AAOS OrthoInfo’s page on cross training says that if you do become injured, you usually will not have to give up your entire fitness program or interrupt your training routine [1]. Its cross training page says to talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise program [1].
AAOS OrthoInfo’s page on cross training says that if you do become injured: “You may be able to modify or substitute activities, based on your doctor’s suggestions.” [1]
- What is aerobic exercise?
- Can I keep exercising with an injury?
- Which exercise options do sources name for specific conditions?
- When is urgent help needed?
- What should I do next?
What is aerobic exercise?
When you exercise aerobically, you move continuously to increase your heart rate [2].
Aerobic exercise improves the health of your heart, lungs, and vascular system [2].
Can I keep exercising with an injury?
AAOS OrthoInfo’s page on sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries says: “Fatigue and pain are good reasons not to exercise.” [3]
AAOS OrthoInfo’s page on cross training says that if you do become injured, you usually will not have to give up your entire fitness program or interrupt your training routine [1]. Under its heading on how to cross train, the same page says: “Before beginning a new exercise program, talk to your doctor and make sure that it is safe for you to participate.” [1] That line is about starting a new program.
Which exercise options do sources name for specific conditions?
What do sources say about pain around the kneecap?
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the patella, or kneecap [4].
For patellofemoral pain syndrome, the AAOS says to stop doing the activities that make your knee hurt until your pain goes away. It says this may mean changing your training routine, or switching to low-impact activities – such as riding a stationary bike, using an elliptical machine, or swimming – that will place less stress on your knee joint [4]. It also says: “If your pain persists or it becomes more difficult to move your knee, contact your doctor for a thorough evaluation.” [4]
What do sources say about Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that occurs when the large tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg becomes irritated and inflamed [5].
For Achilles tendinitis, the AAOS says the first step in reducing pain is to decrease or even stop the activities that make the pain worse, and that cross-training activities such as biking, elliptical exercise, and swimming are low-impact options to help you stay active [5]. It also says: “See your doctor immediately if you think you may have torn your tendon.” [5]
What do sources say about plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia) [6].
For plantar fasciitis, the NHS lists, among things a GP will usually suggest you try, exercises that do not put pressure on your feet, such as swimming [6]. Among other reasons, it says to see a GP if your foot pain has not improved after treating it yourself for 2 weeks [6].
What do sources say about shin splints?
Shin splints happen when you’ve put too much stress on your leg [7].
For shin splints, the NHS says to switch to gentle exercise such as yoga or swimming while healing [7]. It also says not to continue doing the exercise that caused your shin splints, and not to rush back into exercise at the level you were at but to build your exercise routine back up slowly [7]. It says to see a GP if you’ve tried things to help with shin splints but the pain is getting worse or it’s not getting better [7].
The NHS wording used here for plantar fasciitis and shin splints does not use the term “low-impact”; the options above are as the NHS words them.
When is urgent help needed?
The list below covers the signs that should not wait for a routine appointment.
What should I do next?
If an injury is not settling, or you are unsure whether exercise is safe for you, an assessment is a sensible next step. The assessment brings together the patient’s story, an examination and any tests that help, so that the patient and the surgeon can decide together. It looks at the structure involved, the patient as a whole person and the goal they want to return to. An appointment supports an informed decision. It is not a commitment to surgery.
- Read about the Knee Hub.
- Read about ankle sprains.
- Read about Achilles tendinitis.
- Read about sports injuries.
This page provides general information and cannot diagnose an individual condition. OrthoKinetics does not provide emergency or urgent care through this webpage or its WhatsApp contact.
References
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Cross Training. https://www.orthoinfo.org/staying-healthy/cross-training (accessed 5 October 2026).
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Starting an Exercise Program. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/starting-an-exercise-program (accessed 5 October 2026).
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Sprains, Strains & Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries (accessed 5 October 2026).
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases–conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome (accessed 5 October 2026).
- AAOS OrthoInfo. Achilles Tendinitis. https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases–conditions/achilles-tendinitis (accessed 5 October 2026).
- NHS. Plantar fasciitis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/ (accessed 5 October 2026).
- NHS. Shin splints. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shin-splints/ (accessed 5 October 2026).
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