Need desperate help with legs.

Basically here' s the challenge: my knees are in rough shape, had surgery on the one, pressing movements are just killer such as squats and not so much but leg press. Recently I' ve been doing about 6 sets per leg of leg extensions (single legged) 12 reps holding at the peak at 15lbs (anything higher and it' s killer), I feel next workout I' ll possibly be moving up to 22.5lbs, in addition I do my calve routine. I don' t do any hamstring work because that is part of my knee problem, they are overpowering my quads. I could try doing some light leg presses in addition to the leg extensions. Like what kinda rep scheme and set range should I be doing here since basically I' m limited to these 2 motions? Unless you can think of another one I' m missing. Thanks everyone.

Have you tried walking lunges? I would give leg presses a try. At the moment since you are doing such light weights because of the possible pain, I' d stick with higher reps. So that you can rehabilitate the surrounding joints. No need to go nuts and pile on the weight yet.

Lunges, leg press and such will help overall leg development. I' ve had issues with leg extensions. Seems to put a lot of stress on the knee joint. And if that is where you have the most pain, maybe lay off that movement for a bit and try the others.

It also depends on when you had the surgery. It might be best to lay off all leg movements until the joint is healed. Maybe use no weights and trying walking to help with mobility. No need to hinder the healing process.

Regards,

-J