Knee pain from an elliptical?

[Anonymous]

I've been using the elliptical 4-5 days a week for 45-60 minutes at a time. I've had some minor knee pain this week, which I have never experienced before - even after running outside on concrete a few days a week.

Am I doing something wrong? I thought ellipticals were supposed to be easier on your body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous,

I'd have to hear more details, but often times knee pain can be related to over-developed/worked quads (outside) relative to the inner part of your thighs. I'm wondering if 45-60 min 4-5x/wk might be causing this?

Also, we work where we excel and avoid our weaknesses. I might suggest mixing it up a bit, both for fun and to work muscles "you never knew you had."

Mike C.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anonymous,

I'd have to hear more details, but often times knee pain can be related to over-developed/worked quads (outside) relative to the inner part of your thighs. I'm wondering if 45-60 min 4-5x/wk might be causing this?

Also, we work where we excel and avoid our weaknesses. I might suggest mixing it up a bit, both for fun and to work muscles "you never knew you had."

Mike C.

OP here. Thanks for the tips.

[Anonymous]

Ellipticals have different stride lengths. You may be using one that forces you into a stride that is not natural for you.

[Anonymous]

My knees and feet hurt from the elliptical. It helps to go in reverse throughout the workout and to change the direction of your feet (slightly inwards or outwards).

[Anonymous]

I've found some ellipticals to be great (not hurt my knees), but there is one in our fitness center that my knees hurt within minutes.

[Anonymous]

Could also be unrelated to the elliptical. Just a knee injury (e.g., cartilage tear) whose time has come.

I have had two knee surgeries and use the elliptical because I no longer want to subject my knees to the pounding you get from running. Have not had problems with my knees.

Of course, there are so many reasons why your knees could be hurting. You'll probably have to have someone look at it.

[Anonymous]

do you stretch at all?

[Anonymous]

try the arc trainer. "smoother" than your average elliptical. also, maybe decrease the resistance and try instead to increase your number of strides.

[Anonymous]

I have the same pain in the inner knees. I started doing the elliptical recently too. I do it for an half hour with 10 and 2 resistance.