Knee joint replacement surgery involves inserting a strong, durable implant to replace a diseased or injured knee joint. While a knee replacement procedure can relieve pain, past knee replacement implants did not allow for the same range of motion or weight-bearing abilities as the knee joint itself, making it necessary to use caution when engaging in activities that may loosen or increase wear on the replacement. However, advances in joint replacements have increased your ability to participate in sports. Always check with your physician before beginning an exercise program to ensure your joint replacement and knee has healed enough to begin activity.
Step 1
Practice passive exercise motions just after your surgery to encourage blood circulation and prevent blood clots from developing in your legs. Examples include pointing and flexing your feet, and moving your ankles up and down every hour to encourage blood flow. Continue this for three to seven days or as recommended by your physician.
Step 2
Perform prescribed physical therapy exercises for at least two months following surgery. Although seemingly simple, like straightening and bending the leg, these exercises are necessary to reclaim your range of motion, which is ultimately necessary to resume sports activities.
Step 3
Ride a bicycle regularly to build muscle tone and keep your new knee joint flexible. This exercise can be a bridge to returning to sports after your joint replacement surgery. As you increase in your cycling abilities, work toward bending and extending the leg as much as possible. Swimming and walking are other activities you may employ to improve range of motion while reducing impact.
Step 4
Perform weightlifting activities that strengthen the knee -- but do not lift more than 40 lbs., recommends the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Examples include leg extensions or squats with a dumbbell in each hand. These exercises strengthen the muscles around your joints, helping to support the knee for your chosen sport.
Step 5
Discuss returning to your sport with your physician. Ask about and evaluate risks before returning to a sport as well as any modifications that should be made to return. Examples include new athletic shoes or a supportive knee brace. Begin your return to your chosen sport slowly. If you play golf, play just a few holes until your knee starts to feel stronger.
Tips and Warnings
- Before you undergo knee replacement, it is a good idea to exercise and mobilize the joint as much as possible. Exercises to build strength in your quadriceps -- the muscles in the front of your legs -- can improve your functionality after knee replacement surgery.
- Although you can return to many sports following knee replacement surgery, contact sports like football and baseball may not be recommended, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This is not because your new knee joint cannot support the pressure, but instead is because you increase your knee injury risk by playing these sports.
References
- Arthritis Today: Knee Replacement Not Harmed by Most Sports
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Activities after a Knee Replacement
- Center for Orthopaedics: A Return to Full Function
- Phys Weekly Archives: Returning to Sports After Joint Replacements
- Total Knee and Sports: Stresses on Your New Knee Joints
