Should knee problems keep you from getting certified?

[Jenius]

I suppose I should say hello to everyone since this is my first post. So hello

I have recently developed a strong interest in getting my OW certification...and I have been hopeful that my girlfriend would join me. She is interested, but concerned that her knee problems will keep her from being able to enjoy SCUBA. She swims regularly and doesn't typically experience pain while doing that, however she mentioned that she has experienced pain before while using fins (I think she was snorkeling?). Her problems are not chronic or serious but are brought on by a muscular imbalance in her quads. As long as she does certain exercises regularly she's fine. I was thinking about doing a "Discover SCUBA" class with her to see how her knees handle it. Anyone have thoughts/input? I know there are fins out there (Aeris Velocity?) that are easier on the legs, but I'm not sure how much easier. I'd love to hear thoughts, esp. from anyone who's done SCUBA with knee problems. And suggestions on specific fins would be helpful too.

 

[Doc]

but concerned that her knee problems will keep her from being able to enjoy SCUBA. She swims regularly and doesn't typically experience pain while doing that, however she mentioned that she has experienced pain before while using fins.Her problems are not chronic or serious but are brought on by a muscular imbalance in her quads. As long as she does certain exercises regularly she's fine. I was thinking about doing a "Discover SCUBA" class with her to see how her knees handle it. Anyone have thoughts/input? I know there are fins out there (Aeris Velocity?) that are easier on the legsQUOTE]

The main trick is to get the advice of a dive professional. Most divers bring leg problems upon themselves doing improper movements and kicks- very natural feeling, but very, very wrong. Sometimes these incorrect motions may simply be ineffective and energy wasting, but sometimes they can hurt you. Proper finning technique plays a great roll in not disturbing the bottom/sedimentation/reef, etc. as well.

Have her work with an experienced dive instructional pro- talk to them extensively and explain your problems and concerns, keep up the exercises- that seems positive! DO NOT pick one fin (generaly speaking) over another to resolve these concerns. The issues are much more basic.

 

[DavyJones]

Definatley talk to a Dive professional and a doctor who is familiar with diving to see how she can dive without damaging herself. The other day I was at a place called Dutch Springs in Pennsylvania and watched a man in a wheel chair roll down to the water, gear up and go diving. Judging by the way he left and returned to his chair it was obvious that both of his legs were completely inop. Now thats insperation

 

[TekDiveGirl]

You said she had problems with a certain pair of fins when snorling. My advice would be to try out different fins and see if that makes any difference.

When I started out I had major problems with the Quatros.
I had major pain in my ankle to the point I was literally in tears on my surface swim out. But I was determined. And I dove. I trading with a friend of mine and trying out his Volos and there was no pain. So the next day I went out and bought a pair of them.

Eventually I had to get other fins as the Volos couldn't push my double 104s but my new fins which were much stiffer than the VOlos (jets) don't hurt me so I guess everything eventually healed up and got stronger.

I too have terrible knees - 2 ACL reconstructions and have no problems diving.

I personally don't see why she should not be able to dive.

Good luck!

Kimber

 

[diversteve]

I'm a walking knee replacement candidate and I don't have any problems with it. With good buoyancy control, there shouldn't be a lot of strain on her knees while finning through the water. I use my hands more than other people to compensate slightly. For me getting back up the ladder onto the boat is the hardest part so I remove my BC in the water first. As far as fins, I'd say split-fins like the Tusa X-pert Zoom or similar might be better, they minimize the drag on the return stroke.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Jenius,

I would echo what the others have said. When I started diving in 1980 I had pair of Dacor Turbo II fins. Think hard rubber boards.

For the last several years I have been using the Twin Jets split fins from Scuba Pro and my wife uses the Tusa X-pert Zoom split fins.

They are much easier on our legs and I don't get any cramps like I used to with the old hard fins.

Last quarter we had 67 students signed up for Open Water through Rescue at the local university where we teach. I think it was the most popular elective on campus.

Cramps are common and you have to get use to slowing your kicking down but if your girlfriend can swim she should have no trouble mastering diving.

Good luck,

Jim
Louisiana

 

[ShakaZulu]

Sounds like you must get a new GF............

 

[asmith5]

With proper technique, I would think that using good fins in the water with neutral buoyancy and the proper technique would be less stress on the knees than walking on land and supporting the weight. My wife recently injured her knee and she has not had any problems with it in the water despite the fact that she limped around on land. Your first few dives will be in a pool and she should be able to decide if she can manage it before you do anything in the open water.

 

[jbd]

There are different finning techniques that can be used that may not aggravate her knee problems. Mastering bouyancy control and moving slowly, in a relaxed manner should help reduce problems.

I prefer the frog kick, but had a student last year with knee problems that did better with a modified flutter kick as used by cave and wreck divers.

Find an instructor that can teach the various finning techniques and can help her find the technique that works best for her.

 

[Scuba65]

Let's see i've had 3 knee operations on my left knee and will be having surgery on my right one next yr. sometime. I've been diving for over 12 yrs. with no problem. I have a problem where the knee cap comes out of place..sometimes after a few dives i will feel a bit of pain..but, not that it will stop me from diving ever.