, strengthening the glutes, physio... Eventually by lucky chance I saw a physio who is a spinal specialist, she immediately sussed that I haven't hurt my knee at all and in fact have 2 slipped discs! I had no back problems at all but she's proved bang on the money. Whatever the cause, I 100% recommend pilates to support getting back to running.

Swimming worked great for me when I had a knee injury, it really relieved the pain. I used to go 5 times a week, it was my main exercise.
Personally, I found that losing a stone did help me a lot, though I was about a stone overweight and you obviously are a good healthy weight. I have heard that every pound counts when you have dodgy knees and ankles.

Insoles.

I am your height and weight and when I go to the gym I use rowing machine, bike, fast walking on treadmill, weights and some other machine I can't remember. I avoid running cos a few of my friends have knee problems which then seem to turn into ankle problems. I think I read somewhere that running isn't great as you age. Swimming is good but too much hassle. Yoga and pilates are also supposed to be good. Could you change exercise?

I agree you are a healthy weight for your height but, yes, losing weight will reduce the weight-bearing load on your knees as said upthread.

10 stone is pretty heavy for 5'5", but more to the point, you need to build the muscles around the knees.

Losing weight does help joints etc and at that weight your bmi can likely take weight loss and still remain in the healthy range. Pilates, yoga, swimming etc are all good.

You don't need to lose weight!! But I think you have to quit running. How long have the knees been bad for?

Unlikely tbh as your already at an healthy weight but worth asking your physio/doctor what they think.

Thanks for all advice. I think I’m struggling to keep my weight down as not doing any exercise now as walking in hard surfaces is aggravating the knees. Frustrating. Thanks for all your input!

Agree with building muscles. I used to have problems with my knees, and this really helped me. I did lots of weights (squats, deadlifts etc) - however, obviously get the okay from your doctor /physio first, and don't do it if it causes pain! My issues could, of course, have been completely different to yours.

Oh, maybe check your running shoes, too.