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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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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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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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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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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@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!

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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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