Sore ankles/knees after walking

[ChunkyDuck]

Hi, new member here, just wondering if anyone here is/has been obese and found that their knees and ankles started causing them a lot of pain after walking about a mile? Is it a common issue or does it usually mean that something's not quite right? I don't like to waste Doctors time over nothing, so was hoping to hear some peoples experience with joint pain. Many thanks!

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, ChunkyDuck

I think you'll find that most of us that were carrying extra weight experienced problems with our joints, which losing the excess then rectified, or at least improved.

All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... and I hope you'll be joining all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially a weigh-in and the daily diary.

We've found active participation to be key to successful weight loss and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.

Wishing you all the best

[ChunkyDuck in reply to moreless]

Thank you, that's a big relief to hear - I looked it up online first and got a bit worried when I couldn't find anything about it.

I'll check those diaries out now, thank you

[SewMore]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

An admin will be along later to introduce the site to you.

I’m not qualified to answer anything medically so I can just share personal experience.

Is walking a mile something completely new for you? Are hills, stairs along the way? Perhaps begin with aqua fit or swimming instead? Or try shorter distances and build up your distance gradually. It also isn’t necessary to exercise to lose weight, if you think you’d rather lose some weight first and see if that helps.

I always hated walking and complained about sore feet, since I was a teenager. Finally in my late 30s it was pointed out to me I have quite flat feet. After getting insoles prescribed to correct this, and in sensible shoes (like trainers) I can now walk with no pain. It does take time to build up stamina for flights of stairs etc.

Cheers,

Sarah

[ChunkyDuck in reply to SewMore]

Thank you

I've always walked everywhere, which I think is the part that's confusing me. I don't drive, so if a distance is less than about 4 miles I'd rather walk than faff around waiting for busses. I started gaining weight about 2 years ago, but it's only the past few months that it's been happening.

It is a lot worse after walking home, which does have a couple of very steep hills now that you mention it. It's also worse on days I've been wearing my Vans shoes, so I might look into some kind of supportive insert.

I may just lay off walking for a while and focus on diet and swimming, you've given me some very good ideas, thank you!

[Subtle_badger in reply to ChunkyDuck]

Walking is important to everyone's health. If the pain is bad enough to make you stop doing it, then you are not wasting the doctors time. Better to see them now than in 5 years time when you have a life threatening condition brought on by inactivity.

That being said, you may not be able to see your GP about this sort of thing until after the pandemic is over. So in the meantime, maybe cut down. Also, maybe look at proper hiking shoes. They have ankle support, etc. A mountaineer carrying everything needed for an assault on K2 would be putting a lot more stress on their joints than you are. Maybe their shoes would help you.

[SewMore in reply to Subtle_badger]

Yes, even trail hiking shoes for summer as opposed to Rocky Mountains have good support. I’ve found Decathlon has good prices on ownbrand stuff like that. decathlon.co.uk/C-825607-wo...

[SewMore in reply to ChunkyDuck]

Hello,

Ok, I would say Vans are definitely the problem- any regular shoe or trainer with some arch support is better than Vans or Converse that are totally flat inside. My friend is convinced totally damaged her feet wearing flip flops the whole summer. Look inside the shoe for some support- trainers like ASICS etc. have more than VANS....

Cheers,

Sarah

[ChunkyDuck in reply to SewMore]

Thank you Sarah, everything you've suggested hadn't even crossed my mind but seems so obvious now you've said it!

I'll be buying some new shoes first chance I get tomorrow, and will post an update further down the line.

Thank you

[makemepainfree]

what I use is freeze spray from pound shop it doesn't cure it but helps with pain temporary

[ChunkyDuck in reply to makemepainfree]

I've never heard of that, how does it work?

[makemepainfree in reply to ChunkyDuck]

Its i a can you just spay affected area and gives some relief

[Hidden]

I’m not obese but I know that the weight can put excess strain on your joints it can also cause arthritis. It might help if you got some pain killers as you try to increase your walking. The thing is walking cardio is good for weight loss weight training is good for muscle growth. You might want to try to walk at the local pool once this virus has slowed down as it’s easier on your joints & you get resistance training from the water. Maybe buy some voltarin rub for the joint pain