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Skiing and returning to sport activities after TKR?

Posted by babette @babette, Aug 27, 2018

I'm interested in hearing from people who have skied or played other sports after TKR. How long post-op did it take for you to feel secure? This is my goal and my motivation for rehab, etc. Thanks everyone!

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ehlerhardie | @ehlerhardie | Mar 18, 2019
In reply to @brucelane "A few personal observations re. TKR. I am 71 [nearly 72] year old male. I had..." + (show)
@brucelane

A few personal observations re. TKR. I am 71 [nearly 72] year old male. I had a [right]hip replacement 15th August 2017, Spinal laminectomy decompression 1st. June 2018 and [right]TKR 11th. September 2018 - I have just returned from a week's skiing in Austrian Alps - last day did nine descents, totalling 28,000 feet [8,604m], without any ill-effects - no pain or discomfort!
I think there are several important points to consider; firstly, it is a great help if the individual has made the long-term effort to keep fit and healthy. So, hardly a week goes by without me looking for some form of exercise or training. This is easier for me with a small private gym, but anything which pushes the body a little is good. I followed advice of physios and my excellent surgeon, before and after the operations. However, I do think that they err on the side of caution, because of possible injury through over-exertion, which could reflect on their treatment and care. You will know when it is possible to push things a little more.
The important thing is to be very aware of what your body is telling you. Most of us in the middle of considering, having and recovering from surgery, are continually monitoring how we feel, so any pain should be observed and dealt with by discussing with the professionals. What is so important in the first place, is to choose if possible, a surgeon who has a first class record and is well-spoken of.
So, any negatives? Well, I had some very painful days and weeks, especially prior to spinal surgery which relieved the awful sciatic pain. Hip op. was straightforward and not too painful for long. The TKR was definitely the most painful and long-lasting at the time, but this is now becoming a memory. I do have a residual "Drop-foot" problem after the spinal, but this comes and goes with tiredness. Cycling is still difficult since the restricted ROM makes upward stroke of knee a little painful and therefore unstable on roads.
On the whole, this last eighteen months have been the most transforming period and well worth the short term discomfort. For all skiing addicts, mountaineers, walkers and cyclists - keep at it - and push yourselves a bit, but listen to the body. That skiing really was the last big doubt to overcome, so good luck to you all.
Kind regards to all those contributing to this forum.

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Thank you so much for your thoughtful response! I skied 3 simple runs with no pain until a couple of days later but it’s given me hope that I’ll be on the slopes next year. Hiking is no problem at all. So from what I’m reading sounds like I’ll be pack to all activities completely in a year Pickleball included Thanks again

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lperrelli | @lperrelli | Oct 4, 2020

Hi, I had a knee replacement about 3 months ago and recovery has gone amazing. I was back on my road bike after about 3 weeks doing some light hills. Today I don't even "notice" I had surgery. I'm so looking forward to hitting the slopes. I've been skiing for 50 years (I'm 64) used to teach and race. One thing I haven't been able to track down anywhere is a recommendation on a new pair of skiis. Should they be a bit more forgiving than my "All Mountain" aggressive parabolics? (Nordica Enforcer.) Maybe a more narrow, softer ski?? Anyone have any recommendations based on experience?? Thanks, Lou

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2 replies
wildebjef | @wildebjef | Oct 4, 2020
In reply to @lperrelli "Hi, I had a knee replacement about 3 months ago and recovery has gone amazing. I..." + (show)
@lperrelli

Hi, I had a knee replacement about 3 months ago and recovery has gone amazing. I was back on my road bike after about 3 weeks doing some light hills. Today I don't even "notice" I had surgery. I'm so looking forward to hitting the slopes. I've been skiing for 50 years (I'm 64) used to teach and race. One thing I haven't been able to track down anywhere is a recommendation on a new pair of skiis. Should they be a bit more forgiving than my "All Mountain" aggressive parabolics? (Nordica Enforcer.) Maybe a more narrow, softer ski?? Anyone have any recommendations based on experience?? Thanks, Lou

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Wow how did you do it? I’m 68. My Dr said if I broke my leg we are taking amputation. Skiid all over Colorado. Alaska, looks like my hope is the green bunny slope with a therapy belt! Scared!

