Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a life-changing procedure for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain and limited mobility due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or injury.

It involves replacing the damaged parts of the knee joint with prosthetic components, providing significant relief from pain and improving function.

But for many patients, especially those who have been active in sports or physical activities, a critical question arises post-surgery: Will I be able to return to an active lifestyle?

In this blog, Mykare Health will explore the possibilities of returning to sports after knee replacement surgery, the factors that influence the ability to do so, and the steps that can help ensure a safe and effective transition back to physical activity.

The Recovery Journey After Knee Replacement

Before diving into the specific aspects of returning to sports, it’s important to understand the recovery process after knee replacement.

The surgery itself is typically followed by several months of rehabilitation aimed at restoring strength, mobility, and flexibility to the knee joint. During the early stages of recovery, the focus is on

• Pain Management: Immediately following surgery, managing pain is a priority. Medications and physical therapy are prescribed to help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Range of Motion: Gaining full extension and flexion of the knee is a key goal. Physical therapy helps patients gradually improve their ability to bend and straighten the knee.

• Strength Building: Muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, may have weakened prior to surgery due to chronic pain. Rebuilding strength in these muscles is crucial for stabilising the knee and preventing further injury.

• Walking and Weight-Bearing: Initially, patients may need assistive devices like crutches or a walker, but within a few weeks, they begin to walk on their own, slowly progressing to more weight-bearing activities.

The typical recovery period for knee replacement surgery ranges from six weeks to six months, but it can take up to a year for full recovery. Once healing is well underway, many patients are eager to resume their normal activities, and this often includes sports.

Returning to Sports After Knee Replacement: What to Expect

Whether or not a person can return to sports after knee replacement largely depends on a variety of factors, including the type of sport, the individual’s physical condition, and the quality of the knee replacement.

• Type of Sport: High-impact sports, such as running, football, or basketball, are more challenging to return to after knee replacement due to the stress they place on the new joint. These sports can cause excessive wear on the prosthetic components and increase the risk of injury. On the other hand, low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking are generally safer and often recommended for knee replacement patients.

• Quality of the Surgery: A well-executed knee replacement surgery, performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, increases the likelihood of a successful return to activity. Factors such as proper alignment of the prosthesis, preservation of surrounding soft tissues, and optimal rehabilitation all contribute to the quality of the recovery.

• Age and Health of the Patient: Younger and more physically active patients tend to have better outcomes when returning to sports after knee replacement. Older patients, particularly those with comorbid conditions like obesity or diabetes, may face additional challenges in regaining pre-surgery activity levels.

• Rehabilitation Commitment: The extent to which a patient commits to their rehabilitation program plays a crucial role in their recovery. Adherence to physical therapy exercises and a gradual progression of activity can help optimise outcomes and reduce the risk of complications when returning to sports.

What Are the Best Sports for Knee Replacement Patients?

For most people who have had knee replacement surgery, the goal is not necessarily to return to competitive sports, but to engage in physical activities that improve quality of life, boost cardiovascular health, and maintain overall fitness.

Some sports are more compatible with knee replacement than others. Below are examples of activities that are typically recommended for individuals after knee replacement surgery

• Swimming and Water Aerobics: Swimming is an excellent low-impact sport that helps improve cardiovascular health without placing excessive stress on the knee joint. Water aerobics can also be beneficial, as the buoyancy of the water reduces the risk of joint stress while providing resistance for strength training.

• Cycling: Cycling, especially on a stationary bike or a flat outdoor route, is a great low-impact exercise that helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee. It also promotes joint flexibility without the high impact forces that come with running.

• Walking: While walking may not be considered a "sport" in the traditional sense, it is one of the most accessible and beneficial activities for knee replacement patients. Walking on soft surfaces like grass or a treadmill can help improve endurance and overall fitness without putting excessive strain on the knee.

• Golf: Golf is another low-impact activity that is often suitable for knee replacement patients. It involves walking, mild stretching, and the occasional twisting motion during swings, all of which can be done without overloading the knee joint.

• Tennis or Pickleball: For those who are interested in returning to a sport with a little more movement and agility, tennis or pickleball may be an option. These sports involve moderate lateral movement, but the impact on the knee is generally lower than high-impact sports. Many knee replacement patients can resume these activities after appropriate rehabilitation.

• Yoga or Pilates: Yoga and Pilates help improve flexibility, strength, and balance, which are all important for supporting knee function after replacement surgery. Gentle forms of yoga, such as Hatha or Iyengar, can be particularly beneficial in promoting joint mobility and stability.

What Sports Should Be Avoided?

There are certain sports and activities that are more likely to result in complications or long-term wear and tear on the knee joint after replacement surgery. These include

• Running and Jogging: While some knee replacement patients may be able to return to jogging in the future, high-impact activities like running can place a lot of stress on the artificial knee joint. This can lead to premature wear of the prosthesis, as well as increase the risk of injury.

• Football and Basketball: Contact sports like football and basketball involve sudden stops, pivoting, and physical collisions that can put undue stress on the knee joint. The risk of injury is higher in these sports, and the movements involved may cause damage to the artificial components of the knee.

• Skiing: While some patients may be able to return to recreational skiing, the fast-paced nature of the sport, combined with the risk of falls and twists, makes it a risky activity for most knee replacement patients.

• High-Impact Aerobics: Activities such as high-intensity aerobics or jumping exercises are generally not recommended after knee replacement surgery due to the repetitive pounding on the knee joint.

Precautions and Tips for Returning to Sports

If you are considering returning to sports or physical activity after knee replacement, there are several important precautions and tips to keep in mind:

1. Consult with Your Doctor: Before resuming any physical activity, it is crucial to discuss your plans with your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist. They can assess your recovery and provide personalised advice on what types of sports are safe for you.

2. Gradual Progression: It is important to gradually reintroduce activities. Start with lower-impact activities like swimming or cycling, and progressively increase intensity and duration over time. Avoid pushing yourself too hard in the early stages.

3. Use Supportive Equipment: Depending on the sport, it may be beneficial to use knee supports, braces, or orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide additional stability and protection for your knee.

4. Monitor for Pain or Discomfort: Pay attention to any signs of pain, swelling, or discomfort during or after exercise. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that you are overexerting your knee and need to adjust your activity levels.

5. Strengthen Surrounding Muscles: Continue with physical therapy or strength training exercises to keep the muscles around the knee joint strong and supportive. A balanced routine can help prevent injuries and ensure the long-term health of your knee replacement.