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

[Changednamealready]

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

10 stone at 5ft 5 is fine. You're a healthy BMI.

I run and get knee pain too. I found yoga and Pilates really helped. A lot of knee pain is caused by tight muscles and ligaments.

People saying that 10st is too heavy for 5'5" are incorrect, but I assume you already know that as you said you're not overweight. Being underweight is dangerous for joints so please don't actively lose weight without your GP/physio's agreement! Have you been referred to a rheumatologist? There could be any number of conditions causing your knee pain.

yeah 5'5 and 10 stone is pretty heavy - try none-impact exercise of which there are a billion different types from yoga to cross trainer to rowing to cycling

Horse riding! The rest of your body will hurt so much you won't notice your knees.

Try exercise classes, like boxercise and circuits. I get pain in my right knee because I broke it, which I now just ignore as its never going to fully go away. Just walking will help too, you could try jogging short distances while walking. Swimming would be best but you're not keen on that.

oh and stretch. hamstring stretches, glute stretches, etc

10stone is not "pretty heavy" 🙄

OP in the same weight and height and have sore knees too. I'm taking COD liver oil with something else (will look in a minute) that someone suggested on here and I think it's helping!

just my opinion no need to get grumpy about it - depends on your body shape but an inactive person with little muscle and that height/weight can typically shave half a stone

I'm shorter than you but the same BMI and looking to lose a stone as since turning 40 I seem to be heavier on my joints. I've also joined a gym and been doing a lot of weight training which has really helped. I think my muscles have been turning to mush over the last decade, despite being pretty active, so I'm actively trying to build them now (with noticeable success).

You'll be able to run again, just give it some time and do other activities in the meantime.

Fantastic helpful replies thank you.

Yep I know I’m not overweight at all although my body fat is quite high I don’t mean to offend anyone with my thoughts on it. Before children my weight was consistenly 9 stone 2 I would have three meals a day and snacks but I was more careful than I am now (didn’t eat kids leftovers!). I don’t want to be underweight or malnourished of course, but I eat a lot and I probably could lose a few pounds without making my diet any unhealthier! I’m quite A petite frame, and bottom heavy. It was just looking at another way of reducing impact on my knees.

I think I’m also making myself aware running improved my mood (perhaps because I loved it) and although I am wondering if losing a few pounds may help (I’m so keen to get back into running its unbelievable but not an option as knees are ruined at the moment) as I’m struggling with doing nothing so no exercise and a bit stressed = I’m actually struggling to maintain my weight as comfort eating a little. I
Imagine if I was more mindful generally weight would drop anyway.

I love listening to music and jogging along and can’t seem to find a replacement but some interesting ideas - really motivating. A friend said body combat gave the same grrr feeling as jogging can have when listening to loud music.

I think I need to find a good Pilates class. I was put off some time ago as when I went they all knew what they were doing and some of the exercises where by the knee was bent I just couldn’t do it was too painful (that was pre injury!). I can’t seem to kneel or have my knees in that position.

Horse rinding - my husband suggested that....

Thanks folks interesting discussion and feedback gives me some ideas and hope reading through each of the posts.

79 and not out. Sorry you suffered too. I have really notice joint pain more since post 40 (maybe I don’t drink all the alcohol I used to many years ago that possibly masked the pain😂). I also notice doing press-ups (my only exercise at the moment) it has taken me two months to do 8 in a row.... oh the shame with these fit people doing 100 what’s wrong with them?

Don’t bite the hand- ah interesting I do eat quite a bit of fish but willing to try anything that helps!

Running isn't bad for the knees! Running actually fixed my knees, but perhaps stay off the asphalt and get yourself on a treadmill for a while - running inclines is better for your legs anyway. (but obviously not if your physio has said to rest..)

Swimming is an excellent low impact all round exercise. You might also find you enjoy the elliptical machine. Someone else earlier said rowing which is an excellent workout.

But most importantly, weighted squats and lunges with the approval of your physio.

Recuperation is a shitty time, my sympathies!

these. Bloody expensive though

Damntheman running is most definitely bad for knees.

That's a direct contradiction with what the medical experts told me Bite. But alright then..

Studies have shown that there are fewer knee and hip replacements in runners than non runners. Joints are meant to be used.

I'm 5'5 and having been 10 stone, and now 9 stone, there's no difference to how my joints feel. I would recommend that you try some body pump classes along with the pilates.

It's not going to be your weight that's the cause. You'd be better off seeing a sports therapist.

10 stones is heavy for someone who is 5 ft 5 and isn’t strong. I would definitely review your diet if I were you. Most people who aren’t athletes should aim to be between bmi 18-23 rather than 23-25z

Give horse riding a go. You've got nothing to lose and you might enjoy it. It will make you aware of muscles you didn't know you had. But it's good for cardio, strength, flexibility and your confidence. I know everyone thinks this about their own sport, but I think it is the most difficult sport. You are relying on an animal at least 4 times heavier than you that can think for itself and has a strong survival instinct to listen to you and not it's own brain. It's bloody fun though even when things go wrong. I don't recommend buying a horse though, they are so expensive.

Oh yeah falling off does hurt too once you're above the age of 16, so try to stay on. If you do, try and land on your side.

Sounds a healthy weight to me

Suduko “Oh yeah falling off does hurt too once you're above the age of 16, so try to stay on. If you do, try and land on your side.” I’m not sure you’re selling it 😂

GrumpyHoonMain I definitely agree I’m at the higher end of the bmi and it wouldn’t be unhealthy for me to lose a few pounds.

@Changednamealready

It's great I promise. 😂

loosing a little weight would help.
and I agree with strengthening exercises. I would suggest seeing a physio (private) for a couple of sessions.

Oh b*%%% turns out but doing exercise is having a huge effect I have gained two pounds! I’m going to have to be more careful anyway so getting my head round the kcal that an hour run would burn and no longer a deficit I can eat!