While a total knee replacement is designed to restore mobility and eliminate chronic pain, there are certain high-impact activities that you should generally never do again to protect the longevity of the prosthetic joint. Most orthopedic surgeons advise against high-impact sports like running, jogging, or jumping, as the repetitive force can cause the artificial components to wear out prematurely or loosen. Additionally, activities involving extreme kneeling or heavy lifting on uneven surfaces are often restricted to prevent injury to the surrounding ligaments.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we provide the pre-operative evaluations necessary to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery and can transition into a lifestyle of safe, low-impact activity.
Activities to Avoid After Knee Replacement
To ensure your new knee lasts for 15 to 20 years or more, you should typically avoid:
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High-Impact Aerobics: Running, sprinting, and vigorous jumping place several times your body weight on the implant.
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Contact Sports: Football, basketball, or soccer carry a high risk of collisions that can damage the prosthetic.
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Heavy Weightlifting: Squatting with heavy weights can put excessive mechanical stress on the plastic spacers within the knee.
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Repetitive Kneeling: While occasional kneeling may be possible with a cushion, doing so on hard surfaces frequently can cause discomfort and bursitis.
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Singles Tennis or Squash: The rapid “stop-and-start” twisting motions can lead to instability or premature wear of the artificial joint.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
Before you can undergo surgery and begin your recovery journey, a thorough medical assessment is mandatory. At Sahara West Urgent Care, our providers perform critical screenings to ensure your body can handle the procedure and the subsequent physical therapy:
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Cardiovascular Testing: An EKG ensures your heart is stable enough for the physiological demands of major orthopedic surgery.
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Blood Diagnostics: We check for inflammatory markers and ensure your hemoglobin levels are optimal for post-surgical healing.
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Physical Limitations Assessment: Evaluating your current range of motion and overall health to help set realistic expectations for your post-op activity levels.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
Understanding the limitations after surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. Sahara West Urgent Care provides comprehensive medical clearance that focuses on your long-term success. We offer on-site imaging and lab services to streamline your path to surgery, ensuring all clinical documentation is sent to your orthopedic team without delay. Our goal is to help you return to a high quality of life—focusing on safe activities like swimming, cycling, and walking—while ensuring your health is optimized from day one.
Ready to get started on your journey to a pain-free life? Book your appointment online or walk into Sahara West Urgent Care today for expert preoperative care.
