How to train legs with knee problems.....

[tshaw024]

I personally have neglected my legs the last year or two. I had patella surgery and cannot do squats, lunges, or leg extensions anymore without re-aggravating the injury. In order to help the healing process, I need to build up the muscles around me knee (specifically the quads). How can I do this without these key exercises???

 

[jminis]

well when I had knee surgery and had to do the same I started on the treadmill using the incline. Once I could walk on the highest include with some 10lb db's I moved to the stair climber doing the same thing. Believe it or not it works the legs quite well. From their trying a lying leg sled and maybe a leg press.

 

[nightshift]

I know exactly what you are going through. I've had multiple procedures on my knees. Time and patience are your greatest allies now. If you have access to a pool, water resistance training can be very helpful while rehabbing. At one point, I stopped all the exercises you mentioned for over a year while trying to get my knee back in shape. Don't give up hope my friend. Slow and steady work will yield long term gains for you.

 

[spikewhite]

i just had my 3rd knee surgery 2 weeks ago. already squating again. if you want big legs you have to squat or do some variation of them. Ive never known anyone with big legs who didnt.

 

[tshaw024]

if you had your 3rd knee surgery two weeks ago, and your already squating.... doesn't that explain your 2nd and 3rd and soon to be 4th knee surgery???

 

[jminis]

well spike walking without a limp or cane is more important then squating. Squats are the best exercise bar none for legs but their not the only one. You can still build a nice pair of wheels without them.

 

[spikewhite]

first two surgeries were from football and third from leg presses and hack squats. none yet from squatting. i know they are dangerous but they are making my legs grow now. still on twigs but they are getting better

 

[ticco]

how long ago was the patella surgery? I tore mine clear off my junior year of college playing rugby. I was squatting again probably a year after light and worked my way up. I don't go nearly as heavy as i used to but i can still get up a good amount. I don't know your stats but im sure if you went light you may be ok especially since its been two years.

 

[jtp217]

You could start w/ something like terminal knee extensions to build up the ligament/tendon strength and get your patella tendon used to the pull again. From there work up to bodyweight squats, and lunges. Remember to continue to work on flexibility so that you don't risk tearing it again.

 

[Chubbinmuffin]

From there work up to bodyweight squats, and lunges.

Agreed. Calisthenics would be the way to go.

 

[John Smeton]

I went though a minor leg rehab years ago. not like yours they had my doing pt with leg extensions..and some other exercise its to hard to explain and Im too lazy

 

[MoTiV]

My suggestion is look into box squats both front and back. They alleviate stress on the knees by allowing you to keep your shins parallel and not allow your knees to go pass your toes. Also, you can adjust the box to different heights allowing you to slowing progress to a lower box when your knees are comfortable with it.

 

[tshaw024]

Leg extensions are the worst thing you can do for patella tendons, I know that and won't ever do them again. I love box squats, but I'm not familiar with terminal knee extensions, can someone explain these to me?

 

[BignBad]

well when I had knee surgery and had to do the same I started on the treadmill using the incline. Once I could walk on the highest include with some 10lb db's I moved to the stair climber doing the same thing. Believe it or not it works the legs quite well. From their trying a lying leg sled and maybe a leg press.

I was gonna say the same thing...

 

[John Smeton]

My suggestion is look into box squats both front and back. They alleviate stress on the knees by allowing you to keep your shins parallel and not allow your knees to go pass your toes. Also, you can adjust the box to different heights allowing you to slowing progress to a lower box when your knees are comfortable with it.

Ive tried these. Louie Simmons has some articles describing it and Dave Tate a video on youtube.

this is how i describe the feel when doing these It feels like I'm squeezing my inner glutes together when coming up, after sitting down and pausing , then coming up. Maybe Pmiller can chime in if this sounds like I'm doing these right?

 

[ABNRanger]

first two surgeries were from football and third from leg presses and hack squats. none yet from squatting. i know they are dangerous but they are making my legs grow now. still on twigs but they are getting better

You might be on twigs now, then on to tree trunks, but if you don't treat them well, you gonna be on wheels. I am not talking chromes with white wall tires or deep dish spinners either. Treat them well my friend.