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Writer's pictureMichael G

Exercises You Should Avoid After Knee Replacement

There is no denying that your knee joints endure a lot of wear and tear your entire life. If you’re not fit in terms of joint health, the wear and tear in bones may lead to several knee injuries and osteoarthritis.


Advanced solutions such as knee replacement surgery can help you restore mobility and function of your knees while reducing pain. Trained and qualified orthopedic surgeons like [] can help you replace the joint of your knee with an artificial one.


Knee replacement surgery is expected to become one of the common joint surgeries by 2030. More than 3.5 million will be performed in the US each year.


Having complete knowledge about knee replacement recovery is not enough if you’re considering opting for it. You must know what stretching and strengthening exercises you should avoid after knee replacement to recover completely.


Here is a primer of movements you should avoid after your knee replacement surgery.



Exercises to Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery


Activities That have a Risk of Falling


After a knee replacement surgery, you may lose range of motion, strength, and balance. It increases your risk of falling. Keep in mind that a fall (any type) may damage your prosthesis or affect the healing process. That is why you need to adjust to some lifestyle modifications to decrease the risk of falling. It is better to if you

  • use the handrail when climbing up or down the stairs

  • use a rubber mat when showering

  • sit down when wearing shorts

  • keep the floor clear of slippery rugs, stray toys, and other objects to avoid a tripping hazard

  • avoid slippery terrains like ice, mud, or wet grass

Prolonged Sitting


A prolonged period of sitting after joint or knee replacement surgery often increases the risk of a blood clot.


Plus, sitting for long hours can also hamper fluid drainage in the lower leg and make them swell. It is recommended to avoid sitting for more than 40 minutes in the first ten days after your knee replacement surgery.


Running Fast and Jumping


When you run, it exerts excessive force on your knees that is three times higher compared to other activities. Jumping, similarly, exposes your knees to even higher exertion. That is why your surgeon might ask you to avoid running or jumping after knee replacement.

It is especially true if you’re still in the recovery phase. It not only can damage your prosthesis but also delay healing.


Sports Involving Quick Changes in Directions


During the recovery phase of knee replacement surgery, it is better to avoid participating in sports with a high impact on your knees or involve sudden jerking or twisting. Some of them include;

  • soccer

  • rugby

  • football

  • basketball

  • skiing

  • gymnastics

  • hockey

Summing Up


All in all, for the best results, you must take care of your diet and avoid the activities mentioned above after your knee replacement surgery.


Links

https://www.healio.com/news/orthopedics/20151105/recommendations-for-patient-activity-after-knee-replacement-vary-among-surgeons#:~:text=Baseball%2C%20basketball%2C%20football%2C%20hockey,activities%20that%20should%20be%20avoided.


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