| So, you are considering having knee replacement | | | | that knee surgery is not a minor procedure. Your |
| surgery and you want to know if you will be able to | | | | body does need time to heal. You want to get |
| return to the activities that you enjoy after the | | | | yourself moving more and more every day, but you |
| procedure. If you think that this type of surgery is | | | | don't want to risk damaging your new knee with too |
| the best solution for your situation, you are probably | | | | much, too soon. Before you leave the hospital, you |
| in constant pain when you walk and put weight on | | | | will likely work with a physical therapist to help you |
| your leg. You know that the knee replacement will | | | | understand the initial exercises you should do every |
| improve your mobility tremendously, but you want to | | | | day. It is important that you complete those |
| have realistic expectations for your recovery and | | | | movements as instructed. |
| rehabilitation. | | | | When you decide you are ready to move on to |
| Whether or not you will be able to run following your | | | | more vigorous workouts, get the approval of your |
| knee replacement surgery is up to you and your | | | | doctor before beginning the new program. When you |
| doctor. Doctors generally will not recommend that | | | | and your doctor collaborate, you will be more likely to |
| patients participate in high impact activities. Artificial | | | | get to your goal of running again. It is possible that |
| knee joints will break down with excess wear and | | | | you will be able to run after your knee replacement |
| tear, just as your natural knee has done. However, if | | | | surgery, but you need to fully understand the risks |
| being able to run is your goal in having the procedure, | | | | and complications that may arise when you |
| you can make a plan with your doctor and your | | | | undertake a high impact activity with an artificial joint. |
| physical therapist to get back in running shape. How | | | | If you want to jump-start your program, find and |
| quickly you will be able to return to the sport is a | | | | follow an exercise program that has already shown |
| matter of how much effort you put into your | | | | proven results. Equally important is finding a trainer or |
| rehabilitation. | | | | mentor who has a positive attitude toward recovery |
| The first several weeks following your knee | | | | from knee surgery and who can teach anyone the |
| replacement procedure are critical in assuring that you | | | | same mindset. Believing it can be done and working |
| achieve a full recovery. You have to find the right | | | | with someone who has already achieved the desired |
| balance of rest and rehabilitation. You may want to | | | | results in the key to returning to running or any other |
| get up and start walking immediately, but remember | | | | high impact activities and remaining pain free. |