Exercise for knees?

I have Osteoarthritis in both knees.  I am looking for types of exercise that will not make them worse but strengthen them.  Water exercises are out, no pool i nthe are unfortunately.

I was doing treadmill and Wii Fit in December at least 1/2 and hour a day 6 days a week.  Now walking causes pain for the rest of the day.  I am hoping that when the weather clears up, it will get a little better since it seems to have gotten worse wiht the weather (If I am wrong please do not tell me yet, I am enjoying the thoughts of it tight now, it is keeping me going wiht exercise even though it is only 3 days a week. )

Tried talking to PCP but he did not have anything on hand at the time.

Any help woudl be greatly appreciated.

Michele S.

Ask your PCP for a 'script to a pysical therapist due to OsteoArthritis in the knees.

I finally got up the nerve to ask for one, and it has helped SO MUCH!.  She has me do quad and hamstring stretches, Butt squeszes, leg lifts, even ankle exercises, all kinds of things.  BUT my knees do not hurt nearly as bad as they have in the past. AND i can bend and streighten them better than i could three months ago too!

I have had Arthritis in both my knees for 16 years, and have had 4 knee surgeries, 2 on each knee, but I have not had either one replaced yet becaue the stupid insurance claims you don't need a joint replaced before the age of 45, and I am only 36 this year.  As if age has anythng to do with when your joints wear out, please!  Sorry mini rant over!

Anyway, ASK for a 'script to PT.  you will be amazed at how much better it will feel with the right exercises

Unfortunately my body is plagued with arthritis. I have already had one hip replaced and have one crushed ankle both a result of arthritis. I use the Wii Fit and also ride a recumbent bike 30 minutes a day. This may not work for you but it does great for me!

I agree with the post about the physical therapist.  I have psoriatic arthritis that is in my hands and knees.  My sister is a physical therapist and she has helped me greatly.  They can give you ideas to strengthen your legs without putting to much pressure on the joints.  I would really recommend a PT as well.

I also havve osteoarthritis in both knees. I also had arthoscopic knee surgery on my left knee to remove a menicous tear. I been going to physical therapy and they gave me exercises to do at home. They also put me on the recumbent bike. I told them I could never do a regular exercise bike because of the pain in my knees. I was suprised by the recumbent bike on how it did not bother my knees. My hubby bought me one for Easter and it is my daily exercise now. I start at 10, 30, 45 and now am at 60 minutes a day. I do have to take my feet off for a minute about every 20 minutes because my feet would go numb from the diabetic neuropathy. I do have plantar faciitis and heel spurs. Standing to long and walking to much bothers them. So the recumbent bike has really been my tool of exercise. We also have a wii fit but haven't used in such a long time I need to get my knees and feet to stop hurting first. I have a mri schedule for thursday for my right heel. Therapy isn't helping anymore and had one shot as well.

Recumbent bike - yes!  It's nice to be able to move and strengthen those muscles that stabilize the knees without actually putting much weight on them.  It feels a lot better when I make myself get on my recumbent bike.

Good luck (I wish I had a pool close by too - that would feel so good!)