A Cyclists Survival Guide to a Total Knee Replacement – Part 1
I’m writing this for you. You’ve struggled long enough with the pain and awkwardness that comes with an advanced arthritic knee. You have a bum knee, it clicks and pops and the swelling never goes away. You struggle to put your full weight on it and heaven forbid you try to apply weight while bending it. My knee was so bad that when I had sex it would uncomfortably click and pop and my knee was the last thing that I wanted to think about!
So, now you’re considering a knee replacement. Chances are, if my description matches yours, a knee replacement may be your only option.
This article will, I hope, allow you the ability to make an informed decision about knee replacement surgery, if it’s right for you and what you can expect. Tally ho!
Me? I’m 48. A total knee for a guy as young as me is rare, but, climbing. I’m very active and enjoy things like cycling, martial arts, hiking, skating and whatever else you throw at me as long as my old knee could handle the activity. I am an endurance junkie. Cycling is my main sport and I put thousands of miles on my bike each year. I love the adventure of it. Just me and my bike, completely independent from the rest of the world. The workout calms me, stabilizes me, allows me to see and feel everything good in my life. It provides me with perspective, humility and arrogance. Nothing compares to a day after a ride. Everything is perfect. It’s the days that I don’t ride that are burdensome. I feel like I haven’t accomplished much. I feel guilty or like I’ve missed something. Slothenly. I don’t like days off, but, my body won’t let me ride and I have to listen to it.
Back in 97 I had a ski accident which caused an ACL tear. Uninsured and stupid, I went a year without having it fixed. I was cycling, lifting and skydiving. My knee would often just pop out and I would tumble. I was fine except for my stupid knee swelling. After having finally gotten my ACL repaired, my doctor explained to me that he had to remove quite a bit of cartilage and warned me that a total knee replacement wasn’t too far off into the future.
My surgical knee was strong initially, but, as the years went by, it did indeed deteriorate. I could no longer ski. Bearing my weight on a bent knee was painful and unstable. Walking down a flight of stairs became a chore and eventually my knee affected my cycling. When the day came that cycling was uncomfortable and really painful, I decided that something must be done. So, I consulted with my first doctor.
Having a total knee replacement is a major surgery. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. You will be faced with hardships and challenges completely foreign to anything you’ve ever had to endure. I thought I was a stud endurance athlete that could rise above the human condition and bounce back like I would after a tough climb or a fast wheel. I was wrong. So, I have outlined a process that you should prepare for and a few of my personal experiences and stories. I would, if I had a chance to do it over, give myself 3 months to prepare. But, I did this in 30 days.
I wish I would have read this prior to my knee replacement. My story is very much like yours, same injury, I’m just a little older, and I am also a cyclist. I was set home after just 24 hours. Other than that your experience and mine were and have been exactly the same. I would encourage anyone having this surgery to read this article it is spot on.
Hello!
I had ACL replacement 30 years ago and my kne is now completely shot. I am heading for a knee replacement. My question is: Using automatic pedals, can wee still pull on the pedals after a knee replacement. I live in a very hilly area.
I wish I would have read this prior to my knee replacement. My story is very much like yours, same injury, I’m just a little older, and I am also a cyclist. I was set home after just 24 hours. Other than that your experience and mine were and have been exactly the same. I would encourage anyone having this surgery to read this article it is spot on.
Hello!
I had ACL replacement 30 years ago and my kne is now completely shot. I am heading for a knee replacement. My question is: Using automatic pedals, can wee still pull on the pedals after a knee replacement. I live in a very hilly area.
I only have 45 degree bend in my left knee bit I so want to cycle again
I had a Total knee replacement. I was very bike fit before my knee packed up and I couldn’t ride. I had a hip replacement the same year. Since my op I have lost confidence with cycling. Since I really wanted to get out pedalling again, and after much thought and research, I decided to get an e-bike which I have just picked up. It will take the stress off my knee and allow me to get out cycling on the rail trails again. It’s all about getting iut there after all. I am 65yo so it’s never too late.
I only have 45 degree bend in my left knee bit I so want to cycle again
I had a Total knee replacement. I was very bike fit before my knee packed up and I couldn’t ride. I had a hip replacement the same year. Since my op I have lost confidence with cycling. Since I really wanted to get out pedalling again, and after much thought and research, I decided to get an e-bike which I have just picked up. It will take the stress off my knee and allow me to get out cycling on the rail trails again. It’s all about getting iut there after all. I am 65yo so it’s never too late.
