Latest posts for the topic "Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?"

Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:57:04 GMT

My husband has been told he will need a knee replacement sometime in the not too distant future.

He says he wants to enjoy skiing as much as possible now, but in reality it is quite painful after a day or so and swells badly.

Does anyone know of anyone who has managed to ski following this op? I hate to think he won't be able to enjoy skiing for years to come. He is only 46.

Dids.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:19:41 GMT

I know slightly different my Mum had a knee replacement 3 months ago. She is 77. She did all the excercise, physio, rest she was supposed too. This week she is riding her bike again and doing a bit of light gardening. So there is def hope for some-one that much younger. She says its the best thing (well apart from a hip replacement a few years ago) she has had done and will consider having the ther knee done now.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:18:22 GMT

J2ski has a contributor called "Pavelski". he has had both knees replaced. He was back skiing within a year, and he covers some challenging snow terrain.

Do a search for Pavelski on this page, and send him a PM. He is always busy, so it may take a while to respond, but he is a very helpful person.

I too used to get a swollen knee after a couple of days, so about five years ago, I committed to an exercise regime, that did make a difference ~ I was able to get through 7 weeks of skiing in the first season after the muscle build-up.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:15:01 GMT

So there's hope...
Thanks for your replies and I'll send Pavel a message too.

My husband does a lot of cycling so has a lot of muscle in his legs which has probably got him through many ski holidays to date. Cycling has been great for his general fitness and well being, but anything high impact such as football and skiing just cause it to swell.

A few years ago he had a cartilage op which he feels was not entirely successful and he also has a cyst on the back of his knee which swells too. He also has arthritis in it... :cry:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:27:04 GMT

Plenty of diclofenac and he will be fine.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:40:16 GMT

Dids1 wrote:So there's hope...
Thanks for your replies and I'll send Pavel a message too.

My husband does a lot of cycling so has a lot of muscle in his legs which has probably got him through many ski holidays to date. Cycling has been great for his general fitness and well being, but anything high impact such as football and skiing just cause it to swell.

A few years ago he had a cartilage op which he feels was not entirely successful and he also has a cyst on the back of his knee which swells too. He also has arthritis in it... :cry:

I have a cyst in the back of my knee too, no pain or anything. I think it might just be 'there' as I don't have any swelling. Sorry this post is of no help :lol:

Edit: I am A LOT younger than your husband, I hope this isn't what is to come for me :(

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:54:29 GMT

Gareth Fair wrote:Plenty of diclofenac and he will be fine.

Works a treat that stuff!!

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:23:09 GMT

tino_11 wrote:

Gareth Fair wrote:Plenty of diclofenac and he will be fine.

Works a treat that stuff!!

Never heard of it, what do you do with it?

I mainline on Ibruproven during the season.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:59:19 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

tino_11 wrote:

Gareth Fair wrote:Plenty of diclofenac and he will be fine.

Works a treat that stuff!!

Never heard of it, what do you do with it?

I mainline on Ibruproven during the season.

Dave Mac diclofenac is much, much better than Ibuprofen and it is now available over the counter. Even the rub is better than Ibuleve. Just look for its trade name of Voltarol.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:55:20 GMT

Hi Pablo,
with ref to your cyst.......

This is what is has been diagnosed as :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker's_cyst

In some cases causes no pain, but it the swelling with this cyst that's the issue.
The other pain is the arthritis and the fact he had is cartilage removed.

Hopefully not your lot in the future!

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:56:53 GMT

RoseR wrote:
I mainline on Ibruproven during the season.

Dave Mac diclofenac is much, much better than Ibuprofen and it is now available over the counter. Even the rub is better than Ibuleve. Just look for its trade name of Voltarol.

Thanks Rose, In what way is Voltarol better than Ibuprofen? Performance/side effects/value?

In the season, 400 mgm of Ibuprofen twice a day. No side effects, quite cheap from our local chemist. Reduces knee swelling, and minimises pain for 2/3 hours from start of skiing. I have not perceived any effect of using the rub, Ibuleve.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:06:50 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

RoseR wrote:
I mainline on Ibruproven during the season.

Dave Mac diclofenac is much, much better than Ibuprofen and it is now available over the counter. Even the rub is better than Ibuleve. Just look for its trade name of Voltarol.

Thanks Rose, In what way is Voltarol better than Ibuprofen? Performance/side effects/value?

In the season, 400 mgm of Ibuprofen twice a day. No side effects, quite cheap from our local chemist. Reduces knee swelling, and minimises pain for 2/3 hours from start of skiing. I have not percieved any effect of using the rub, Ibuleve.
Voltarol is a much stronger anti-inflamatory/pain killer, much stronger than Ibuprofen. It has always been on prescription only but this year is available OTC. Only downside much more expensive. I personally would rec ibuprofen for a headache/toothache but diclofenac for back/knee/muscle probs. I dont think the rubs are of much use I think sometimes its the actual massaging the joints not the ingredients that help. Side effects could be about the same as Ibuprofen, must be taken after food otherwise indigestion. Also Voltarol comes in suppository form :lol:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:25:41 GMT

Also Voltarol comes in suppository form.

