Walking versus exercises

Bones, joints and muscles
1

I am walking a mile plus every day. It's only a few of the exercises that are hurting ny knees. I already have prior knee issues that are being aggravated by the exercises. So what's more important? Walking or exercises?

2

Hi scout

You need to ask your physio as everyone's problems are different

Take care

Kate x

3

Both are maybe doing a little less of each.

4

Walking. My exercises from the hospital can be

done lying on the  bed (the first few days) see how

you go with those. Balance is another aim, One leg

then the operated leg, only when you are weight bearing.

try doing exercises in the shower.

don't hurt your knees,

Cathie

5

My surgeon said....walk walk walk. . He didn't even ask if i was doing physio

6

Thank you. I was very active up to the day of surgery. Always had to be careful of my knees. The standing series of exercises are what's hurting. Only did the lying down exercises yesterday and feel better today. Walked 1.5 miles yesyerday. Will walking suffice?

7

It's amazing how opinions differ and probably more so from country to country. My hospitals instructions were that exercise given in the phsyio booklet were the most important and not to to do so much walking you were unable to do the exercises. I think they may be right too as I got to the stage where I could walk my dogs over the downs for an hour before breakfast but still had lots of aches and pains which I was told was weak muscles and to keep doing the exercises (and in fact given some more). Obviously you need to not make things hurt and be careful but I can vouch for the exercise route.

8

There are lots of differing opinions. I would think discuss with a physio, it is fine to walk providing you have the correct gait etc

9

It's important to learn to walk properly. Heel toe, swinging the arms, pushing off the back foot. But especially for us hippies not dropping the hip on the operated side. We do this because the butt muscles on that side are weakened.

So in answer to your question both are important but walking needs to be quality more than quantity.

10

Hi scout I had this same discussion with my surgeon at my 7wks check, I explained to him I found it difficult to do the last set of exercises the physio,s gave me as both my knees have been replaced also, I found it uncomfortable to get down on the floor to do them. He said if I was getting plenty of walking daily + to start swimming again , these were the best exercise I could do for the hip , he even said I could do breast stroke in moderation to start with. There is so much conflicting advice from physio,s, surgeons etc,I will carry on with all the exercises I can do with ease, and get plenty of walking/swimming in as often as possible , hope this helps x susy

11

I was walking half a mile by week 12, with my first THR, when I tore out the cartledge in the opposite hip. If you already have arthritis in your knees, or the other hip it can lead to this. But of course they don't tell you its a complication because it is important that you walk, and I do agree with them. My sister who is a director of nursing, said oh yess the 12 week complication, tearing out cartledge, not unusual, well known problem. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.