I had both knees done 3 months apart. Recovery on my first knee was rapid: 1 day in the hospital, 2 days with a walker, 3 days on a cane and then back to work and driving. The second knee was even quicker. I only used the walker to get out of the car and into the house. 2 days with a cane and I was back to work walking normal. Initial flex angle was 120 degrees. Extension was 6 degrees. My surgeon said mine was one of the best outcomes he ever had. I mention this only to let people kniw that not every TKR is a walk through Hell.
It would be good to know your activity level prior to surgery and whether you were engaged in sports (cycling, climbing, hiking, etc.) afterwards. Thanks!
Ryn
Excellent point. My knees did slow me down considerably before I had them fixed. I would calculate my routes to make sure they were as productive as possible. Once I scheduled the first knee I actually engaged in what I called Pre-Habilitation. I worked on getting my quads well toned ahead of the surgery. During surgery they literally pull to the side to get them out of the way. Getting your quads working again is the main goal of PT. And just as important is to be sure to do everything your PT recommends. Better to have some acute pain for a short time than chronic pain forever.
I had both knees done 3 months apart. Recovery on my first knee was rapid: 1 day in the hospital, 2 days with a walker, 3 days on a cane and then back to work and driving. The second knee was even quicker. I only used the walker to get out of the car and into the house. 2 days with a cane and I was back to work walking normal. Initial flex angle was 120 degrees. Extension was 6 degrees. My surgeon said mine was one of the best outcomes he ever had. I mention this only to let people kniw that not every TKR is a walk through Hell.
It would be good to know your activity level prior to surgery and whether you were engaged in sports (cycling, climbing, hiking, etc.) afterwards. Thanks!
Ryn
Excellent point. My knees did slow me down considerably before I had them fixed. I would calculate my routes to make sure they were as productive as possible. Once I scheduled the first knee I actually engaged in what I called Pre-Habilitation. I worked on getting my quads well toned ahead of the surgery. During surgery they literally pull to the side to get them out of the way. Getting your quads working again is the main goal of PT. And just as important is to be sure to do everything your PT recommends. Better to have some acute pain for a short time than chronic pain forever.
Thanks for the write up.
I have just made my decision on knee replacement.
Tore ACL in ’94 and again in ’96.
I’m only 41 and tired of the pain.
Spring of 2019 hopefully will be the date!
Any other tips would be great.
Thanks for the write up.
I have just made my decision on knee replacement.
Tore ACL in ’94 and again in ’96.
I’m only 41 and tired of the pain.
Spring of 2019 hopefully will be the date!
Any other tips would be great.
Thankyou for the great read i am a cyclist and will be having a TKR in 6 weeks.
Thankyou for the great read i am a cyclist and will be having a TKR in 6 weeks.
Unjust need to know if I should be cycling prior to my knee replacement , and would this helpin my recovery
Unjust need to know if I should be cycling prior to my knee replacement , and would this helpin my recovery
This very helpful. In 2003 I had bariatric surgery and have brought my weight down from 414lbs ( No, that’s not a typo!) to about 215 and have maintained it for over 14 years. I’m not a perfect dieter but I do work at it. I’ve been a pretty avid bike rider for more than 10 years, commuting to work (13 miles each way, with the return trip comprising 8 miles of fairly steep uphill riding.) My Giant OCR carbon fiber bike has about 14,000 miles on and my indoor bike had about 25,000 miles because I only ride when it’s dry, daylight and over 45 degrees. I’m scheduled for total knee on April 1 and the second knee in the summer. I want to resume riding but my concern is that falling and injuring a prosthetic knee can have some pretty serious complications including damaging the new knee and increased severity of the fracture, with consequent consequent need for surgery and replacement of the TKA. I’d appreciate any thoughts, experience, etc.
Thanks.
Hey Rubin, well done on your weight-loss. It sounds like you really busted your ass, quite an accomplishment! Here’s my question for you. Why are you having the TKA if not to stay active? It would seem to me that if the risk of damaging your new knees takes precedence over being active, why do it in the first place? You see, the entire reason why I got a new knee was so that I could stay active, so I could continue to ride. You will be limited with the activities that you can do with your new knees. Walking is acceptable, but, over time, you will get sore. You can’t run on a TKA, so, that’s out. High impact activity is out. You’re pretty much restricted to activities like cycling, swimming, spinning and some resistance and weight training is perfectly acceptable, while there are active options, many will be restricted to either lowered performance, or, none at all.
