"Your knees might not be right for running"

Those awful words were spoken to me by my orthopedist.

After xrays, an MRI, physical therapy and a second opinion- the good news is there is nothing major wrong with my knee. My knee is high its slightly tight. All my ligaments and tendons are perfect. Surgery would more than likely do more harm than good.

I might just not have the right knee for running. I sat in my car and cried for about 10 minutes before I could even drive.

Then I decided I can't just wallow in my sorrow and throw a pity party. Instead, I'llbe proactive and take up a new hobby. DH is going to teach me how to swim and I'm getting into boxing. Running isn't 100% out of the question- but for now I'm going to stop and hope for the best.

Thanks to everyone who has given me support on here these past 6 months as I suffered through the pain. I'm not giving up hope just yet...but I am trying to be realistic.

Re: "Your knees might not be right for running"

Colleen, I have no doubt you will pick up a new hobby soon. Swimming would probably be a great hobby for you. DH and I got a leisure pass last year and were using eisenhowers pool.

Re: "Your knees might not be right for running"

I know you love running so that must have been so difficult to hear! As you said, I am sure you will find another outlet that will take the pressure off of your knee. Swimming sounds great! Did the ortho say anything about biking?

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I think swimming is the only other activity that uses every single muscle in your body, and is just as intense as running. I'm sure you'll put 100% into whatever it is you find as your new passion, and will end up having no regrets

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Don't let yourself get upset. It is great that you are trying to redirect the energy and try swimming and/or boxing. I'm very sorry.

I am in a similar position. I do actually have a structural issue so my kneecap is rubbing away at the cartilage which is causing the majority of the pain but also the whole knee/leg is slightly crooked. I cried just hearing about all of this. Surgery cannot correct it and was not even offered because of this. Physical therapy say they can't do anything but help me get stronger which will alleviate some of the pain but not all. I was also told, i just shouldn't be running, walking on inclines, playing tennis or cycling- at all. I am devastated. I still haven't been listening and have been running but it just keeps causing more pain and swelling and such, so I figure I need to start actually listening. I already do yoga, light cardio kickboxing, pilates, toning exercises and swimming laps but it doesn't change my body the same way and it doesn't feel the same while doing it...

I am sure in time, you will find something else you love as much as running, if not more!! And then you will look back and be glad this happened, otherwise you wouldn't have found that new, next best thing!

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Allow yourself to be sad for a while. Running was important to you.

I look forward to hearing what you will be doing next!

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Thanks everyone for the support

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I'm sorry mama

I know how much you love to run

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Sorry to hear that.

Ever give rowing a try? Near any water/rowing clubs?

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I'm so sorry!!!

There's so much more out there! I'm sure you'll find another hobby to love!

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Sorry Colleen...I know how hard it is to be told you have to give up running. Swimming is a great low impact exercise. It is awesome that you are taking a positive approach- I know after I was told to give up running I had a big old pity party!

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Great attitude! My knees are not right for running either. I run very short runs and try to do other things so that my overall love of fitness isnt shot! I love spinning classes...they don't hurt my knees...have yoiu tried them?

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Come on now!

How many people have been told that they will never walk, dance, run, etc ever again, and do it! The dr said "might" that doesn't mean never. I say as long as you can tolerate it, keep up with the running for as much or as little as you can handle.

And try yoga! It is great for injuries and especially with hot yoga it is a great cardio workout too!

Re: "Your knees might not be right for running"

thanks everyone for the support again!

I do want to continue to try new things. I haven't tried yoga or spinning so I might check those out. I think I want to do some sort of martial arts class as well. I recently did pilates and that was okay but not quite my cup of tea.

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What about triathlons? Swim, bike, run. You're doing a little bit of everything but not pushing your body to run long distances. Sprint triathlons include a 5K for the run.

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I thought triathlons too! biking and swimming are definitely easier on the knee!

There are even some mini triathlons that have 1.5 mile run.

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So sorry Colleen I am sure you will find another activity you love - better shave than sorry

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Thanks ladies! Not sure about the triathalon- last time I tried to ride a bike I ended up in the ER Although I think I will give spinning a try.

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Posted by missfabulous

Thanks ladies! Not sure about the triathalon- last time I tried to ride a bike I ended up in the ER Although I think I will give spinning a try.

Re: "Your knees might not be right for running"

Sorry you got this news

Have you asked if bracing would be helpful to your situation?

Spinning is a great activity to try, so is swimming. Maybe after you allow your knee a little healing time you can still run, but do it much less?

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I can only imagine how upsetting that must be to hear - but it sounds like you have a very positive attitude towards trying new things. You've gotten some great suggestions already, so here's hoping you find a new workout that ends up being amazing!

Re: "Your knees might not be right for running"

Posted by missfabulous

Thanks ladies! Not sure about the triathalon- last time I tried to ride a bike I ended up in the ER Although I think I will give spinning a try.

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I'm sorry Colleen, I know how disappointed you must be

ETA: If you have any interest in kickboxing, there is a good deal on Groupon today (but it end in 2 hours)...4 classes for $30

Message edited 6/21/2011 9:54:25 PM.