Knee replacements and running

[Jim]

Hi I'm living proof that knee replacements don't mean the end of running.

[Jim]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vbi...ew?usp=sharing

So this is what the new knees look like on X-ray

No medial cartilage and blown meniscii on both knees led to needing this op.

The lateral compartments and ligaments were still all good.

Most noticeable is the lack of pain also the knee runs straight now my shoes no longer wear out on one side!

[Mike T]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vbi...ew?usp=sharing

So this is what the new knees look like on X-ray

No medial cartilage and blown meniscii on both knees led to needing this op.

The lateral compartments and ligaments were still all good.

Most noticeable is the lack of pain also the knee runs straight now my shoes no longer wear out on one side!

Nice pictures. What advice did the surgeon give you about fell running?

[Jim]

Nice pictures. What advice did the surgeon give you about fell running?

No running full stop

We know how addictive it can be so I'm just so happy to be running over the fells again.

Clearly I'm a work in progress but at the age of 67 I'm not planning on giving up yet

I'm not on pain relief, use ice and compression if need but so much better than the last few years.

A full knee could be a different matter but these two partials are shaping up nicely.

The hard bit is getting fitness back. That's up to me and motivation as always.

Happy to talk about details.

[Mike T]

I found this article interesting:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healt...nd-hip-surgery

[Jim]

Thanks for the link
I think it comes down to degree
Weight bearing is happening walking or running, it's possible to control running surfaces and coming down hard.

The union between bone and metal is up to the body, no glue is used in the op
Bone needs stress to heal, think traction, the cells line up with the stress lines. Very clever.



So putting some pressure on the new joints has got to help. But as I said it's a work in progress and so far I'm a happy bunny.

Thanks again

[Jim]

So Saltwell Fell Race felt ok on Tuesday night.
Part of my work in progress, encouragement for those wanting new knees but were afraid to ask.
The main task is getting muscle to come back, not easy with age related sarcopenia.
Lots of spinning bike and yoga (I hate that lama stuff) also steady running on grass and fell trods feels good.
Finally I know the value of shedding flab, my life long bug bear, still trying to get below 80kg.

[Jim]

https://www.saltwellharriers.org.uk/...4-Results.xlsx

[mr brightside]

So Saltwell Fell Race felt ok on Tuesday night.
Part of my work in progress, encouragement for those wanting new knees but were afraid to ask.
The main task is getting muscle to come back, not easy with age related sarcopenia.
Lots of spinning bike and yoga (I hate that lama stuff) also steady running on grass and fell trods feels good.
Finally I know the value of shedding flab, my life long bug bear, still trying to get below 80kg.

Good luck, may see you around.

[Jim]

Thanks Mr B
Had a crack at the Lowther trail race on August 11th and felt steady, 2hr 36m, this was 5 mins faster than my 2022 time. Although slightly miffed that my (and many others I suspect) arch running metric Wendy D cruised past on the final hill.

Next up this month some shorter trail runs: Great Westmorland and Thornthwaite,so will be working on speed and then the Hadrian half marathon next month to increase distance. If all goes well I'm looking forward to the Really wild boar, a test for my knees on some rough downhill bog and tussocks.

Currently I do not see myself doing Borrowdale, the 3 peaks and many other fell races that punctuated my running year in the past. However I intend to progress and find the new edge of my envelope without pushing beyond too soon.

See you around too hopefully. Jim.