Walking After Knee or Hip Replacement

Two of my walking buddies got knee replacements in the past year alone, and I have several others who have had the knee or hip replacement in the past 10 years. Our Guide to Arthritis reports on the current advice of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on returning to sports after knee or hip replacement. Walking is a low impact sport. They caution that high impact sports such as running, and those with lots of twisting and side-to-side stress such as tennis and basketball can cause more wear on the new joint and require a revision surgery sooner.

But you can and should return to physical activity. It is important to train for the sport you want to enjoy. Start with short walks, but get walking! And build your back, hip, and knee strength with strength building exercises to keep your body in balance. Try Paige's Basic Lower Body Exercises.