Good morning!

It's very early on a Sunday morning here in Colorado, and I wanted to see about getting an opinion from all of you experts! Resultant from a hiking injury, I had total knee replacement three months ago. My doctor just gave me the green light for any type of exercise except "pounding" exercises like running.

I would like to know:

1. Has anyone reading this ever had a knee replacement? If so, what was your approach to getting back into a good exercise routine.

2. Are any of you figure/ice skaters? Please share your advice!

I have a sense of urgency about getting into a vigorous workout routine again, since my injury prevented me from getting the exercise I need, and I put on about 40 pounds. I went from a size 5 jeans to a size 10-12! YIKES!

I'm eager and anxious to hit this hard, feel healthy and energetic again, and get back into my favorite size fives!

Thanks for your opinions and help!

Sunnybrook

Good morning to you! Great that you want to jump back into a fitness routine, now that you have your doctor's permission.

I have not had knee replacement, and I am not a figure skater.

However, I do have a chronic knee condition for which I was given medical advice to avoid "pounding" & I am a hockey player, so I log miles of skating in any given week.

When I was first given a list of recommended activities, there were three categories:
avoid at all costs
could be ok, might not be, depends
no problem

Ice skating was in that middle category.

At the time, I found that the skating needed to play hockey was ok - if I wasn't pushing it too hard off the ice. If I tried to do any of the 'bad' activities (e.g., running, biking, downhill skiing, etc.), then I had problems even when I skated. Doing heavy powerskating work that required a lot of knee bend & attention to proper technique in my stride did cause pain, inflammation, etc. at a higher rate. I realize that when I was playing, I started to develop a stride with a bit less knee bend (and prob less power) to compensate for the injury.

Since that time, I have made major gains in the muscles surrounding the joint, gotten a fair bit lighter, & then gotten back to nearly the same weight (though with muscle instead of fat). I've also figured out what other 'triggers' make things worse for (e.g., diet, weather, etc.). I've made enough progress that I've been able to do things I never thought I'd be able to - like running a 5K for charity. Most important, I'm skating powerfully, pain-free.

My advice is that your biggest risk is not skating, but trying to do too much, too soon. I think ice skating can be a healthy component to a fitness routine. Take it easy the first times out & see how your body responds. I'd even suggest blading (in-line skating) first, as it is less stressful on the knees - but you already said you are in Denver, and I figure blading in Denver in January might be tough. Haha!

Good luck! Remember - you didn't put 40 lbs on in one week, so it won't come off in a week. But if you stay dedicated with your nutrition & activity, you WILL get back to a healthier place!

Just curious to know how old are you, and what made you get the TKR - was it just too unbearable? Did they mention how long the prosthetic knee is suppose to last for?

Ice skating doesnt seem to bad - ecspecially if you enjoy it, but bike riding and swimming have to be the best alternatives.

I really appreciate your thoughts, Sig and Matt! The encouragement is invaluable and I appreciate the good information, too. Thanks so much!

I've suffered from chondromalacia patella in my right knee for about 4 years now, and surprisingly, skating is one of the few cardio activities that numerous orthopedic specialists and physical therapists have given me the green light. According to my doctors, skating is a relatively low impact exercise for the knee joint, and works to strengthen the majority of supporting musculature of the leg, strengthening the joint. Still can't play hockey though

However, CMP is not knee replacement surgery, so I'd check with your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist before you get back on the ice.