Facing the prospect of knee surgery can be daunting. Especially if you’re sport orientated. Initially, directly following a knee joint replacement, expect a loss of energy for 6 -12 weeks and to be using crutches for the same amount of time. Then you will have swelling for some time thereafter. Eventually, you can return to sport though. So just allow yourself to heal before taking on anything too strenuous.
Sports you can do following a knee surgery
The thought of not being able to return to your chosen sport for some time can be confronting. At Lane J Medical, we’re here to tell you the good news! Knee replacement surgery doesn’t prohibit you from all sports. You can still enjoy low-impact activities that don’t heavily pressure your new joint like:
⦁ Sailing
⦁ Swimming
⦁ Scuba diving
⦁ Cycling
⦁ Golfing
⦁ Bowling
While your return to sport after knee surgery does need to be gentle and monitored closely, there are a few sports that need to be avoided during the healing process.
Sports to avoid after knee surgery
⦁ Running and running-based sports: Unfortunately, if you enjoy running, you will likely have to give it up or reduce its frequency and intensity significantly. Once you get a knee replacement, running is a no-go since the repeated stress on your knee increases the risk of injury.
⦁ Skiing: The high probability of falling down the slopes can cause immense stress on your implant, so it’s best to avoid alpine skiing and waterskiing.
⦁ Contact Sports: High-contact sports like football, hockey, soccer, and martial arts are discouraged since they feature rough motions that can loosen and wear down your implants.
Set up an exercise program that suits your needs
Following your knee surgery, it’s crucial that you set up an exercise program that allows you to regain your physical ability after surgery but keeps you within your required limits. Staying active is key in keeping your joints healthy and preventing blood clots from forming. Your physical therapist can craft a personalised exercise plan that includes stretching, strengthening, and flexibility exercises. Over time, you can add new exercises depending on your rehabilitation needs.
Tips to speeding up recovery after knee surgery
While most of us are keen to jump right back into physical exercise as soon as we feel able to do so, there are a few things you can do to speed up the recovery process following knee surgery, so you don’t do more damage down the track:
⦁ Follow all physician recommendations. You should always heed all of your surgeon’s instructions and advice
⦁ Take frequent walks once you’re allowed
⦁ Eat healthy foods so your body recovers quickly
⦁ Get plenty of sleep for the exact same reason. This will speed up the recovery process, giving your body time to heal and replenish
⦁ Do physical and occupational therapy exercises
Are you ready to book in and see a specialist?
At Lane J Medical, our lower limb orthopaedic specialist understands that issues that affect the legs, knees and hips can have an enormous impact on your daily life. That’s why we take a compassionate approach to your needs. At his private practice in the Greenslopes Specialists Centre, Dr Lane will listen to your concerns and personalise a treatment plan, explaining each step in a proficient and easy to understand manner. Find out more online. Or give our friendly team members a call on (07) 33 94 4228.