How to Run After a Total Knee Replacement

Having a total knee replacement can put you out of commission for a while. While these surgeries aren't as invasive as they once were, they are still serious operations. Those who live an active lifestyle won't want to be out for a long time. You can run again after a knee replacement surgery, but you'll need to take some small steps and precautions first.

Total knee replacement surgery will require you to rest and limit activity while you heal. This doesn't mean you can't live an active lifestyle. You'll need to rest during the recovery process and then take some special steps before you start running again.

• Check with your doctor to make sure you're ready to start running. You may not be in pain but that doesn't mean you're completely healed. Once you get the go ahead from your doctor you can start to prepare to run again.


• Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Running in cheap shoes won't give you the support you need and could lead to reinjury. You want footwear that will provide good support and offers cushioning to take some of the shock off your knee as you run.


• Find some good stretches to do before you start running. This will help prepare the knee. Your physical therapist or doctor can help point you in the right direction with this.


• Start out on a machine. Avoid a treadmill unless it's designed for low impact. The hard surface can cause stress on your knee. An elliptical machine set on a slow setting will help you build up again without creating stress on the new knee.


• Keep up with the pain levels. If you start to experience pain you need to stop and assess your situation. Check back with your doctor. When you can easily run on the machine without stress or pain you can try short runs on a track. Continue this until you're back at the level you want to be.