Riding bike prior to knee replacement

[BristolRoversfc]

Hi.
Has anyone (having had knee replacement ops)found that getting out on their bike before the op.(maybe a couple of months before)has helped them?
Im 60 now and really only used a bike in my teenage years.
2 months ago I bought a Carrerra Crossfire 2 and im trying to get out on it most days even though im only doing about 2 miles a day.(finding it a little painful but bearable)
I dont seem to suffer much afterwards or the next morning so I feel that apart from really enjoying my little trips,it may be doing my knee some good.
Any thoughts please?

 

[vickster]

Yes, exercise is good for arthritic knees, movement encourages synovial fluid production which lubricants the joint, and helps inflammation. Pop a bag of peas on the knee for 15 mins afterwards if sore, and have a stretch. Being non weight bearing, cycling is very friendly for dodgy knees

It's important to have the saddle positioned correctly so as to not put strain on the knees

 

[Rusty Nails]

Hi.
Has anyone (having had knee replacement ops)found that getting out on their bike before the op.(maybe a couple of months before)has helped them?
Im 60 now and really only used a bike in my teenage years.
2 months ago I bought a Carrerra Crossfire 2 and im trying to get out on it most days even though im only doing about 2 miles a day.(finding it a little painful but bearable)
I dont seem to suffer much afterwards or the next morning so I feel that apart from really enjoying my little trips,it may be doing my knee some good.
Any thoughts please?

It may well be doing your knee some good but, just as importantly, it is helping to build the strength in your legs and the muscles that help support the knees to function properly. That will have the benefit of helping speed up your return to mobility after the op.

 

[Drago]

Riding it before a knee replacement is probably a lot easier than riding it during knee replacement!

Seriously, good luck. My mates Dad had it done, and he seems to have recovered very well indeed. Its remarkable when one things about it.

 

[BristolRoversfc]

Thanks for the encouragement and views.
Im aiming (knee pain permitting)to maybe increase the distance each week by about 1/2 mile.
I havent felt the need to use painkillers yet so feel im lucky to be able to continue exercising unlike some poor souls who suffer a lot more than me.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi and welcome to CC!
My 65 year old friend has just had a knee replacement, she carried on commuting by bike while she was waiting for the op, that was for over a year.
She used to say that walking was difficult, but cycling was not painful.
A month after the op she was cycling short distances again.

 

[BristolRoversfc]

Yes,ive been waiting over a year for op.now.
Your friend sounds like shes doing very well.
Just had a thought.....if I increase mileage every week.....wont be long before I give Bradley Wiggins a run for his money

 

[Drago]

Not without regular deliveries in jiffy bags you wont!

Itd be great if you started a thread as a diary or blog, detailing your recovery and return to 2 wheels.

 

[garythenoo]

Hi all !
Hope you don't mind me jumping into the chat !
I agree with all of the above and hope you recover well and enjoy being in the saddle .
My main reason for being on here today is to ask for some advice.

6 months ago i came off an Enduro bike and smashed my left knee to bits ( Tibia Platue Fracture) . I had an op to fix 2 plates and some screws to hold it all together. I was quite a keen road cyclist up to that point and i am getting some negative feed back from Doc's and physio's about how i will never be able to ride like i did before the accident . Not being allowed out of the saddle or go big hill's which i enjoyed .

They are always talking about knee replacement . Possibly 5-10 years but now they go quiet about the time scale !
The leg is set bow legged and the bones will rub on the inside which will hurt and give me arthritis etc ..! This will be the part that will decide when i need the replacement knee.

I have been on the spin bike for the last couple of months but only for 50 mins and mid level (14 out of 22) . I am now doing the rowing machine for 15 - 20 mins . Not walking great but ok .

I have been told to have a look at pedal assist bikes but i would like to get by without .
Just on to see if anyone has been through something similar or has good advice . My range of motion is fine for the racer as went 20ft on her yesterday !!! Might need spacers on pedals and change position a bit .

Any advice will be much appreciated and hope you all have a Happy New Year when it comes .

Cheers
Gary.

 

[vickster]

Hi all !
Hope you don't mind me jumping into the chat !
I agree with all of the above and hope you recover well and enjoy being in the saddle .
My main reason for being on here today is to ask for some advice.

6 months ago i came off an Enduro bike and smashed my left knee to bits ( Tibia Platue Fracture) . I had an op to fix 2 plates and some screws to hold it all together. I was quite a keen road cyclist up to that point and i am getting some negative feed back from Doc's and physio's about how i will never be able to ride like i did before the accident . Not being allowed out of the saddle or go big hill's which i enjoyed .

They are always talking about knee replacement . Possibly 5-10 years but now they go quiet about the time scale !
The leg is set bow legged and the bones will rub on the inside which will hurt and give me arthritis etc ..! This will be the part that will decide when i need the replacement knee.

I have been on the spin bike for the last couple of months but only for 50 mins and mid level (14 out of 22) . I am now doing the rowing machine for 15 - 20 mins . Not walking great but ok .

I have been told to have a look at pedal assist bikes but i would like to get by without .
Just on to see if anyone has been through something similar or has good advice . My range of motion is fine for the racer as went 20ft on her yesterday !!! Might need spacers on pedals and change position a bit .

Any advice will be much appreciated and hope you all have a Happy New Year when it comes .

Cheers
Gary.

There are other options such as osteotomy (break tibia if bow legged, realign) which can be helpful if arthritic in one compartment. Major surgery but not a one way street like a knee replacement. Might be worth doing some research and seeing a knee surgeon who specialises

How old are you? If under 55 or so a replacement is best avoided unless you have no other option to be able to function