Knee replacement surgery can affect your routine activities. You may have decided on a knee replacement due to pain and difficulty with walking. Daily activities and other leisure activities, such as bowling, can be done after knee replacement. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that about 581,000 knee replacements are done in the U.S. each year.
Function of Knee
Your knee is a large joint in your body. You need this joint to accomplish many daily tasks. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your knee joint has three bones. It has the femur, which is the large bone in your upper leg It also has your tibia, which is the top of your shin bone and the patella, which is your kneecap. These bones are connected by large ligaments. You also have cartilage, which helps your knee joint to move smoothly. Your knee has a special fluid that helps decrease friction in your knee.
Concerns About Knee
AAOS states that numerous factors can cause damage to your knee. Arthritis and acute knee injuries can cause pain and swelling in the joint. You may experience stiffness and find that accomplishing your normal activities is more challenging. Even leisure activities, including bowling, golf or other active hobbies, can be affected. You may consider a knee replacement surgery.
Considerations of Knee Replacement Surgery
The National Institutes of Health state that when a total knee replacement is done, damaged cartilage and bone from your knee joint is removed and a metal and plastic man-made part replaces it. Some higher-impact sports and other activities may be affected by this surgery. MayoClinic.com states that three to six weeks after your knee replacement, you can usually return to most daily activities. After that recovery period, activities that include walking, swimming, golfing and bowling can begin again.
Effects of Surgery on Activities
In an article from the National Institutes of Health, suggested sports after having knee surgery include, "sailing, swimming laps, scuba diving, cycling, golfing and bowling." The Stone Clinic in California states that it is imperative to return to an active lifestyle after knee replacement surgery. Activities are discouraged however after surgery. These include any activities that could cause a fall or fracture of the bones around your knee joint. Activities such as tennis, aerobics and contact sports should be avoided. Lower-impact sports such as walking, biking and bowling are among the many activities encouraged by the Stone Clinic to its patients.
Warning
Your knee is a complex joint in your body and many of your daily activities are affected by its functionality. While many reliable sources suggest bowling as an excellent activity following recovery from knee replacement surgery, you should always talk to your physician or surgeon regarding this and other activities you consider.
