Okay, now I'm scared. I often take short walks at work throughout the day

[Deja Q]

4 or 5 trips, once every 2 hours or so. Each is 5 minutes.

I also walk to and from work (about 5 minutes each way)

Until a few weeks ago when I noticed real pain in my muscles and knee joints, I semi-regularly used my ellpitcal trainer too. (the pain started a few days after using the stairs one time too many and collapsed in the stairwell.)

The knee pain finally having gone, I tried the trainer again. I lasted 7 minutes before feeling leg muscle pain, which has yet to subside (it's been 2 hours).

I do have congenital leg problems (underdeveloped muscles, et al).

I am also 15 pounds overweight (3 years ago I used to be 40 pounds overweight) and am working on fat reduction via diet and as much exercise I can tolerate.

What else can I do, and how long before I can get rid of the pain so I can really use the machines for proper lengths of time (15 minutes minimum).

Unrelated, I am doing more upper body exercises and HAVE noticed some success. Lifting battery backup devices has never been easier. (they make wonderful, expensive weights too). But I'm not getting anywhere with my legs. Or so it seems.

I am taking protein and amino acid supplements, in hope they will accelerate muscle repair along with my exercise. I'm only 34 (and a half).

I told my shrink, who told me to see my main doc. I told my main doc who told me to go see the shrink. I love feeling like a yo-yo :sarcasm:

Thanks for any input you can provide.

[WolverineDG]

1. Glucosamine Chondrotin + MSM

I'm not at home, so I can't look at my bottle, but if you are having pain in your knee joints, I recommend the above. Supposed to be for building connective tissues as well as joint support. Most references say you'll notice results after several weeks, but I got relief within DAYS of starting to take this stuff. :) I'll check out the bottle I have at home tomorrow & give you more details in on it.

dg

[WolverineDG]

2. ok, I'm home now

The bottle I have is by Natrol, Glucosamine Chondroting & MSM. Says it "supports joint health & comfort." Says to consult your physician before starting use (always a good way to start). 1 pill, 3X a day with a meal.

dg

[soleft]

3. I had knee pain and didn't go to doc for months

I thought it was because I was overweight - finally went to the doctor and found out I had a torn meniscus (cartiledge) -

If I had gone sooner I might have avoided surgery and avoided further damage.

If you're still having joint pain - see an orthopoedist ASAP.

As for muscle pain, do strength training every other day, stretch, ice, massage, advil.

[Lost-in-FL]

4. Where in the leg is your pain?

Lower leg, knee or upper leg?

You can do push ups (in your knees if you aren't used to doing the military type or even "wall" push ups http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2005/08/01/VI2005080100611.html) for cardio and alternating with crunches http://web.utk.edu/~dwalke13/weightlifting/crunches.html as an alternative to the elliptical until you get better from your leg problem. I don't know on what level of fitness you are but you could do what I call "Pyramids". You start with 10 push ups and 10 crunches with no rest in between until a count on one. 10 push ups and 10 crunches, then 9 push ups and 9 crunches, then 8 push up and 8 crunches and so on ...

Also, you could get one of those exercise balls. Believe it or not, you have a great range of exercises you can do with those. And they aren't expensive if you consider all the exercises you can do with them.

http://www.resistaball.com/articles/RAB_insert.pdf