| Getting the most out of a new knee replacement in | | | | put into your strengthening efforts. |
| regards to its longevity can consist of a number of | | | | I have stressed in the past that after a replacement |
| multiple factors. The two most important that tend | | | | a structured resistance training program is quite good |
| to cause joint loosening or failure that is widely seen | | | | for the replacement. Any thing other then high |
| is, either lack of muscular strength around the | | | | impact activities can be completed. |
| affected joint or, becoming overweight increasing the | | | | After having my knee replaced in 1999 I find that leg |
| forces applied through the replacement. | | | | extensions with resistance along with hamstring curls |
| Strengthening the muscles around the knee | | | | lying in a prone position and leg presses all completed |
| replacement prosthesis is begun immediately after | | | | with the appropriate amount of weight does produce |
| surgery. The muscles involved include the quadriceps, | | | | lasting results without complications. Standing calf |
| hamstrings, and calf muscles. Though the muscular | | | | raises also will increase the strength in the lower |
| system in the leg is more complicated then listed | | | | compartment of the leg and will only add to the |
| above, these are the muscles that most people will | | | | support and durability of the knee. |
| recognize when discussed in rehabilitation. | | | | The added benefit of weight training not only the |
| Lack of proper muscle strength around the | | | | surgical leg but, the entire body will add muscle in |
| prosthesis causes the knee joint itself to become the | | | | time over the body which will increase your bodies |
| structure that will support a large portion of your | | | | metabolism. By increasing your metabolism you burn |
| body weight rather then the muscles themselves. By | | | | more calories at rest which will result in a decrease of |
| strengthening the muscles listed above they now | | | | body weight. |
| become the workhorse instead of the knee itself. | | | | By being overweight not by just a couple of pounds |
| The quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles have | | | | but by 10-20 pounds will greatly increase the forces |
| become weak and atrophied prior to surgery and will | | | | that are transferred to the knee. The constant |
| need concentrated work during physical therapy and | | | | pounding just from walking will in time lead to |
| after your allotted time with therapy. | | | | prosthesis that will loosen. Why speed up the |
| Conditioning of the muscles after surgery will and | | | | possibility of having a revision surgery? There are |
| should go on much longer then the time that our | | | | multiple factors also involved here of course |
| insurance companies or Medicare will allow for | | | | however, being overweight after a joint replacement |
| rehabilitation follow-up. | | | | should be dealt with somehow to help prolong the life |
| By stopping your exercise routine of consistent | | | | expectancy of the joint. |
| walking, and strength training you hinder your legs full | | | | Dieting alone is not the answer. It is common |
| ability and strength potential to keep the knee | | | | knowledge today that after years of fad diets being |
| replacement strong and secure. | | | | promoted for a quick buck on TV, Its been advised |
| Exercises such as standing calf raises, partial | | | | and shown a diet with an exercise program combined |
| mini-squats and knee flexing exercises will keep the | | | | lead to lasting results. |
| muscles strong however, they will get accustomed | | | | So to get the most mileage out of your new knee |
| to this workload and will need to be stressed further | | | | replacement be sure once you are cleared by your |
| to continue to make gains in strength. This is where | | | | surgeon to start a resistance training program, |
| a sound weight training program comes into play. Our | | | | monitor your diet by making smarter food choices |
| muscles no matter what your age will only get | | | | and, when you follow this course of action, the |
| stronger if the forces applied to them is progressive | | | | weight will drop. By having a stronger, leaner body |
| and demanding enough for the muscle to grow and | | | | you not only look and feel good but, your knee |
| adapt. | | | | replacement will get some added life to it as well. |
| Now depending on your prior level of function, you | | | | The stronger the knee and surrounding muscles are, |
| may decide that is not needed that decision will be | | | | the better performance and quality of life you |
| up to you. Your age can be factor or other medical | | | | achieve. |
| conditions can play a part regarding the intensity you | | | | |