I have arthritis in BOTH knees.

[Zina57]

How can I get my steps when I have osteoarthritis in both knees?  Some days they aren't too bad, some days no matter what I do they are very painful.

[Maxit]

I have arthritis in both knees too.  The left one is particularly bad.  I gradually increased my walking over a period of several months to the point where I am doing 4-6 miles a day (mostly outside).  My knees still hurt, but they hurt less now than they did.  The strength training I am doing also seems to be helping.  I think the keys are to have proper footware (I have pronation which stresses knees and hips; I need a shoe that provides stability and support) and to ramp up gradually.  Also, it helps to walk shorter distances more frequently, especially in the beginning.

[goal-gal]

I have had 1 knee replaced and the other is very bad from osteoarthritis. After I lost a lot of weight I was able to begin walking. I'm up to 3-4 miles 3-4 days a week. Walking, exercising has helped to relieve some of the pain. Just keep moving. Do what you can and when you can't do less.

[lyro]

I have OA in both knees too, but luckily I have not had any major flare ups in a while.  You might want to try Nordic walking using poles.  The poles take the stress off of your joints (knees and ankles).  Even when my knees are fine, I can walk much further and more comfortably with my poles.  Google Nordic Walking or pole walking to learn more about it as well as the benefits.

[Heybales]

Make different goals.

Who says you have to have step goals?

Go for VAM goals, and use a spin bike or exercise cycle, just keep the rpm or cadence between 85 - 95, so whatever tension allows that but still gets the HR and calorie burn up where you want it and can sustain for however much time you have.

Perhaps use the calorie burn from the machine when you manually log that.

[PatrBi]

You can always find a local pool and water walk - they might even offer water exercise classes and have knee friendly suggestions for modifications.  This is what my friends who have had knee replacements do and they get their steps in as well as the aerobic exercise.

Good luck finding the proper way for you to get your exercise and not annoy your knees.

[NewDawn]

You are not alone. Sorry to hear that you are in pain and have health issues; especially with your knees. My right knee is bad and I have a ton of other obstacles; could not walk for years. That being said; please don't give up your fight for better health. When I began I was frustrated with the 10k step goal until I found out I could set my number of steps manually on the tile to meet my goal; 3k is where it sits and due to set backs I have trouble reaching it. But like others have stated; walking in a pool is good, proper shoes are vital, steps are only one of the many ways that you can reach and rebuild your walking. Take it one step at a time and if you are doing your best then you are moving forward. Pacing yourself is most important. Do a little, rest, ice your knees after. I'm not a doctor so I won't advise you on other but your doctor may have great suggestions for you. Recumbent bikes are wonderful for folks like us. Feel free to friend me if you like and we can walk slowly and safely together. Keep on Keeping on... one step at a time. There is always a way to get around our obstacles in life. Frustration is common when we are already challenged with pain and issues before we start. Hang in there... love hugs smile dawn

[Zina57]

Thanks for your kind words Dawn.  I have scaled back the number of steps from 10,000 to 7,000 and many days I CAN reach this.  Unfortunately winter is coming and here in Manitoba I won't be able to reach that any more.  Pools aren't my thing and I don't have a treadmill so I'll have to get creative!  I'd be happy to add you as a friend but I'm new to this and I'm not sure how to do it!  Feel free to add me if you"re more savvy on this.

[Zina57]

I figured out how to send a friend request.  Accept or decline, which ever you want.

[NewDawn]

It is my pleasure to encourage and help others; I appreciate your challenges because sadly they are valid and make life more challenging that most. Surely we will be friends and it appears that you figured it out. I will indeed accept. Looking forward to getting to know you better; I believe that I too will benefit from you. Keep on Keeping on... slow and steady wins our race for quality of life. Talk with you soon.