Pickleball and golf after knee or hip replacement

From the courts in Ashburn to the golf courses in western Loudoun, my patients want to play. That's a great goal. The whole point of a joint replacement is to get your life back, and staying active is good for your new joint and your overall health.

Golf

Golf is one of the most popular activities after joint replacement, and the AAOS lists it among the lower-impact activities that are generally encouraged.¹ In earlier studies, roughly 90% of golfers returned to the course after hip replacement and about 70% after total knee replacement. Some studies have reported even higher return rates after partial knee replacement.²

Most patients start with putting and chipping, then progress to full swings and walking or riding 18 holes over the following weeks to months, depending on how recovery goes. Your physical therapist and I will guide the timing.

Pickleball

Pickleball is booming among adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s, and it's a fun, social way to stay fit. The main risk is falling. A study presented at the 2024 AAOS Annual Meeting found that pickleball-related fractures seen in emergency rooms rose dramatically from 2002 to 2022. The average patient was 66, 87% were over 60, and 92% of fractures were caused by falls.³ A fall onto a new hip or knee can cause a fracture around the implant, which is a serious injury.

My advice for pickleball after joint replacement:

• Wait until you're cleared and your strength and balance are back. That usually means after you've finished formal therapy.
• Start with doubles, which involves less running.
• Wear court shoes with good lateral support, not running shoes.
• Don't backpedal for lobs. Turn and move, or let it go.
• Warm up and keep working on balance off the court.

What about running?

High-impact activities like running and jumping are generally discouraged after joint replacement because they increase wear on the implant.¹ Cycling, swimming, the elliptical, hiking and dancing are great alternatives.

Plan your comeback

Tell me your goals at our first visit. If you want to play golf or pickleball again, we'll build that into your recovery plan. Request a consultation.