When you get your new knees, it will take you some time to ride outdoors. If you need to wait until spring to ride again, you’re looking at a year off unless you’re going to ride your trainer over the winter (which I highly encourage doing). By the time the year is over, you’ll feel much more confident to ride outdoors, and, hopefully you wont worry about damaging your knees. Honestly, if I go down on my bike, I worry more about my head 🙂
My takeaway is this, if the car is too pretty to drive, don’t buy it.
Rubin, you inspire me!!!
This very helpful. In 2003 I had bariatric surgery and have brought my weight down from 414lbs ( No, that’s not a typo!) to about 215 and have maintained it for over 14 years. I’m not a perfect dieter but I do work at it. I’ve been a pretty avid bike rider for more than 10 years, commuting to work (13 miles each way, with the return trip comprising 8 miles of fairly steep uphill riding.) My Giant OCR carbon fiber bike has about 14,000 miles on and my indoor bike had about 25,000 miles because I only ride when it’s dry, daylight and over 45 degrees. I’m scheduled for total knee on April 1 and the second knee in the summer. I want to resume riding but my concern is that falling and injuring a prosthetic knee can have some pretty serious complications including damaging the new knee and increased severity of the fracture, with consequent consequent need for surgery and replacement of the TKA. I’d appreciate any thoughts, experience, etc.
Thanks.
Hey Rubin, well done on your weight-loss. It sounds like you really busted your ass, quite an accomplishment! Here’s my question for you. Why are you having the TKA if not to stay active? It would seem to me that if the risk of damaging your new knees takes precedence over being active, why do it in the first place? You see, the entire reason why I got a new knee was so that I could stay active, so I could continue to ride. You will be limited with the activities that you can do with your new knees. Walking is acceptable, but, over time, you will get sore. You can’t run on a TKA, so, that’s out. High impact activity is out. You’re pretty much restricted to activities like cycling, swimming, spinning and some resistance and weight training is perfectly acceptable, while there are active options, many will be restricted to either lowered performance, or, none at all.
When you get your new knees, it will take you some time to ride outdoors. If you need to wait until spring to ride again, you’re looking at a year off unless you’re going to ride your trainer over the winter (which I highly encourage doing). By the time the year is over, you’ll feel much more confident to ride outdoors, and, hopefully you wont worry about damaging your knees. Honestly, if I go down on my bike, I worry more about my head 🙂
My takeaway is this, if the car is too pretty to drive, don’t buy it.
Rubin, you inspire me!!!
I find it great that you shared how you were able to get used to your knee replacement in 30 days after preparing three months for it. In my opinion, families can help their relatives or friends recover from this type of surgery better by hiring an in-home physical therapy service. Doing this will help them do safe, slow exercises that can improve their range of motion while realigning the added joint in the correct position.
I find it great that you shared how you were able to get used to your knee replacement in 30 days after preparing three months for it. In my opinion, families can help their relatives or friends recover from this type of surgery better by hiring an in-home physical therapy service. Doing this will help them do safe, slow exercises that can improve their range of motion while realigning the added joint in the correct position.
I had a TKR (I’m 72) about 2 mos ago. I had a bad experience, I had a pain on the edge of my knee like a knife going in and out 24/7. It was extremely painful to say the least. I had Physical Therapy for 6 wks and though painful, I do recommend it. I know I would not be as far along without it. I usually did 10-20 min. Of bike pedaling. It was not a regular up and down bike but I’m not sure if it was a recumbent either. After seven weeks the “ knife” pain finally stopped. Anyway, today I decided I oils try to get back on my regular bike. I did 2 petals and I thought I was going to rip out my new knee. The pain was unreal. Anyone else have this? I was working around the house within days and I started walking the dog the beginning of third week so I haven’t been inactive though obviously not as active as before. Any thoughts?
