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Opinions on Step Up exercise on TKR and partial.
I had a partial right knee replacement (Mako) in early 2019 and a total on my left February this year. A while back a PA at a follow up for the partial said this typically lasts five to seven years. I was surprised as I’d thought ten years.
What do you think about that?
And is the step up exercise pictured too much wear and tear over brisk walking?
Thank you. Beth
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My Ortho surgeon recommend techniques to avoid falls, so if I practice steps, I don’t have anything in my hands and I make sure I am next to a wall or a sturdy heavy chair or similar that I could grab if I felt unsteady, or even keep a hand on either the wall or the chair. My favorite is to have a hand lightly on the pool rail and practice stepping up from the floor of the pool to the first step. Why risk falling?
PS My ortho surgeon has done more than 30,000 partials and each is custom designed for each patient. He goes into the surgery with 3 custom versions and once the knee is opened, uses the most precise. His partials last as long as his fulls, which is usually 20+ years.
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4 ReactionsI certainly miss my pool! When I do the Step Ups I don’t hold weights as pictured, instead lightly touching the kitchen counter as a caution. I’m so careful as I broke my right fibula in 2020.
As to the shelf life issue, that’s good to hear! Thanks.
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2 Reactions& @zoobird1 I am so happy to hear you are being careful! And doing step-ups. My very good friend suffered a catastrophic 1-step fall onto concrete in December, resulting in a broken femur head and partial hip replacement. I have become ultra-conscientious about my behavior on ALL steps ever since. I live summers in a 2-level home and must go up and down several times a day - always stay hyper-alert. I have even taken to carrying my laundry up in 5 small, light baskets instead of one mega-load. I even ditched every step-stool that doesn't have a handhold bar, and quit climbing on chairs 😁
Would love to move to one floor here, but there is nothing near here (and our kids) all on one level like our winter location. Not ready for an apartment with neighbors above and on both sides!
Sue
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8 ReactionsYou’re amazing! Yes, Cautious is our middle name!
I so appreciate your input and encouragement. 😁🌸
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1 ReactionWho is your surgeon? If possible, I would love that option.
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2 ReactionsDr Ronald Hayter in Clearwater, Florida. (727) 953-9492
Note: There are several local practices that have similar website names. I’m new here so cannot post a link. It is Florida Knee and Orthopedic Pavilion——just check that it is his; single OS practice; the others with similar names are group practices.
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1 ReactionAgree with all, and I avoid ladders (68 y/o male with both knees replaced)!
That said, and assuming someone works up to it, these weighted step ups can be ok. Begin with step ups not using weights and work up to weights, light at first.
I recommend working with a trainer for a year after TKR to build strength wisely in the operated leg. FWIW.......
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4 ReactionsI am 17 weeks post surgery on bilateral partial knee replacements. I tackle long flights of stairs by turning myself around and going down backwards. I hang on to the rail at all times. I make a note of the # of stairs, I descend with the leg that isn't the one closest to the rail, 1 step at a time until I reach the bottom. I stop occasionally to do knee bends to keep my stretches going. I can descend quite quickly. It may not work for everyone to try this method, but it works great for me. 🙂
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