Have you ever tried the supplement Glucosamine/ Chondroitin? This is a fancy term for shark cartilage supplements. It is supposed to help prevent further degeneration of joints, mainly knees and shoulders. When I used to play tennis actively, I took this supplement all the time. Now that I am doing HIIT running, I probably should get back on the supplement since I can feel the affects of this type of training. http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsWho/0,3923,4055|Glucosamine,00.html
Macalu for you man... Chondromalacia occurs when there is a muscular imabalance occuring (from your overuse). Multiple factors that may contribute are due to your knee's inability to properly track (over the large toe) during flexion. When you improperly track, there is an increased pressure inside the knee cap. Stregthening the quadriceps group may help reduce the amount of stress placed on the kneecap/patella. The type of squat and how deep you go will also dictate how much strain you put on that joint. I suggest trying ball squats and emphsize pelvic stability by maintaining gluteal contraction throughout the movement. Also, try working in the water(aquatics) to prevent any load on your knees.
Some good suggestions particularly hydrating well before, during and after exercise. As others have pointed out rest is very important because if you keep working out on damaged muscles or joints they only get worse. Of course though having not worked out much there is a certain amount of stress you have to put on your muscles to get them into shape. A good way to differentiate between just general soreness from being out of shape with an injury is if the pain is sharp and localized you likely have an injury vs. a general stiffness. Alternating days of heavy and light runs or walks is probably a good way of continuing to improve your condition with resting. When and how to stretch has been changing and the latest information I've been told is not to do cold stretches before working out but to do body movements that warm up the body while gradually loosening, such as knee lifts. After working out is the best time to stretch. Good nutrition is very important and if you're working out its important to get a fair amount of protein to help build and repair muscles. Also getting a good night's sleep helps to repair muscles.
That guy must have the record for the most squats. I sat there and watched him for 30 minutes and he just kept going.
Isn't it you have crawl before you can walk...Anywho, just soak in a jacuzzi...suck it up, no pain no gain...
Actually this supplement is sold at a lot of places. You can get some it it cheaply at Sam's or Costco even.
