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How to Stay Strong & Active to Delay Joint Replacements?

Posted by lbmiller112 @lbmiller112, Sep 1, 2023

My wife and I have been experiencing back, hip, and knee problems for a few years and have been trying to avoid replacement surgery for as long as possible. We are both 63 years old and would like to stay active. Thoughts on possible actions to move forward…

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loriesco | @loriesco | Sep 22, 2024

Surgery got me back in the game. So, you should not necessarily avoid it. The later you can wait is a thought. I have been thru many and they help me able to start exercising without pain. Do as much exercise as you can comfortably with doctors guidance. And yes, do it when you don't feel like it. Get in your best shape before surgery. I agree with that one!

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Ann Shrader | @annshrader | Sep 23, 2024

Hi. I am not too far behind. I am an athlete (train 12+ hours a week if I can) and an exercise physiologist. If you haven't, get moving. Don't need to spend $$$ to do that. If you want to have a structured program you can try to get a referral from your doctor to have physical therapy guidance. I generally don't suggest personal trainers as some may actually do more harm than good - unless you understand your body and what it needs! Then personal training works- you be the lead! My other mention is nutrition. That is a topic for another thread. Discuss that with you doctor too! If you can reduce inflammation in your body, may make a life changing difference!
I worked with young and old. At 65 you can probably get a gym membership and participate in Silver Sneakers classes (they are free online and you don't have to be 65 to take them).

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loriesco | @loriesco | Sep 23, 2024

I wrote a long reply but don't see it. I had mine done at 55. Got my life back. I'm 67 and the pain was excruciating. I was misdiagnosed for 8 years because my back is so bad they didn't look at my hips because I was so functional. A GREAT orthopedic surgeon is priceless. I saw 3 before I got to the right person over 20 years. It was worth the weight. I know it will have to be redone at some point. I knew when the periodic cortisone stopped working entirely that was the right moment for surgery. Indeed - my hips stopped bending and I could not drive or go from sitting to standing because the cushion entirely eroded. Medical care being what it is - don't wait too long if you need something a qualified doctor says is necessary.

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ellebic | @ellebic | Sep 26, 2024

I’m from Canada and a healthy 78 yr old female Have been told from my ortho surgeon that I need a TKR
bone on bone. I do have pain but it’s manageable with quad exercises , anti-inflammatories and lots of walking. Following the walk I do feel discomfort and pain sometimes. I’m thinking I am going to delay the surgery and get another referral from another
Ortho surgeon. I don’t want to go through the whole ordeal. Will see what the other surgeon says.

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1 reply
ellebic | @ellebic | Sep 27, 2024
In reply to @heyjoe415 "I'm a 68 y/o male and in 2022, I had both knees replaced. I ran many..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

I'm a 68 y/o male and in 2022, I had both knees replaced. I ran many marathons in my 30s and 40s, but what damaged my knees was osteoarthritis. I did see a surgeon who recommended I first work with a trainer to strengthen my quads and hamstring muscles.

I did that (I still work with a trainer), but my knees were bone on bone and painful. My surgeon used the Stryker/Mako robotic assistant during the replacement surgery.

My life has changed dramatically, and for the better. I'm in the gym 6 days a week - 3 days cardio on a rowing machine and 3 days of weight training for lower and upper body, and core exercises everyday.

Find a good ortho surgeon - ideally someone in his/her mid 30s to mid 40s, with a solid pedigree from a medical school or residency, using the latest technology. You might not need any replacements yet. Give exercise a chance. Either way, I think it will work out fine.

Finally, ignore most of the posters on here with bad results from joint replacements. Most of these are due to not getting in shape ahead of surgery, and not doing the required therapy/exercise post surgery.

All the best!

Jump to this post

I so agree. Pre op exercise is key. I’m delaying my TKR
I have bone on bone pain but am able to exercise. Using a stationary bike, lots of walking have helped reduce knee pain. Keep moving!

