A knee replacement is designed to help you get back to living your life.
One of the most common questions I hear is, "What can I do after surgery?" The answer is encouraging. Most patients return to an active lifestyle with significantly less pain than before surgery. The goal isn't simply to have a successful operation. The goal is to get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Many patients avoid kneeling because they worry they will damage their new knee.
Fortunately, once healing is complete, kneeling does not harm the implants.
The challenge is comfort.
Small skin nerves are affected during surgery, which commonly leaves an area of numbness beside the incision. Some patients also notice pressure sensitivity when kneeling on hard surfaces.
Using a garden pad, foam cushion, or folded towel often makes kneeling much more comfortable.
Many patients gradually become more comfortable kneeling as the years go by.
Your knee replacement is strong. If kneeling hurts, stop because of discomfort — not because you're damaging the implant.
Golf places relatively low impact on the knee while helping maintain flexibility, balance, and activity.
Many golfers begin putting within several weeks.
Short game often returns before full swings.
Most patients return to full rounds after healing and strength have improved, usually around three months, although every recovery is different.
Walking the course is excellent exercise when tolerated.
The goal isn't just less pain. It's getting back to the first tee.
Pickleball has become one of the most common questions I hear.
Recreational doubles pickleball places relatively modest forces on the knee and is appropriate for many patients.
Singles pickleball involves much more running and sudden direction changes, placing greater stress on the knee.
Returning safely depends on:
Ease back gradually.
Play smarter — not harder.
Modern implants are durable, but repetitive high-impact loading may increase wear over time.
Fortunately, most patients don't choose knee replacement so they can return to distance running.
The operation is intended to allow comfortable walking, hiking, golf, cycling, swimming, travel, and other enjoyable activities.
If running is extremely important to you, discuss this before surgery so expectations are realistic.
Protect your investment.
Travel is one of the biggest reasons many patients choose surgery.
Long car rides and flights require periodic movement to reduce stiffness and lower blood clot risk.
When traveling:
If traveling soon after surgery, discuss your plans with your surgeon.
Move often. Sitting is harder on your knee than walking.
Joint replacement implants contain metal.
Many airports now use advanced scanners that identify implants without difficulty.
If additional screening is required, simply let security personnel know you have a knee replacement.
You generally do not need a special implant identification card.
Your scar is usually all the proof you need.
Modern joint replacement implants are MRI compatible.
The metal may create distortion around the knee itself, making images immediately next to the implant more difficult to interpret.
However, MRIs of other parts of the body — including the brain, spine, hips, shoulders, and ankles — are routinely performed in patients with joint replacements.
Always tell the imaging center that you have a knee replacement before the study.
A knee replacement is not a reason to avoid an MRI.
This recommendation has changed over the years.
Older guidelines suggested antibiotics before many dental procedures.
More recent research has shown that routine dental procedures are very unlikely to cause a joint replacement infection, and preventive antibiotics have not been shown to meaningfully reduce that already low risk.
Most patients therefore do not require antibiotics before routine dental work.
However, certain patients — including those with previous joint infections, significant immune compromise, or other high-risk medical conditions — may still benefit.
If you are scheduled for dental work and have questions, simply contact our office. We are happy to review your medical history and prescribe antibiotics when appropriate.
When in doubt, call us. We'd rather answer a simple question than have you worry.
Today's implants are remarkably durable.
Longevity depends on many factors including:
The best way to maximize implant longevity is to stay active while avoiding repetitive high-impact activities.
Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on the implant.
Think decades — not years.
One of my favorite follow-up visits is when patients tell me, "I forgot I even had it."
That doesn't happen for everyone.
Some patients always remain mildly aware of the artificial joint.
Others notice occasional stiffness with weather changes or after unusually busy days.
The important question isn't whether you notice the implant.
It's whether your knee allows you to live your life with far less pain than before surgery.
Success isn't forgetting your knee. Success is forgetting your arthritis.
Every knee is different. If knee pain is limiting your life, schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Jadye Kee.