DMZ Posted November 27 Posted November 27 Morning all, Was wondering if anyone had some insight how long after knee replacement surgery they got back in the saddle (mountain biking). Any valuable insight appreciated, (the orthopedic surgeon has been quite amazing with information and preparation). But wanted to hear some first hand feedback and insight. Thnx D
Dexter-morgan Posted November 27 Posted November 27 Don't have any advice but please report back and let us know how it's going, I have had 2 knee ops and the recovery was long, second was a Tibia plateau fracture. Bike Dewing and DMZ 2
Zebra Posted November 27 Posted November 27 …have had multiple knee surgeries, but no knee replacement…(yet!)… Doctor recommend cycling over running (non-load BEARING activity), and he actually suggested i use an eBike -as an interim measure -over a normal push bike…much less ‘loading’ of the knee after bucket-handle meniscus tear, patella scrape, etc.. Cannot now remember post-surgery, 1st ride number of weeks, but it REALLY assisted me, FWIW… Speedy recovery wishes! Chris Mook and DMZ 1 1
DMZ Posted November 27 Author Posted November 27 Thanks Gents, yes 5 knee ops and arthritis finally did me in. Go in on Tuesday for replacement. Im no fan of E-bikes but actually makes great sense for recovery, will definitely look into it and let you know recovery process... Thnx D ChrisF and Zebra 1 1
Zebra Posted November 27 Posted November 27 7 minutes ago, DMZ said: Thanks Gents, yes 5 knee ops and arthritis finally did me in. Go in on Tuesday for replacement. Im no fan of E-bikes but actually makes great sense for recovery, will definitely look into it and let you know recovery process... Thnx D In SLIGHT ‘defence’ of eBikes, i live in Hout Bay, so after knee surgery its Chappies, else Suikerbossie else C’Nek….since i am not a fan of putting a bike in a car IF AVOIDABLE, to find flatter roads… Honesty section: I largely ONLY ride my eBike now, but i keep it to 20-30% assist.. (my non-e 29er and steel road bike are getting D-U-S-T-Y !) 🫢 But you can turn down eBike assist, and still get a damn good 60-70km workout! Milosh and DMZ 2
Mook Posted November 27 Posted November 27 52 minutes ago, Zebra said: …have had multiple knee surgeries, but no knee replacement…(yet!)… Doctor recommend cycling over running (non-load BEARING activity), and he actually suggested i use an eBike -as an interim measure -over a normal push bike…much less ‘loading’ of the knee after bucket-handle meniscus tear, patella scrape, etc.. Cannot now remember post-surgery, 1st ride number of weeks, but it REALLY assisted me, FWIW… Speedy recovery wishes! Chris @Zebra this has to be the goto excuse to convince the wife that you need an e-bike 😂 Had a meniscus repair job done myself and it took me longer to get going on any bike than after neck surgery(ACDF). I managed to bend my knee through a complete pedal stroke in week 4 post op. From week 6 I could comfortably ride the trainer without screaming like a girl. Week 8 I was on my gravelbike and in no particular pain - felt good actually. Key is to remain seated in an easy gear for as long as possible. The moment you get out of the saddle your knee will let you know in no uncertain way. It is amazing how you start paying close attention to small things after an operation of this nature. Your knee does quite a bit of twisting in the joint when you stand on the pedals. Best of luck @DMZ Take your time and you will cream this little obstacle 💪 DMZ and Zebra 1 1
Zebra Posted November 27 Posted November 27 I, er….wear the pants - I think - so no need to convince the Wife… (she allowed me an eBike KIT…😆) DMZ, Mook and WaynejG 3
DMZ Posted November 27 Author Posted November 27 30 minutes ago, Mook said: @Zebra this has to be the goto excuse to convince the wife that you need an e-bike 😂 Had a meniscus repair job done myself and it took me longer to get going on any bike than after neck surgery(ACDF). I managed to bend my knee through a complete pedal stroke in week 4 post op. From week 6 I could comfortably ride the trainer without screaming like a girl. Week 8 I was on my gravelbike and in no particular pain - felt good actually. Key is to remain seated in an easy gear for as long as possible. The moment you get out of the saddle your knee will let you know in no uncertain way. It is amazing how you start paying close attention to small things after an operation of this nature. Your knee does quite a bit of twisting in the joint when you stand on the pedals. Best of luck @DMZ Take your time and you will cream this little obstacle 💪 Thanx Zebra & Mook, been a few years since my last operation, so cant remember how long the recovery took. Yes listening to the body probably safest bet... Thnx D Mook and Zebra 2
