Life after joint replacement: what you can (and can't) do

When I meet patients preparing for hip or knee replacement, the question I hear most is: “What will I be able to do after surgery?” The news is good. Most people can do far more than they think, and usually a lot more than they could before surgery.

Starting out

Most people who need a joint replacement are living with significant pain and limited motion. They aren't thinking about marathons. They want to stand and walk without pain. After surgery, your physical therapist guides your activity while you heal, working on balance and range of motion. Fairly early on, low-impact exercise like a stationary bike or an elliptical is usually on the table.

The long list of yes

Before long, you're back to many of the things arthritis took away. Walking, swimming, golf, biking, light hiking, gardening and dancing are all realistic goals after hip or knee replacement.

The short list of no

I ask patients to avoid high-impact activities like running and jumping, so road races and pickup basketball aren't on the recommended list. The reason is simple: I want your new joint to keep working well for as long as possible. Modern hip and knee replacements usually last 15 to 20 years, depending on how you use them, and high-impact exercise shortens that.

Even with low-impact activity, it's possible to overdo it, just as with a natural joint. Listen to your body. If you have pain or swelling after exercise, let me know.

Why moving matters

Activity matters for far more than your joints. When arthritis limits you, it's natural to slow down, and that makes it harder to keep a healthy weight, raises the risk of problems like diabetes, and can weigh on your mood. After a joint replacement, many of my patients build healthier routines: evening walks with family, yard work, bike rides. Their joints are happier, and so are they.