Know your limitations
If you have any doubts, use common sense when playing sports on your new knee implants. The greater the impact from sports, the higher the risk of damage to your implants. Your ability to return to sports will be affected by your general health. The healthier you are, the more likely you are to return to playing sports after surgery. Many people who participated in high-impact sports prior to a total knee replacement are able to resume medium to low-impact sports after surgery.
Level of Activity
Total knee replacements are the best way to continue to maintain an active lifestyle. Below are some recommendations for different activities:
Low-impact sports – There are no limitations with low-impact activities.
Intermediate-impact sports – If you have prior experience, you may resume these activities.
High-impact sports – High impact sports are more likely to lead to wear-and-tear on your knee implants.
Be Active! Sports You can Play after a Knee Replacement
We want you to continue to be active after your total knee replacement. There is no doubt that a continued active lifestyle leads to better health and personal satisfaction. Most hip and knee doctors recommend that you can continue to play sports such as the following:
- Swimming – A great way to exercise without putting stress on your artificial knee. Most patients can resume swimming once the incision over their knee replacement has healed
- Cycling – Excellent way to regain strength after a total knee replacement. Begin by pedaling backward on a stationary bike while you gradually regain strength in your knee before progressing to regular biking
- Weight lifting – A great way to build strength and minimize pain. Use appropriate weights and consider the advice of a physical therapist or personal trainer.
- Elliptical machines – An excellent substitute for running as you can move faster than walking without the impact of jogging.
- Walking – Low impact activity. Start with shorter, smaller steps as you work you way up to longer distances
- Downhill skiing or surfing – If you have previous experience in this area, you may resume water and winter sports. Be cautious and avoid extreme sports.
- Yoga – Great way to improve the flexibility and health of the knee. There may be limitations.
- Calisthenics – Many gyms offer calisthenic classes. Avoid high-impact exercises.
- Golf – Excellent way to get your walking miles in and exercise your upper and lower body. Spend time warming up at the driving range and consider using a golf cart when going out.
- Doubles tennis – Much less requirement for movement compared to singles tennis. Avoid high impact running.
Higher impact activities that you may want to avoid include: running, basketball, jogging, soccer, football, power-lifting, and skydiving.
The above discussed recommendations are in alignment with those of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. If in doubt regarding activities you would like to resume – schedule an appointment with Dr. Morton.
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