Knee replacements & cycling?

[Delgado]

Wondering if anyone can give insight into the possibility of cycling post knee replacements? Has anyone experience in the pro's/cons etc. Was wondering if this spells "game over" for riding?

 

Cheers

[Dr Snuggles]

Unless the replacement itself presents with post-operation mobility issues, that is, the knee replacement did not result in full range of normal motion, then you have bigger issues to worry about than cycling. In other words, sue the surgeon. But in general, knee replacements are not that problematic other than the normal aches and pains associated with recovery. Cycling is a low impact activity, so it will be near perfect activity for reconditioning the muscles that no doubt will have wasted away some what during the post-op recovery phase. IF there are some residual post op stability issues, then a suitable (but stupendously pricey) sports knee brace will restore stability without impacting the ability to cycle.

[Napalm]

My mom had a knee replacement last year and was cycling after a couple of weeks. If you combine cycling with the post op exercises you should recover fine.

[Chopper Jr]

I get the shivers just thinking about it!

I tore ACL, PCL and MCL in my knee a few years back. Knee is not happy running or recently Mountain Biking (&^%$).

Road riding - no problems!

 

Dread having to get a knee replacement...

[Napalm]

I wrecked my knee as well, and while I would normally power up hills, I simply can't do it anymore. I had to rethink the way I ride - drop a gear instead of trying to power up a hill.

[HeyYou]

After too much rugby and running, specialist told me I needed knee replacements, both knees, asap.

 

Decided that unless it's absolutely necessary, I'm not going to have the replacements. I'd rather wait (surgery for me is always a last resort)until I don't have a choice. So far I've managed to continue cycling and swimming.

 

This was all 5 years ago and still going!

[Backpacker]

My husband had both knees replaced 2 years ago, has had pain constantly since then. Been to number of ortho's for second opinion and all say that there is nothing wrong with replacement. Op was done by one of the best. Fell off his bike and broke his shoulder blade, got back on too soon and got severe tendonitis which aggravated the knees. Had to drop out of Berg&Bush after 20kms on the first day. Found a new chiropractor who hopefully can help with his alignment, he hobbles all the time and cannot walk far. Before the op cycling was the only sport he could do, he stalled till he was 60 and then had to have it done as the pain was affecting his riding, especially when climbing. Friends who have had one knee replaced are fine and recovered very quickly, not sure if he is struggling because he had both done at the same time. Good luck !!

[The Ouzo]

I'm not to clued up on the knee replacement, but it should be similar to a hip replacement of which my mom has had 2.

If you think about the logistics of getting the replacement in there, there is ALOT of recovery needed to get muscles and tendons up to scratch again, hence alot of people experiencing pain even when they think they are fully recovered.

Also, and I'm not sure if the new technology is different, but when my mom had her first hip replacement they said the thing will only last 10 years before it "wears out". Her second hip replacement was to replace the replacement. She is finding it more difficult to fully recover from the second one though due to age. So dont leave it to long.

 

and as others have said, cycling is a low impact sport and as such the docs recommend it for recovery.

[Kranswurm]

Go see a specialist Physio

 

Friend of mine's dad has had both knees done and plays hockey