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knee replacement biking, walking

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danina

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Hello to all of you. I am a new kid on the block...just found this forum!!

I hope my question is appropriate for this forum...

I had a knee replacement done a year ago (waiting to have the other one done). The operation went very well. The only problem that I have is to go down the stairs. My question is a 2 part question. My doctor suggested that I loose a good 30-50 pounds before the other operation (Yes I am overweight!! and trying very hard to do something about it!!!)

I cannot walk more than 15 minutes, I get pain in both of my knees. My question is should I keep walking after 15 mnutes so my knees will be more flexible?

Other question: I was all excited, my husband bought me a new bike few days ago. Big disapointment! I can hardly pedal.... + a bit shaky should I keep trying ?

Any of you can bike after a knee replacement?Iif so how did you do the first time? Anyy suggestins would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

Have a nice day
Danina
 
Hi Danina,

#1 Check with your surgeon about your problems. If he is OK with the excerise, then go for it.

My surgery was 7 months ago, and the more I push the limits of my muscles, the more I can do. A little pain is normal until you get those muscles retrained. Pain to the point of tears is not normal (if you are past your inital physical therapy stage). I use a stationary bike at the gym and I am now able to walk several blocks.

Try walking 20 minutes for a few days and see if you improve. Then maybe up it to 25 minutes. If you can make the rotation on the bike, then by all means keep it up. You have to continue sending signals to your muscles for them to re-learn what they are suppose to do. That means you have to keep pushing the limits to keep improving.

What I see as your biggest stumbling block is the knee that has NOT been replaced yet. Pre-surgery, I could barely walk to my car much less for 15 minutes, but you may be in better shape than I was. If the option is available, you might join the "Y" or a gym with a pool for your excerise until you get the second knee replaced. Pools are fabulous for physical therapy.

Good luck,
Les
 
It's the pool I use for exercise as it's non weightbearing and supports me greatly. I run and walk in it-something I couldn't do to save my life, outside of the pool. All the time, you are trying to keep up bone density and muscle strength as the weaker the muscles become, the harder it is to walk. I need bilatertal knee surgery and am 46. My surgeon has told me to cycle if I can-can't though as the knees lock, I can't walk for more than 10 minutes. In pain, whether I'm sitting, lying or standing albeit it's much worse when weightbearing. I have lost 3 and a half stones over past six months with a healthy eating plan and going to the pool 3 times per week-I don't swim using my legs as it's too painful but I do exercises which helps to tone and strengthen me-so important for pre and post surgery. The surgeon wants me to lose another stone in 3 months which I'll do even though I'll need a will power like iron. I am clinically obese-244 pounds which I know doesn't help my knees but it's difficult to lose weight when you're so immobile isn't it? I would never push myself too much if the pain gets worse as I know from experience that when I overdid it, all I did was cause a flare up due to inflamed tendons etc but at the same time it's important to maintain good muscle stregth and prevent contractures. There's exercises you can do seated as well that can help burn calories. Listen to your body and learn from the good and bad experiences.
 
Remember that bone and cartilage can get inflamed and bruised as well. Many don't realise that. So the pain you get can often be from inflamed joint surface as much as from muscles and ligaments for which the best cure is rest, anti-inflammatories and icepacks.
 
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