I had a TKR (I’m 72) about 2 mos ago. I had a bad experience, I had a pain on the edge of my knee like a knife going in and out 24/7. It was extremely painful to say the least. I had Physical Therapy for 6 wks and though painful, I do recommend it. I know I would not be as far along without it. I usually did 10-20 min. Of bike pedaling. It was not a regular up and down bike but I’m not sure if it was a recumbent either. After seven weeks the “ knife” pain finally stopped. Anyway, today I decided I oils try to get back on my regular bike. I did 2 petals and I thought I was going to rip out my new knee. The pain was unreal. Anyone else have this? I was working around the house within days and I started walking the dog the beginning of third week so I haven’t been inactive though obviously not as active as before. Any thoughts?
hello I just read this chronicle, in Spanish I don’t see anything like it and I am 42 years old and my knee is very bad, the mountain is my life so far both running a mountain bike and mountain bike trips, I’m afraid to keep doing exercise and undergo a total knee replacement, do you think I should do it? Can I do at least intense cycling and travel with it? Can the implant do hard sports or can’t I do anything? What implant was placed? do you pay it? thanks.
Hi, I am 5 years post surgery. I am still riding hard. It takes a long time to fully recover, but, you should be able to get your strength back.
Biking with a new knee is good to do. There will be pain and soreness for a year or more. Sometimes my knee still hurts, but, both knees are sore. I’m just getting old.
I can do all activities I did before surgery, but, I’m not supposed to run on it. Running destroys knees.
I don’t know the name of the knee they put in. Every year the technology gets better. Talk to a doctor and let him / her know what you want your knee to do.
My advice: wait until your knee makes riding or hiking too difficult to do. If your knee makes riding too painful, get a new knee. The recovery takes a while, but, it’s better than before
hello I just read this chronicle, in Spanish I don’t see anything like it and I am 42 years old and my knee is very bad, the mountain is my life so far both running a mountain bike and mountain bike trips, I’m afraid to keep doing exercise and undergo a total knee replacement, do you think I should do it? Can I do at least intense cycling and travel with it? Can the implant do hard sports or can’t I do anything? What implant was placed? do you pay it? thanks.
Hi, I am 5 years post surgery. I am still riding hard. It takes a long time to fully recover, but, you should be able to get your strength back.
Biking with a new knee is good to do. There will be pain and soreness for a year or more. Sometimes my knee still hurts, but, both knees are sore. I’m just getting old.
I can do all activities I did before surgery, but, I’m not supposed to run on it. Running destroys knees.
I don’t know the name of the knee they put in. Every year the technology gets better. Talk to a doctor and let him / her know what you want your knee to do.
My advice: wait until your knee makes riding or hiking too difficult to do. If your knee makes riding too painful, get a new knee. The recovery takes a while, but, it’s better than before
As a 51-year-old former triathlete and bike racer who did 45 races or so every year for over 15 years, I am finally having my knee replaced July 6, 2020. I have put it off for two years since learning I have bone-on-bone osteoarthritis that forces me to walk with a slight limp because of the ongoing pain.
I am nervous. I am fearful I will not recover the way I should. And I am not sure my family will be ultra-helpful with my recovery, which worries me the most. Even after numerous crashes and hospitalizations, I am not sure I can endure the lengthy discomfort.
Thanks for your recount of the surgery, CV! It’s opened my eyes and has made me better educated about the process. If I go through with the knee replacement, I will post back here.
Hello, How did you get on with the knee replacement? I’m 45 and heading that way but I’d still like to mtb and race cyclo cross post operation but looking for other people who have done this. many thanks,
Matt
As a 51-year-old former triathlete and bike racer who did 45 races or so every year for over 15 years, I am finally having my knee replaced July 6, 2020. I have put it off for two years since learning I have bone-on-bone osteoarthritis that forces me to walk with a slight limp because of the ongoing pain.
I am nervous. I am fearful I will not recover the way I should. And I am not sure my family will be ultra-helpful with my recovery, which worries me the most. Even after numerous crashes and hospitalizations, I am not sure I can endure the lengthy discomfort.
Thanks for your recount of the surgery, CV! It’s opened my eyes and has made me better educated about the process. If I go through with the knee replacement, I will post back here.
