Getting the most out of a new knee replacement in regards to its longevity can consist of a number of multiple factors. The two most important that tend to cause joint loosening or failure that is widely seen is, either lack of muscular strength around the affected joint or, becoming overweight increasing the forces applied through the replacement.
Strengthening the muscles around the knee replacement prosthesis is begun immediately after surgery. The muscles involved include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Though the muscular system in the leg is more complicated then listed above, these are the muscles that most people will recognize when discussed in rehabilitation.
Lack of proper muscle strength around the prosthesis causes the knee joint itself to become the structure that will support a large portion of your body weight rather then the muscles themselves. By strengthening the muscles listed above they now become the workhorse instead of the knee itself.
The quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles have become weak and atrophied prior to surgery and will need concentrated work during physical therapy and after your allotted time with therapy.
Conditioning of the muscles after surgery will and should go on much longer then the time that our insurance companies or Medicare will allow for rehabilitation follow-up.
By stopping your exercise routine of consistent walking, and strength training you hinder your legs full ability and strength potential to keep the knee replacement strong and secure.
Exercises such as standing calf raises, partial mini-squats and knee flexing exercises will keep the muscles strong however, they will get accustomed to this workload and will need to be stressed further to continue to make gains in strength. This is where a sound weight training program comes into play. Our muscles no matter what your age will only get stronger if the forces applied to them is progressive and demanding enough for the muscle to grow and adapt.
Now depending on your prior level of function, you may decide that is not needed that decision will be up to you. Your age can be factor or other medical conditions can play a part regarding the intensity you put into your strengthening efforts.
I have stressed in the past that after a replacement a structured resistance training program is quite good for the replacement. Any thing other then high impact activities can be completed.
After having my knee replaced in 1999 I find that leg extensions with resistance along with hamstring curls lying in a prone position and leg presses all completed with the appropriate amount of weight does produce lasting results without complications. Standing calf raises also will increase the strength in the lower compartment of the leg and will only add to the support and durability of the knee.
The added benefit of weight training not only the surgical leg but, the entire body will add muscle in time over the body which will increase your bodies metabolism. By increasing your metabolism you burn more calories at rest which will result in a decrease of body weight.
By being overweight not by just a couple of pounds but by 10-20 pounds will greatly increase the forces that are transferred to the knee. The constant pounding just from walking will in time lead to prosthesis that will loosen. Why speed up the possibility of having a revision surgery? There are multiple factors also involved here of course however, being overweight after a joint replacement should be dealt with somehow to help prolong the life expectancy of the joint.
Dieting alone is not the answer. It is common knowledge today that after years of fad diets being promoted for a quick buck on TV, Its been advised and shown a diet with an exercise program combined lead to lasting results.
So to get the most mileage out of your new knee replacement be sure once you are cleared by your surgeon to start a resistance training program, monitor your diet by making smarter food choices and, when you follow this course of action, the weight will drop. By having a stronger, leaner body you not only look and feel good but, your knee replacement will get some added life to it as well.
The stronger the knee and surrounding muscles are, the better performance and quality of life you achieve.
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