Suitable and Unsuitable Physical Activities for People Facing Knee Replacement Surgery in the Future

People with a chronic bothersome level of pain in the knee from osteoarthritis may be encouraged to consider partial knee replacement surgery in the future. Being able to stay fairly active may be possible by wearing knee sleeves and braces as directed by a doctor or physical therapist. Some men and women walk or stand a lot at work, for instance. Others want to continue doing recreational activities they enjoy, such as landscaping and gardening, or hiking in the woods.

Suitable and Unsuitable Activities

To prevent worsening knee pain symptoms and to reduce wear and tear on the joint, it's best to avoid certain types of activity. Anything that causes the knee to flex close to an abnormal degree and activity that causes significant impact on the leg should be avoided.

Avoiding Excessive Flexing and Impact


Sports like basketball and racquetball are risks for excessive knee flexing and twisting. In contrast, doubles tennis may be OK because it isn't as vigorous a sport. Jumping rope and jogging put significant impact on the knees.

Excellent Choices and Other Possibilities

Swimming and walking are two excellent activities that the person can do in the effort to get plenty of exercise. The doctor or physical therapist treating knee pain should be asked about bicycling if the patient enjoys doing that. Many men and women with knee arthritis can bike because it flexes the knee only moderately and is not an impact form of exercise. Climbing stairs as a form of exercise should be asked about as well. If this individual goes to a fitness center regularly, some machines will be better than others when it comes to problem knees.

Sitting Longer Than 45 Minutes

Stiffness in the joints can develop while sitting too long in one position. Even if the person works at an office desk, it's important to stand up and move around a little at least every 45 minutes. The supervisor can be told why that is important for this particular worker. In addition, research has found that sitting for hours has negative effects on health in general, so workers who sit all day are increasingly encouraged to stand more and walk around for a bit.

During many or even all of these activities, wearing support devices from a supplier such as Mueller Sports Medicine may be advisable. The physician or therapist will let the patient know which specific device to buy, when it should be worn, and how many hours it can be in use each day.

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