Partial or Total Knee Replacement and Still Running?

Perhaps you have heard of Dick Beardsley, long distance marathon runner, he had both knees replaced and continued running in later years. Unfortunately, he eventually developed an infection in one knee, which required a series of surgeries and ended up also needing skin grafts because of the damage. He currently runs a fishing guide service in Bemidji MN.

In 2000 I had a partial knee replacement (left) I’d play basketball volleyball and some running until I broke it playing volleyball about 5 years ago. I put up with the pain until I knew it was time. TKR in 2023 and again in 24. I’m seeing another Dr next week. I can’t run or even ride a bike. I wish you the best. Do push it I did and I’m rather upset with myself

The closest I can think of is Lindsey Vonn...the skier. She had a partial done by a HSS surgeon in Florida and returned to championship level skiing afterwards.

I am an 81 YO male. I had a successful left hip replacement five years ago and the same surgeon who did my hip did my right knee TKR ten months ago-- also successfully. I had zero pain each time. At my six month checkup a few weeks ago my surgeon told me I had no limitations. I asked him if I could run; he said if I wanted to.

But the kind of running an 81 YO would do is not what you are talking about. Lindsey Vonn is a great example after a partial; perhaps someone here can report on an athlete successfully returning to competitive level athletics after a total knee replacement.

@steveinarizona update: Here in Arizona there is a local chain of indoor trampoline centers. I was there yesterday with my grandkids. There is a bouncy trampoline like floor for the little kids. I had races with my 3 year old granddaughter on that bouncy floor. Running was like a combination of bouncing and running.

After lunch we parted and I went to the mall to do some additional walking where I walked a mile before going home. My lower legs had felt tired since the surgery after a mile or so of walking but yesterday -- for the first time -- it was also my upper legs. I am guessing that running uses a different set of muscles than walking.

Hello,
I am a runner, short distances: 5K, 5 miles and 10K, much shorter distances than what you run. I had to stop running in 2020 because of a very “cranky” hip. It was replaced in 2023 and I carefully returned to running. While sulking about not being able to run and making peace with needing hip replacement, I found a website that was a good resource. http://www.hiprunner.com. Runners who had knee replacement, share their experiences. Maybe it could be a good resource for you. Good luck.