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I had a knee replacement nine months ago and I feel so great, I'm ready to take on the world! After years of sitting and watching other guys my age play a game of pickup basketball, ski on the weekends, and play golf, I'm finally able to join in. Is there anything special I should know before I jump in on some of these activities?

Many younger or more active patients faced with a knee joint replacement have it in mind that they will be able to rejoin the world and get active again. It sounds like you may fall into this group. Returning to normal activity and sports participation may be more likely after a unicompartmental knee replacement (just one side of the joint is replaced) compared with a total knee replacement. Some activities are not advised at all after a total knee replacement, whereas other activities can be a routine part of patients' lives with experience. For example, there are no restrictions on activities like walking, low-impact aerobics, golf, bowling, swimming, horseback riding, and dancing. Rock climbing, soccer, singles tennis, football, gymnastics, jogging, handball, racquetball, and handball are on the no-no list. Activities that fall in between must be done with common sense and experience. The questionable activities include road cycling, hiking, cross-country skiing, speed walking, ice skating, and weight machines. Your surgeon is the best one to advise you on this decision. Your age, overall general health, bone condition and personal goals are all part of the factors that will determine your current and future management plan. The idea is to provide pain relief and improved function while protecting the new joint (implant) for as long as possible.

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