I too have problems with my knees, though it is not arthritis. The kneecap isn't aligned right. The docs have told me it's like patellar tracking disorder. They hurt when I go down stairs; sometimes only a little, but often a lot. I can't imagine going down stairs without a rail to hold on to. I've got exercises from a PT for strengthening. And losing weight will help with the pain. But I worry a lot about doing anything that jars my knees or puts undue stress. I do walk as much as I can because I love it and I'm a city gal. I'm humbled by the situation all of you have written about. It sounds worse than what I've had to deal with. But my knee situation has kind of derailed me in ways I could not have imagined a few years ago.

I hope you get some relief from the shots.

elliptical & knee arthritis
 

I was trying to do the elliptical machine at the gym today for the first time. After about 30 seconds I was DONE. A short time later the gym was empty so I tried a different elliptical I lasted a little longer but I couldn't even do 2 minutes.

It seems like I don't have the strength in my thighs and hips. There was one elliptical that was old and it seemed like it was almost electrical because it was moving my legs for me more so then the newer machine.

Everyone always said that it's a good machine for arthritis but I just can't get it.

Hey There
 

Last year at Christmas time I was able to walk 3 miles easy. This year is a different story. I was very sick in Jan. of last year. In the hospital a month. That didn't stop me. I got my strength back and started to walk again. Then my left knee said goodbye. I still walk but just a few blocks at a time. I think the trick is starting any exercise slow and working up.
You did 2 minutes then go to 3 minutes. and so forth. .Before you know it you will be at 30 easy.I think walking is one of the best exercises you can do.
I have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Losing the weight helps 50%.
Have a good week...Joanne

I like walking. I have a norditrack treadmill in my basement but I notice it bothers my knees also. Sometimes I walk around the high school track which is 5 minutes away. It's a really nice track they just redid it and being outside is just very tranquil as opposed to me being in my basement looking at the TV walking.

I ventured out this morning and took a Zumba class. I said I wasn't going to do it anymore because it was bothering my knees but I really wanted to take it. I try not to jump up and down and just mock most of the steps. Well it's about 5 hours later and my knees hurt. Mind you I just got shots in both my knees a month ago.

Right after I got the shots I joined the gym. I've been doing water aerobics and zumba. This week I didn't do the zumba 2x a week like before, I did the water aerobics 3 x then this morning I just had to Zumba.... now I'm paying for it. LOL

Hey There
 

2feelbetter- Walking in water is good. Hardly any stress on knees.I had a norditrack too. I much rather walk outside. I wish I could do more walking than I do. My health dictates to me now..
Get healthy.. Join Weight Watchers Or Tops. They helped me..Joanne