Sore knees/knee injury

[*Domino*]

11 years ago I broke my patella and split my femor in half (lengthwise). You'd think after 2 years of physical therapy and 9 years of working out would have stabilized most of the problems.

There is a couple degrees range of motion that I can't control and the cartilage hurts like a b****. But I bite my tongue and get through the movement, cause I know what is causing it.

I'm not assuming anyone has an identical problem, but I am looking for quadriceps exercises that puts minimal pressure on the knee. I have been doing ball assisted squats, leg press (70-90lbs), and knee extensions. They are ok, so I can handle the pressure. I can not do lunges very well, I can't balance my leg.

Any suggestions?? Anyone else with knee problems that have worked through it??

[dolson27]

The exercises you are doing seem to be the best ones that provide the least amount of pressure on the knees. Although, there are some varying opinions as to how leg extensions affect the knees negatively. What type of leg press do you do? 45 degree or seated? I would think the seated would be better in your case because of the nature of the positioned angle.

Have you tried doing regular squats (body weight only) without the ball?

Have you considered or trying joint supplements?

[*Domino*]

I have tried regular squats. Thing is I lean towards my good leg and can't make myself do it evenly so it's a lost cause.

I take Schiff's Glucosamine and Chondroitin for my joints. I checked the product on consumerlab.com and it contains the actual ingredients.

I sell physical therapy equipment and will use a negative weight bar to assist my squats as well. You attach it on a weight stack overhang and it goes under your forearms. It helps you back up and subtracts actual bodyweight so you don't put too much pressure on the joint. Have also considered doing pool exercises to reduce joint stress.

[killatiger]

I would recommend lunges or even reverse lunges. It will force that other leg to work independently. Leg extensions are probably the roughest exercise that you can do for knees seeing as it isolates and puts all the stress and torque on one joint, just my 2 cents. Might be a confidence thing, but I say do what you feel comfortable with just try to progress as best as you can. Knee injurys arent fun, as you are aware, good luck.

[*Domino*]

thanks

[Ivan25]

I would recommend doing exercises in a pool... In particular, working the hip muscles would be best... Straight leg raises with knee locked while sitting down.. Do 3x30.. This is not easy...

Also, balancing exercises standing on a bosu ball...