Hello, How did you get on with the knee replacement? I’m 45 and heading that way but I’d still like to mtb and race cyclo cross post operation but looking for other people who have done this. many thanks,
Matt
I’m into my second month of recovery from a tkr. I have a rom of 220 degrees. My leg muscles are about 40 percent strong. I’ve been riding an exercise bike for three weeks . I’ve been doing pt also from week three after surgery. Im slowly increasing the resistance on the bike right now its on #3. I ride for 15 minutes two to three times a week. Im glad I had the surgery and imsbout to do the other knee. Im 69 years old this year. I just hope the othe knee will be as good as the first surgery.
I’m into my second month of recovery from a tkr. I have a rom of 220 degrees. My leg muscles are about 40 percent strong. I’ve been riding an exercise bike for three weeks . I’ve been doing pt also from week three after surgery. Im slowly increasing the resistance on the bike right now its on #3. I ride for 15 minutes two to three times a week. Im glad I had the surgery and imsbout to do the other knee. Im 69 years old this year. I just hope the othe knee will be as good as the first surgery.
Hi had my TKR October 2017 still haven’t got my 90 degrees but I can walk and do a round of 18 Hole golf but I miss my bike rides was Doing ok my excersise bike but couldn’t get round on my bike ?.i was thinking of going to a physiotherapist but not sure wasting my money help ?
Hi had my TKR October 2017 still haven’t got my 90 degrees but I can walk and do a round of 18 Hole golf but I miss my bike rides was Doing ok my excersise bike but couldn’t get round on my bike ?.i was thinking of going to a physiotherapist but not sure wasting my money help ?
Had my TKR three and a half years ago at the age of 78. Got back on the bike after 9 weeks but only very gently. Took six months for the tightness to subside to get back to rides of 30 Km or so. Have done about 9500 Km since then with the longest ride of 100 Km. I live in a very hilly area. It is difficult to choose a route that does not involve hills of 6% or more. In deference to my knee I have acquired a bike with a Fuzua evation motor/battery combination which can be easily removed so returning the bike to a normal road bike I only use the motor on the steeper hills. It cuts out at 25 Km/hr anyway so it is of little use on the flat. I now seem to be riding at least as well as 10 years ago. Heaps of zwifting during lockdown.
Had my TKR three and a half years ago at the age of 78. Got back on the bike after 9 weeks but only very gently. Took six months for the tightness to subside to get back to rides of 30 Km or so. Have done about 9500 Km since then with the longest ride of 100 Km. I live in a very hilly area. It is difficult to choose a route that does not involve hills of 6% or more. In deference to my knee I have acquired a bike with a Fuzua evation motor/battery combination which can be easily removed so returning the bike to a normal road bike I only use the motor on the steeper hills. It cuts out at 25 Km/hr anyway so it is of little use on the flat. I now seem to be riding at least as well as 10 years ago. Heaps of zwifting during lockdown.
Hi all
Just looking through this and found it very informative. Sounds like it can be quite difficult to recover from a knee replacement but you don’t necessarilly have to have a full one. I cycle alot but have CMT which a nevre wasting condition which has also caused the the bottom half of joints to be not quite right and have come to the end of their service life at 53 years. I’ve just had a patella replacement 9 days ago as the rest of the knee was in fairly ok shape. The swelling and pain are starting to reduce and i’m slowly backing off of the meds, but yesterday I managed to get on the indoor cycle trainer with the seat a little bit higher, and have managed to do 5 minutes. I could of done more but i don’t want to push it and end up taking a step backwards. Without a doubt, it’ll still take a while, but I reckon I’ll be outdoors on the flatter routes by 3 weeks, still at cruising pace which is just fine by me. So if not all the knee is gone, it’s maybe something worth looking in to.
Hi all
Just looking through this and found it very informative. Sounds like it can be quite difficult to recover from a knee replacement but you don’t necessarilly have to have a full one. I cycle alot but have CMT which a nevre wasting condition which has also caused the the bottom half of joints to be not quite right and have come to the end of their service life at 53 years. I’ve just had a patella replacement 9 days ago as the rest of the knee was in fairly ok shape. The swelling and pain are starting to reduce and i’m slowly backing off of the meds, but yesterday I managed to get on the indoor cycle trainer with the seat a little bit higher, and have managed to do 5 minutes. I could of done more but i don’t want to push it and end up taking a step backwards. Without a doubt, it’ll still take a while, but I reckon I’ll be outdoors on the flatter routes by 3 weeks, still at cruising pace which is just fine by me. So if not all the knee is gone, it’s maybe something worth looking in to.