Knee replacement surgery is a standard procedure designed to give your severely injured knee a new lease on life. But before recommending surgery, your orthopedic doctor will first exhaust conservative (nonsurgical) treatments to relieve your pain, such as physical therapy and medications.
Only when your body does not respond well to nonsurgical options will your doctor explore the possibility of surgery with you.
During knee replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged joint and replace it with prosthetic materials. About three to six weeks after the procedure, it might be possible to resume some of your daily activities and get back to work.
However, your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid participating in certain high-impact sports because they could undo what was done in the surgery. Let’s talk about what you can expect insofar as sports activities after knee surgery, and where you can go for an evaluation and treatment of your knee pain.
What Sports Should I Avoid After Knee Surgery?
After having knee replacement surgery, it’s best to stay away from performing activities that might throw your prosthetic implant out of alignment, such as:
- Jogging or running
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Handball
- Racquetball/squash
- Skiing
- Rock climbing
- Martial arts
The rough and repetitive motions of high-impact sports can wear down or twist your prosthetic implant, increasing the likelihood that you’ll need a revision surgery to repair the damage. After all, although prosthetics are made of highly durable bio-grade materials, they are not indestructible.
With normal care and maintenance as your doctor explains to you, most prosthetic knees can last up to 20 years or more.
What Sports Are Allowed After Knee Surgery?
Not all sports are prohibited after knee replacement surgery. Exercise is an essential component of the recovery process, and staying active also helps you stay in shape – which helps to prevent extra weight on your knees.
Talk to your surgeon about exercises that are recommended for you. If you enjoyed high-intensity workouts before the surgery, you’ll have to tone down your routine a bit to preserve your new knee. If you were a jogger before, become a power walker, swimmer, or bicyclist – or all three. Be creative!
Knee Doctor in Farmington Hills, Michigan
If you would like to find relief from your knee pain once and for all, visit the experts at Tri County Orthopedics. Dr. Homer Linard and Dr. Jack Lennox are board-certified orthopedic surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive procedures that are easier on the body as compared to traditional open surgeries, and even a full knee replacement can now be done using this outpatient method.
We are conveniently located in Farmington Hills in Metro Detroit. To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedists, call us today at (248) 474-5575 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to the active lifestyle you love!
