Are treadmills bad for knees?
442353
not really, i mean if you already have a bad knee it might hurt it but my mom has a torn meniscus in her knee and is on a perscription for oxycontin for the pain and still does the treadmill and its not effecting her at all. but exercise sucks, its boring
1159531
after getting knee pain...
875134
I bet if you stand straight, your feet flare lateraly.  This is putting stress on the MCL.  Also, the fact that you don't do any strengh training that works your legs could be the very reason your knees hurt.  What do I mean, well, the way you walk, your posture, if you run on concrete, could all cause your knees to hurt.  The best way to keep them healthy is to make sure you use new shoes (esp if you run), try orthotics (will help to correct your standing and walking posture), Have someone evaluate your GAIT(and orthapedic dr. will not do any of this) and start working out your legs.  I love watching people in the gym abuse their upper body, but neglect their legs.  Then never wear shorts at the gym.  Large upper body, spindily little legs.  If you work your legs, your muscles will protect your joints.  I love the argument that "lifting legs will make you slow"  Look at olympic sprinters legs.  Then try to tell me they don't do squats, deadlifts, etc.  Yes, working out legs is hard work, but why are you in the gym.  Squats, deadlifts, Calves, quads.  Get working on it.  Make sure someone who knows what they are doign shows you how to prevent injury.  Squats are great, with proper form, deadlifts and ab work will protect you low back, Quads and hams will help with knees and low back.  Plus, get good with squats and make the meatheads in the gym jealous because they wished they could be that strong.  At 180 lbs, I can squat over 400 lbs and I do not have an ounce of back or knee pain.  Have fun.
330741
Something is better than nothing, but if you did less than maximal lifting you will probably build stamina more than muscle bulk. Deep squats arent good for your knees anyway, more weight and less knee flexion can get the same results with less risk of damage to the knees
283161
everything can be done in moderation and you can alternate your runs for shorter ones and then one really long one at some point in the week take care of the stress on the knee's though and if you find that you are getting a lot of injury take your running inside on a treadmill as that will ease the pressure on the knees and joints.\nOn the other hand walk does wonders too
391676
well you could lose toenails, get sick, cramp, hyopnatremia (too little salt in the system), tendonitis - many places but two of most common are patellar and achillie's, runners or (ITB) syndrome - pain on the outside aspect of the knee joint- this is also a type of tendonitis. these are just a few. \nalso there are a few positives- endorphins, weight loss, cardiovascular fitness, and the runner gets a huge sense of pride for completing something most of us will never do.\nTHIS LIST IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE BY ANY MEANS, but it is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
954995
Running 30lbs overweight is nothing, but don't ignore pain in your legs or knees.\n\nFIRST you need to have your shoes professionally assessed. If you're not sure about the type of shoe you're wearing and you're experiencing knee pain that's the most likely culprit. You can go into specialty running or sports stores and the staff can watch you run in your current shoes, videotape you on a treadmill in neutral tread shoes and recommend to you the best footwear for your footfall (overpronator or supinator etc). Your current shoes may be fine and they'll tell you, but it's worth the trip. Cheaper than a doctor's visit.\n\nFor the knees or shins, you can use RICE to attack the pain after the run Rest Ice Compression Elevation.  Use anti-inflammatories but never before running. See the website http://www.coolrunning.com for more advice and support for runners. I'll try to include an injury/footwear link. I'm more overweight than you, started running the first time in my life 5 months ago, do it 3-5 times a week up to 6 miles, no injuries very happy. Weight is a risk factor for injury but running is the best exercise for weight loss and has the best return on calories burned and endorphins earned. I HATE when people get on a pedestal or give me unsolicited advice, telling me I need to be walking instead of running (I too can't keep that up because it's not intense or exciting). \n\nKeep up the good work and see a doc if it continues to get worse!
615498
their really good for people who want to get into running but have had joint problems like with their knees or if you get shin splints.  The faster way to lose weight is running/jogging/walking.  I used an elliptical for a while but i alway felt so limited with my movements.  You could also try rollerblading, thats good cardio too.
818854
Probably the exercise bike as it doesn't put a lot of stress on the knee (as long as you don't put to much resistance on the flywheel/tensioner,also make sure your seat is the correct height you want to have a slight bend in your knee at full stretch.
973920
That depends.  Personally, I can't use a treadmill.  The impact is way too much for my joints.  I prefer and eliptical.  Also on an eliptical you can go backwards and work a whole other set of muscles.  My vote is the eliptical.
888173
Yes, but there can be many causes for a stiff knee.  I tore my ACL in high school, and the day after I did it my knee was very swollen, extremely painful, and difficult to bend.  Sprains, strains, frayed meniscis, broken patella, or tears in any of the knee ligaments will cause swelling and lead to stiffness.  If it is painful and feels serious, see your doctor.
1031754
running on the pavement can put strain on the knees
168395
Vigorous walking ... jogging is bad for your knees.  If you have access to a pool, that is awesome training that gets results fast!
374257
Yes, not only does it affect your back and connective tissue, it can affect your internal organs function as well. Excessive slouching also wears your shoes poorly and causes knee and ankle pain. So sit up straight, they way the body was designed to function.
343182
I was diagnosed when I was about 13, and was told to do special excercises to strengthen the tissues around the knee.  I did them a little bit, but I mostly just quit jogging and doing heavy excercising.  I am now 27 and I don't have any problems with it, but I am not very active either.  I also used to wear "CHO-PAT'S" when I would have to run or excercise, they seemed to help reduce the friction.  I started riding the bike a lot more, but I found that even that seemed to aggravate it, swimming was good, but I had to be careful not to kick to hard or my knees would get stiff and achy afterward.  \nMy older brother also had this, and he had to have surgery a couple of times because he didn't slow down in his activies.\nIn short-to answer your question- you should take it easy.  You can still be active, but be careful, and choose your activities wisely, or you may end up having to have surgery.\n(Hope this helped, and good luck!  Don't worry, there are worse problems you could have with your health!  You still have a lot of activity to look forward to.)
498917
I believe that running on a treadmill is better. You can pace yourself and keep better track of lap times and the speed at which you are running. Most of all, treadmills absorb alot of the shock of running which would be easier on your joints.
676
unless the cracking is painful, it is not unusual or dangerous for your knees to "crack".\n\nLunges are excellent for strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. Make sure that you are not leaning over the knee, that the knee is right above the foot during the lunge and that you maintain a straight upright movement.\n\nDo not do hamstring excercises that will pull on the knee joint if you have problems with your knee. \n\nelipticals are good for running on with minimal knee and ankle stress. \n\nyou can also get large elastic bands...stand in them, and step out to the side pulling on the bands, then back in. Don't pull harder than is comfortable, this will help increase the stablization of the knee.\n\nLaying on your back you can pull your knee to your chest, and then extend it, locking your knee holding the leg just over the ground..repeating, this will also help strengthen the muscles around the knee with minimal weight on it.\n\nAlways is good to speak with a doctor or physical therapist if you have concerns.