Dear J., While I know your fear is your knees, since you say that when you leave them alone they don't hurt. Yet if you work out (15 minute low level setting elliptical) several days in a row, your knees tell you not to continue the next day. In addition, it is not uncommon for your knees or any joints to be more sensitive when you first get up or begin to move. Several factors are at work here. First off, when your joints are "cold" the fluid within the joint gets "thicker". The more you warm-up and move the more thin the liquid gets and lubricated the joint lining making movement easier and less painful. This speaks to the importance of easing into your day and particularly into any form of exercise. Numerous studies looking at exercise and the diseases and conditions you've listed have proven the benefits of movement and conditioning to the prevention and treatment of each condition. While diet plays a critical role (one which I will cover more in the future), exercise is an important component to improving your insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, body composition, etc. For the exercise component of your overall lifestyle program and with the orthopedic limitations in your lower extremities, you might consider beginning to gain fitness with an upper body ergometer, walking in a pool to limit the weight/stress on your knee joints, or riding a stationary bicycle (making sure you are properly fitted to remove any undue stress on your joints). Starting with as little as ten minutes will begin to stimulate the repair process. Then slowly add on to there. But do move your joints - even in your legs to prevent further deterioration. Remember - anywhere is the perfect place to begin. As long as the desire is there your body will respond. The movement will aid the delivery of nutrients essential for maintenance, repair, and growth in addition to the removal of waste products which build up over time and decrease function at the cellular level on up. Follow the post on this site for more on the various nutritional and exercise guidelines critical to regain your health and function. Diet and movement are two important keys. A third one, desire or motivation, you've got covered. It will get you, and keep you, going. | 