ROSE! :shock: :shock: :shock:

you're a laydee???

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:51:30 GMT

Pablo Escobar wrote:

Dids1 wrote:So there's hope...
Thanks for your replies and I'll send Pavel a message too.

My husband does a lot of cycling so has a lot of muscle in his legs which has probably got him through many ski holidays to date. Cycling has been great for his general fitness and well being, but anything high impact such as football and skiing just cause it to swell.

A few years ago he had a cartilage op which he feels was not entirely successful and he also has a cyst on the back of his knee which swells too. He also has arthritis in it... :cry:

I have a cyst in the back of my knee too, no pain or anything. I think it might just be 'there' as I don't have any swelling. Sorry this post is of no help :lol:

Edit: I am A LOT younger than your husband, I hope this isn't what is to come for me :(

Your a bit young to be be falling apart Pablo 8)

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:23:12 GMT

In Ireland we have Difene (brand of Dicolfenac) 4% spray gel. Its 4 times stronger than regular dicolfenac gel and penitrates 20 times deeper. No ski trip should be without it. I tore my ACL a year and a half ago and skiied for 2 days on it.
Best pain killer ever but rose is right the most efective and fastest acting is a suppository. :shock:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:06:32 GMT

You guy's sound like a right lot of "Sick Notes" :wink:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:53:57 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:You guy's sound like a right lot of "Sick Notes" :wink:

Unfortunately, the doctor won't give me a sick note that would enable me to get a free lift pass. 8)

I think that your joke is quite insightful Ian, people who routinely shrug off leprosy, typhoid and plague, will squeal if an injury threatens their skiing.

On the other hand, bear in mind caron-A's knee injury/repair/recovery and be respectful.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:20:43 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:You guy's sound like a right lot of "Sick Notes" :wink:

Because he isn't a sick note and fights through injuries and pain my husband needs the knee replacement.
He always played football and should have given up ages before he did.

I've taken note of the suggestions for pain relief tho....He'll suffer in silence if I don't buy them as well.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:50:23 GMT

Dids1 wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:You guy's sound like a right lot of "Sick Notes" :wink:

Because he isn't a sick note and fights through injuries and pain my husband needs the knee replacement.
He always played football and should have given up ages before he did.

I've taken note of the suggestions for pain relief tho....He'll suffer in silence if I don't buy them as well.

I do not know too many people who suffer in silence :D ........ But I do know a little about knee replacement as my mother has had both replaced, unfortunately there is only a 90% success rate and one of hers was in the 10%, so this hampers her walking she can only walk for short distances, but she actually does suffer in silence :wink:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:57:54 GMT

Dave Mac wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:You guy's sound like a right lot of "Sick Notes" :wink:

Unfortunately, the doctor won't give me a sick note that would enable me to get a free lift pass. 8)

I think that your joke is quite insightful Ian, people who routinely shrug off leprosy, typhoid and plague, will squeal if an injury threatens their skiing.

On the other hand, bear in mind caron-A's knee injury/repair/recovery and be respectful.

MMmmm you have really lost me this time Dave, But what I will say respect is not a right, it should be earned.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:31:33 GMT

RoseR wrote:
Voltarol is a much stronger anti-inflamatory/pain killer, much stronger than Ibuprofen. It has always been on prescription only but this year is available OTC. Only downside much more expensive. I personally would rec ibuprofen for a headache/toothache but diclofenac for back/knee/muscle probs. I dont think the rubs are of much use I think sometimes its the actual massaging the joints not the ingredients that help. Side effects could be about the same as Ibuprofen, must be taken after food otherwise indigestion. Also Voltarol comes in suppository form :lol:

Rose,
Are there not long term health risk with Voltarol ?, or are they hoping they got it right this time ?

Trencher

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:55:20 GMT

Trencher wrote:

RoseR wrote:
Voltarol is a much stronger anti-inflamatory/pain killer, much stronger than Ibuprofen. It has always been on prescription only but this year is available OTC. Only downside much more expensive. I personally would rec ibuprofen for a headache/toothache but diclofenac for back/knee/muscle probs. I dont think the rubs are of much use I think sometimes its the actual massaging the joints not the ingredients that help. Side effects could be about the same as Ibuprofen, must be taken after food otherwise indigestion. Also Voltarol comes in suppository form :lol:

Rose,
Are there not long term health risk with Voltarol ?, or are they hoping they got it right this time ?

Trencher

Seems to be pretty safe, especially as its had a lot more research to enable it to be sold over the counter, but only if you fit the criteria to take it. The only problem would be stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding. Some people who have to take it long term also take something else to protect the stomach.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:35:33 GMT

Dids1,
Yes you can. Will send you via PM all information and DVD if you desire!

Just do it soon. Do not wait!

Pavel

Re: Knee issue

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:40:22 GMT

DaveMac,
It is a small world!

A skiing friend in Alaska saw your post Dave and sent me your response! I was in another part of this earth,,and got her messages!

Hope all is fine and that DVD I sent you is motivating you (as if you need that)!!! Caron has not yet received this copy! I am waiting a few more weeks,,till I sense her desire to ski!!!! Then it will motivate her, her husband and kids!