ChrisF Posted November 27 Posted November 27 4 hours ago, DMZ said: Thanks Gents, yes 5 knee ops and arthritis finally did me in. Go in on Tuesday for replacement. Im no fan of E-bikes but actually makes great sense for recovery, will definitely look into it and let you know recovery process... Thnx D Sorry to hear. Hope you have a good recovery. I was diagnosed with arthritis in March 1999. I stopped cycling. 2016 I got back on the bike. 2020 started with a diagnosis of a torn meniscus. Doc said I had to stop cycling ..... my rheumatologist suggested an ebike. Glad I followed the advise. Depending on how my knee feel, I can use more or less assistance. Sorry, cant comment on the downtime after a knee operation. Can say that a biokineticist has been the best thing for me. Not just the knees, but overall recovery and improvement. To the point where I am looking at a normal bike for short (slow) rides .... ebikes are FUN, but the ability to ride on your own is a blessing and something to be cherished. DMZ, Zebra, BuffsVintageBikes and 3 others 6
mazambaan Posted November 28 Posted November 28 I can only endorse the ebike recommendations. From soccer, hockey and dirt bikes my knees re wrecked; one massive op (cartilage and ligaments) and regular pain in both; always exacerbated by those "out of the saddle" or very steep granny gear climbs (think "lambs legs" and "work to be done" on Sani2c). Now an ebike shaves the heart rate top off on such climbs and saves the slow, maximum force grind that used to hurt my knees and leave them hurting for weeks. DMZ and Zebra 2
MTBeer Posted November 28 Posted November 28 I had a knee replacement in Jan 2021, age 51. Was back on the mountain bike 2 months later - just gentler stuff no crazy technical trails. Middle of April that year I did a 2 day hike, 15km per day, with full 13kg backpack. Back to normal technical mtb riding within 4 months. E-bike is not required. mazambaan, Mook and Dusty 3
DMZ Posted November 28 Author Posted November 28 1 hour ago, MTBeer said: I had a knee replacement in Jan 2021, age 51. Was back on the mountain bike 2 months later - just gentler stuff no crazy technical trails. Middle of April that year I did a 2 day hike, 15km per day, with full 13kg backpack. Back to normal technical mtb riding within 4 months. E-bike is not required. Thnx MTBeer, gives me some peace of mind its not going to be a lengthy process. Been quite impressed with the Physio and Doctor. Already have me booked for 2 sessions week for next 6 weeks. D
Liam_Volschenk Posted November 28 Posted November 28 Can't comment on knee replacement, but I had major ligament reconstruction and was back on the bike (trainer) around 8 weeks post-op, everyone is different and recovery times vary, listen to your doctor and physio and more importantly, your body. I had a complicated recovery and getting on the bike ended up being the best thing for me. One thing I would always stress is the importance of prehab if you are able to, having your body and muscles 'ready' for the rehab process does wonders.
Milosh Posted November 28 Posted November 28 (edited) On 11/27/2024 at 2:44 PM, Zebra said: , i live in Hout Bay, so after knee surgery its Chappies, else Suikerbossie else C’Nek….since i am not a fan On 11/27/2024 at 2:44 PM, Zebra said: In SLIGHT ‘defence’ of eBikes, i live in Hout Bay, so after knee surgery its Chappies, else Suikerbossie else C’Nek….since i am not a fan of putting a bike in a car IF AVOIDABLE, to find flatter roads… Honesty section: I largely ONLY ride my eBike now, but i keep it to 20-30% assist.. (my non-e 29er and steel road bike are getting D-U-S-T-Y !) 🫢 But you can turn down eBike assist, and still get a damn good 60-70km workout! Same same , ACL rebuild has kept cycling a low, to last option, as the big three are straight out the gate (Chappies, else Suikerbossie else C’Nek ) not to mention the last 90m climb home. eBike gets me out more and riding is fun again. I am no longer the one people wait for The smile this gives me is a shield against the naysayers. Ironically the eBike has improved overall fitness and therefore improved Steel hardtail to 😉 Edited November 28 by Milosh Spelling Zebra, gerriemtb and ChrisF 3
DMZ Posted November 28 Author Posted November 28 5 hours ago, Liam_Volschenk said: Can't comment on knee replacement, but I had major ligament reconstruction and was back on the bike (trainer) around 8 weeks post-op, everyone is different and recovery times vary, listen to your doctor and physio and more importantly, your body. I had a complicated recovery and getting on the bike ended up being the best thing for me. One thing I would always stress is the importance of prehab if you are able to, having your body and muscles 'ready' for the rehab process does wonders. Hi Liam yes on the same page been putting in a fair amount of time making sure im very fit. From all my previous injuries, did notice my recovery much quicker when i was in good shape. Im actually looking forward to start swimming again, in the past has helped tremendously with my back and knee injuries. It also does help that my orthopead is a cyclist, and operated on me numerous times already. D Liam_Volschenk and ChrisF 2
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