Can I Run After Knee Replacement

Conventional advice is to avoid high impact activities after a total knee replacement. This would include running, jogging, and other high impact sports. The concern is the increased wear and tear on the new knee will cause it to wear out sooner or possibly even fail.

Why should I avoid running after a knee replacement?

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons advises against running and states “Excessive activity or weight may speed up this normal wear and may cause the knee replacement to loosen and become painful. Therefore, most surgeons advise against high-impact activities such as running, jogging, jumping, or other high-impact sports for the rest of your life after surgery.”

Additional factors to consider however:

Past fitness levels and exercise history 
Body size of the individual
Prior participation in the sport or activity
Strength levels
Bone health and tissue healing
Age of the individual
Comorbidities and medical complexities
Psychosocial benefits of these activities
Risk of other health factors that may decline without performing this activity

* Recommendation: when possible, consult with your surgeon and rehabilitation team to determine what is the best solution for YOU based on the factors mentioned about. This is a complex question and requires extensive investigation into the benefits and possible risks associated with  your activity.

Do you know if your knee is cemented or cementless?

In this interview below, Dr. James D Abbott, MD discusses the two fixation types and some benefits and risks associated with each. 

He mentions that a press fit cementless fixation implant may be a better choice for active adults who plan to return to sport or higher impact activities.

A cemented fixation device may be better for those patients who need a quicker recovery because as soon as the cement hardens in the operating room the implant is as secure as it will ever get.

To learn more watch the full interview on YouTube –

What are some alternatives to jogging?

4 of the most common alternatives to jogging include:

1.) An elliptical / crosstrainer / stair master.

These machines provide weight bearing exercise and increased metabolic demand, but minimize impact due to the fact that your foot never breaks contact with the pedals.

As a recreational jogger myself, I admit that none of these devices will replace the feeling and satisfaction I receive from a good 3 mile job, but if push came to shove and I was forced to choose, this would me my choice.

2.) A stationary bike – An upright bike, fan bike, recumbent bike, or spinning bike can all produce an intense cardiovascular workout for anyone at any fitness level. With the new Pelaton bikes and other similar services you can find what you are looking for.

3.) Water based conditioning can be a phenomenal change of pace. If you want to start swimming 

4.) Budget pedaler – This is a small, light weight pedal device that may be placed infront of a chair. The device is usually priced at less than $50. This device is often used for the lower body while sitting and the upper body while standing.

* Recommendation: when choosing any piece of exercise equipment the most important consideration is use… ‘Will You Use It?’

Buy something you will use. Buy something you will enjoy. Buy something that will improve your quality of life. 

Can I Jump Rope After A Total Knee Replacement?

Just as with running and jogging, it depends.

I have been an avid CrossFit member for over 6 years now. In my class several members have undergone a total knee replacement.

Jump rope is a common part of CrossFit and other workout programs. When done properly and with the guidance of your surgeon or physical therapist, jump rope may be a great exercise after a total knee replacement.

Consider the variables below and talk to your physical therapist before jumping rope:

1.) Body size – larger bodies are required to absorb more impact.

2.) Training history – a person who has been using jump rope as a trainning stimulus will be far more likely to return to jump rope after surgery.

3.) Age, strength, and other factors – in my clinic I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 28 to 82 who have received total knee replacements.

What if I cannot complete a full revolution on the pedals?

This video shares a simple strategy to start using a recumbent bike even if your knee flexion is limited.

* Recommendation: Unhook the strap on the pedal of your surgical side leg. Position your heel on the pedal on your surgical side leg while placing the ball of the foot on the center of the pedal on your non-surgical leg. Gently rock the pedals back and forth until you are able to complete a full revolution. Repeat the as the knee motion improves and move your seat slowly forward as tolerated.

What can I do to relax my thigh muscle?

A common report from patients is that the thigh muscle, the quadriceps, will tighten up as soon as they try to complete a full revolution on a bike.

That can happen for several reasons, but the most common is due to the body’s natrual protective response. When something hurts or has the potential to hurt our body will tighten the muscles around a joint to prevent movement and prepare for pain.

One way to reduce this response is to massage the muscle. My favorite is a rolling pin massage. In this video you can see how a simple rolling pin from the kitchen will reduce pain, reduce guarding, and improve tissue mobility.