Respectfully,
Pavel

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:39:15 GMT

well i know ive had a few knee ops ligament reconstructions, cartlidge not quite as big as the replacement, but I ski 1-2weeks a year. Im fine as long as i wear a knee brace which is quite comfortable, I just bought mines online. Does your husband enjoy offpiste, because I find its rather risky incase something does happen but maybe thats weariness from me! All the best anyway - make sure he follows the physio's instructions and hell do the best.
Regards

Re: Knee issue

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:03:16 GMT

pavelski wrote:DaveMac,
It is a small world!
A skiing friend in Alaska saw your post Dave and sent me your response! I was in another part of this earth,,and got her messages!

Hope all is fine and that DVD I sent you is motivating you (as if you need that)!!! Caron has not yet received this copy! I am waiting a few more weeks,,till I sense her desire to ski!!!! Then it will motivate her, her husband and kids!
Respectfully,
Pavel

Pavel, I have a confession. Until last night I had no success in getting the DVD to work, until my son pointed out that the cable was out of the back! My wife is very vigourous with her cleaning!

So we all sat down last night and watched. Wonderful artwork, along with dreamlike skiing, set to beautiful music. A stunning location, and very friendly ski partners.
And ~ the Auhof Jacket!!!

One day......

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 07:30:51 GMT

I haven't had time to read all the thread so am not sure if this has been mentioned....
Last season a guest came to stay with me with the weirdest looking thing I had seen... the skimojo.
http://www.skiallday.co.uk/sm/

He reckons he can ski only 2 or 3 hours a day without it and certainly can't keep up with his mates.
This thing takes a lot of the weight from your knees but still keeps it directed onto your boot/ski. So your knees and legs get a bit of a break.
Apparantly too much rugby can be bad for your skiing!

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 13:57:18 GMT

pavelski wrote:Hope all is fine and that DVD I sent you is motivating you (as if you need that)!!! Caron has not yet received this copy! I am waiting a few more weeks,,till I sense her desire to ski!!!! Then it will motivate her, her husband and kids!

Respectfully,
Pavel

very perceptive of you Pavel.

I was extremely disappointed with in my skiing at Easter and the desire was dampened, every time I thought of the trip I recalled each bad run instead of the good ones. I had a heavy heart.

However, a week or so ago I played football and hockey for three hours pretty much non-stop and it dawned on me the next day that I'd overcome a massive physical and, more importantly, psychological hurdle without realising it. I'm now very excited again and the husband is back to rolling his eyes at me every time I mention the S word. I even wore my ski socks and jacket to a bbq last saturday :D

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 14:02:23 GMT

I have a friend who skied very successfully last year after both knees were replaced. So YES!!!!!

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:59:28 GMT

Buy Ski Mojo's. They're brilliant. My partner has bad knees and these things take the strain totally out of his knees. Before he had to pump himself full of Ibuprofen. Now he hardly takes one. We call them his "Gumps" ie. after Forest Gump's calipers, but hey, they're fantastic!!

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 21:18:21 GMT

I have a bad Knee, I think I will have a ride over to Sheffield to have a closer look, seems a bit of a performance to get it set up, but if it keeps you skiing longer who cares :)

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 11:21:14 GMT

No performance really, just have to have the two strutts cut to size which you can do yourself. They really are good, but take a look at the website (if you haven't already!) Good luck and let us all know.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 02:30:09 GMT

Hi, I have looked at the website and the thing that bothers me is when I drive to the lift station wearing my normal boots, then I park up and get out of the car how long will it take me to get set up with my skiboots. Do I have to take off my sallopetts to fit the MOJO or should I have it on before I set off. Don't fancy standing down at the bottom of the ST Gervais lift station in my thermals ) while the O/H falls about laughing. :lol:

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 08:58:40 GMT

hehe. That would be a sight! No. What you do is when you dress in the morning, you put your mojos on under your salopettes. Have breakfast and then drive etc etc. There is a button on the hip of each one, which you press, very easily through the salopettes. It takes 10 seconds max. The button engages and disengages the mojos. So you have them disengaged for walking around, driving, drinking your beers etc hehe, and ALSO when you sit on the chair lifts etc. You then get to the top, engage them again, put on your poles and away you go. I don't even notice my partner doing it. Sometimes he forgets to disengage them before sitting on a chair and then it's a bit uncomfortable or he has to wriggle around to disengage them, but he wouldn't be without them now. In fact he drove me crazy last year when one of the attachments broke. He mended it with cable ties until he got back to the UK and then ordered a replacement attachment. (they've changed the design of it now, so it can't happen again). Good luck and go for them! Again, let me know.

Re:Is it possible to ski after a knee replacement?

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:02:42 GMT

Oh forgot to say. The way they're made is that you drill a tiny bore hole in the back of each boot to fix the fixing on. (very secure and doesn't harm the boot at all). You then wear the mojos. The detachable parts are two rods, one for each boot, which connect the boot to the mojo. It's just one thing you have to remember to take with you, just like remembered your sun glasses or goggles. you have to remember the rods. You just put them on when putting your boots on and take them off again at the end of each day.