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omta | @omta | Mar 19 8:23am
In reply to @cahabagirl "I am 73 years old and I’ve been fairly physically active most of adulthood but had..." + (show)
@cahabagirl

I am 73 years old and I’ve been fairly physically active most of adulthood but had begun to slack off in my 60’s because I began volunteering full time and just couldn’t seem to work it all in. Then the covid pandemic hit and with the quarantine, I had extra time so I began walking 3-5 miles a day 5-6 days a week. Last September I began to feel and ache in my right hip joint and by the end of November, I began to limp when I walked due to pain. I went to see. an orthopedic physician who took did a scan and showed me that the problem was osteoarthritis and that I needed hip replacement surgery. I scheduled an appointment with a well- respected orthopedic surgeon who confirmed the recommendation and surgery was scheduled for March. He prescribed physical therapy to prepare me for surgery and I began that immediately. In the same timeframe, I decided to begin working out with weights in an effort to build bone since I discovered that I have osteopenia. In order to function, I was taking 1200mm + of Advil daily.
I started weekly sessions with a weight trainer, for upper and lower body and after a few weeks my pain began to subside. I was so surprised to find that I was close to being pain free. I postponed my surgery to August. When August arrived I was still walking 5 days a week and lifting weights 1-2 days a week, with only occasional hip pain that I would say was only a 1 on the pain scale. So, I have postponed it once again to January. I only take 200-400mg of. Advil a day now. I highly recommend physical therapy to improve alignment and then weightlifting…as well as continuing movement such as walking. It has worked for me and may work for others. I know I will have to have the replacement surgery at some point and my orthopedic surgeon is a part of the renown Andrews Sports Medicine group so I am postponing the surgery rather than canceling it to avoid a longer wait when I finally need it.

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Good for you your addressing your problem of osteopenia
I’m 92 male and lost my Testosterone because of prostrate cancer treatmentsst which fortunately im cured but after many years i have osteopenia only in my upper body diagnosed twoyears ago results of a density test which im due for this year
I might add which may help you my lower body test was above average for my age why in
my opinion i have stairs in my house and im always walking
Like i mentioned i have osteopenia in my upper body so ever since i’ve been diagnosed i work o my upper body by doing weight lifting twice a week and i like music so i dance with 8 pound weights on most mornings hoping that helps me
Im fortunate i have no pain in which i have to take pills
So thats my story and my sticking to it also im excited i just bought a bike due to arrive next week

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dmk | @dmk | Mar 20 11:06am

Physical therapy with a doctor of physical therapy who gave me exercise regimen and kept my knee going for 5 years or so before Total knee which to date has been awesome

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cathymw | @cathymw | Mar 22 7:31am
In reply to @ellebic "I’m from Canada and a healthy 78 yr old female Have been told from my ortho..." + (show)
@ellebic

I’m from Canada and a healthy 78 yr old female Have been told from my ortho surgeon that I need a TKR
bone on bone. I do have pain but it’s manageable with quad exercises , anti-inflammatories and lots of walking. Following the walk I do feel discomfort and pain sometimes. I’m thinking I am going to delay the surgery and get another referral from another
Ortho surgeon. I don’t want to go through the whole ordeal. Will see what the other surgeon says.

Jump to this post

I will prolong knee #2 as long as possible either a similar plan. I wear a Velcro-type brace at night, but the sudden excruciating pain when I turn or bend has me cursing through the night. What do you do?

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1 reply
abcountrygirl | @abcountrygirl | Mar 23 10:29am
In reply to @cathymw "I will prolong knee #2 as long as possible either a similar plan. I wear a..." + (show)
@cathymw

I will prolong knee #2 as long as possible either a similar plan. I wear a Velcro-type brace at night, but the sudden excruciating pain when I turn or bend has me cursing through the night. What do you do?

Jump to this post

My husband is in the same boat! Had had 1 tkr. He has had 2 cortisone injections to delay the 2nd tkr. I have a friend who has had hyaluronic acid injections that have helped. Physical therapy doesn't really help but keeps you strong. Ice every evening!

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