Hiking with knee replacement

[Diet Orange Soda]

Hello Everyone, I had the great fortune to stumble on this website whie researching if ther were many hikers who had total knee replacement and had gone on to hike the AT. My doctor has said that I am in need of this but I have had the dream of hiking the AT for some time now. Would appreciate feedback.

[johnnybgood]

Welcome to Whiteblaze , I'm sure there has been other thru hikers with total knee replacements that have hiked the AT.

Get your doctor on the same page as you in regards to your dreams of hiking the trail and see if the TKR is the best option . Only you know how bad your knee hurts .
I say the sooner you can did er done, the sooner the rehab, the sooner the dream becomes a reality.

Then get some good hiking poles , if you don't already own some, and hit the trail in 2012.

Good Luck !

[Rain Man]

DOS, I just attended a monthly backpacker meeting last night and met a woman in your age range who just had a knee replacement and has aspirations to hike the AT. She's going to start hiking locally with our group. If you'd like for me to put you two in touch, maybe y'all could share with each other. Just let me know if you have any interest.

Rain:sunMan

.

[4eyedbuzzard]

FWIW, there are people who have climbed Mt. Everest with knee (and hip and other joint) replacements. If they can do that, you can hike the AT.

Working hard and following your rehab plan (which should take into account your hiking goals) is the key. I haven't had a knee replacement but have had other physical ailments (back injuries) that I recovered from, and I know several people who have knee and hip replacements. People who are lazy during rehab and/or don't want to endure the pain (yeah, rehab hurts :o) that goes with establishing range of motion and increasing muscle mass / strength to support a new or healing joint don't get near the benefit of those who put a lot into it. My BIL just had his second hip done (he's only 53) and 8 weeks after walked a 5K. He didn't do it fast, and he hurt later, but he did it. He's playing some friendly half court basketball next week - after just 3 months. Now, a hip is supposedly easier than a knee, but it does go to show that if you are willing to really put out and are serious in your rehab you will be able to do most activities, including hiking.

[leaftye]

There's a guy here named New Knees. I hiked with him earlier this year. He had hiked the AT and was doing a few sections of the PCT this year. He had a faster pace than me.

[peakbagger]

Up in NH there are several hard core hikers that have had TNR's and hike better than before. One big change to the technology is that the new knees have replacable wear inserts. There used to be a concern that someone could wear out their new knees, but now if the inserts get worn, the doctors can detect it in advance and replace using arthroscopic surgery.

I have read the the important thing is to research your the doctor and medical facility as the sucess rate and potential for post surgery infection varies significantly with the team that does the replacement.

[Del Q]

I had arthroscopy surgery on my right knee 6 weeks ago. Was planning on heading our next Saturday for 116 mile hike in Southern VA. During my Sept hike in VA knee was REALLY sore, detracted from the fun I usually have. Do not think I will be ready to go until Spring.........working out almost daily, just not there yet. Did 1st hike with a 30lb pack last weekend, pretty painful afterwards. Time heals all wounds, right?

[Sugarfoot]

When I thought I was going to have total knee replacements (before seeing a sports medicine doctor and receiving a different diagnosis, one treated successfully by arthroscopic surgery), I researched this. I found two recent clinical studies that studied people receiving total knee replacements, who did high impact sports prior to surgery. One group was given the traditional advice of avoiding high impact activities after surgery. The other group was encouraged to resume their sport. The latter group not only had greater range of motion and less reported pain, but fewer joint failures requiring subsequent surgery. A summary of one of them is on the website of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: http://www6.aaos.org/news/Pemr/releases/release.cfm?releasenum=869
Discuss it with your doctor and consider a second opinion from a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon. My experience was that traditional orthopedic surgeons are concerned with the activities of daily living while sports medicine docs want to get you back "on the field." Good luck!

[kayak karl]

Swampfox, Rockies husband hiked with me after a replacement. he was hard to keep up with and he was 70. http://www.trailjournals.com/rockyandswampfox/

[Diet Orange Soda]

Sounds good have her get in touch with me thru this site. I have been hiking for quite some time and have no intention of giving it up. My plans are to start section hiking the AT in 2013 the year I retire and my doc has said I will need a total knee.

[Diet Orange Soda]

Thanks Everyone, Ths really makes me feel better. I have worked hard all my life and am now getting ready to get out there and enjoy my hiking and did not want this to stop me.

[jlb2012]

may want to contact trekkngirl on this site - a nurse with both knees replace iirc - ended up off trail due to foot trouble - knees worked good

[garlic08]

My friend Saunter got one knee replaced a few years ago and recently finished section hiking both the PCT and the CDT. He's going to attempt Springer to Harpers Ferry on the AT next year. He's about 65. He's one of my hiking heroes. Best of luck in your surgery and hiking.

[Diet Orange Soda]

Update on my knee problem-- I am having a knee scope next week. Seems I have a meniscuis tear and so hopefully this will buy me a little time. I just have to be patient and let it heal.