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Oct 4, 2020
In reply to @lperrelli "Hi, I had a knee replacement about 3 months ago and recovery has gone amazing. I..." + (show)
@lperrelli

Hi, I had a knee replacement about 3 months ago and recovery has gone amazing. I was back on my road bike after about 3 weeks doing some light hills. Today I don't even "notice" I had surgery. I'm so looking forward to hitting the slopes. I've been skiing for 50 years (I'm 64) used to teach and race. One thing I haven't been able to track down anywhere is a recommendation on a new pair of skiis. Should they be a bit more forgiving than my "All Mountain" aggressive parabolics? (Nordica Enforcer.) Maybe a more narrow, softer ski?? Anyone have any recommendations based on experience?? Thanks, Lou

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@lperrelli, Thank you for the positive review of your TKR recovery. That is kind of how mine was. I am so glad others can read your response. Could you be a little more explicit? We do get a lot of requests for the "magic" knee ingredients.

Why do you think your recovery went so well? Surgical skill? Pre-surgery preparation? After surgery care? What did you find most helpful? What medications did you use?

Did you have any IT band issues or tightness across the central plane of the knee?

May you be content and at ease.
Chris

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nelliek | @nelliek | Feb 12, 2021

I also have two TKR and am skiing for the first time this March. My last surgery was on Nov 2nd. I am not athletic and I am slightly overweight. I was a very happy green slope skier and would be happy to get back to that with my new knees. I'm a little concerned and want to know which exercises I should practice in order to improve my chance of controlling my skis. Any advice is appreciated. My ROM bend is at 125-130 and straight at -1 to -3

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nelliek | @nelliek | Feb 13, 2021

I'm a 65-year-old female and have two TKR's. I am skiing for the first time this March. My first knee was replaced on Aug 29 and my last surgery was on Nov 2nd. I am not athletic and I am slightly overweight. I was a very happy green slope skier and would be happy to get back to that with my new knees. I'm a little concerned and want to know which exercises I should practice in order to improve my chance of controlling my skis. Any advice is appreciated. My ROM bend is at 125-130 and straight at -1 to -3. I am still very uncomfortable kneeling on my new knees.

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2 replies
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @nelliek "I'm a 65-year-old female and have two TKR's. I am skiing for the first time this..." + (show)
@nelliek

I'm a 65-year-old female and have two TKR's. I am skiing for the first time this March. My first knee was replaced on Aug 29 and my last surgery was on Nov 2nd. I am not athletic and I am slightly overweight. I was a very happy green slope skier and would be happy to get back to that with my new knees. I'm a little concerned and want to know which exercises I should practice in order to improve my chance of controlling my skis. Any advice is appreciated. My ROM bend is at 125-130 and straight at -1 to -3. I am still very uncomfortable kneeling on my new knees.

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Hi @nelliek, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Good for you for getting back into activity post knee replacements.

I moved your post to this discussion where you meet fellow skiiers and sports enthusiasts, who have also had knee replacements like @wildebjef @ginaquilts @pittkd @ellerbracke @skiing54 @ehlerhardie and others.

Nellie, good question about what exercises you could start now to prepare you for the slopes. I found this article that you might find helpful:
- How to Train for Skiing https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-train-for-skiing.html

How do the exercises compare to the do's and don'ts that you got from PT and rehab after surgery?

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Erika | @erikas | Feb 17, 2021
In reply to @nelliek "I'm a 65-year-old female and have two TKR's. I am skiing for the first time this..." + (show)
@nelliek

I'm a 65-year-old female and have two TKR's. I am skiing for the first time this March. My first knee was replaced on Aug 29 and my last surgery was on Nov 2nd. I am not athletic and I am slightly overweight. I was a very happy green slope skier and would be happy to get back to that with my new knees. I'm a little concerned and want to know which exercises I should practice in order to improve my chance of controlling my skis. Any advice is appreciated. My ROM bend is at 125-130 and straight at -1 to -3. I am still very uncomfortable kneeling on my new knees.

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@nelliek I wanted to check back. May I ask if you ended up finding the answer(s) you were looking for?

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rickraleigh | @rickraleigh | Oct 4, 2021

I'm a year into a TKR. I play doubles tennis and walk the golf course. I do the elliptical and weights.

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