What You Can and Cannot Do with a Knee Replacement
The recommendations are based on joint impact and the risk of premature wear of the implant. Low-impact activities are generally safe and encouraged.
✓ Recommended
Swimming and aqua aerobics
Cycling (94% return)
Walking and Nordic walking
Golf (most return)
Dance (low impact)
Pilates and adapted yoga
Sailing / rowing
Indoor climbing (moderate)
◐ Case by Case
Skiing (gentle slopes, experienced skiers)
Tennis (singles, soft surface)
Mountain hiking
Light running (selected patients)
Padel (moderate impact)
Mountain biking
✗ Not Advised
Football and contact sports
High-impact running
Basketball and volleyball
High-intensity alpine skiing
Contact martial arts
Jumping and impact activities
Note: The recommendations are individualised. Younger, active patients with good sporting technique may be able to take part in moderate-impact activities that more frail patients should avoid. Discuss this with your surgeon.
Progressive Return to Activity
When Can I Resume Each Activity?
The return to physical activity is progressive and depends on individual recovery. The Delphi expert consensus distinguishes between fast, medium and slow recovery.
Day 1
Get up and assisted walking. Begin physiotherapy.
2–4 wks
Walking without support. Activities of daily living without limitation.
6 wks
Stationary cycling on an ergometer. Swimming (fast recovery).
3 months
Golf, long walks. Driving back to normal.
6 months
Low-impact sports in full. Assessment of moderate activity.
12 months
Activity stabilised. Annual monitoring of the implant.
Implant Longevity
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?
The longevity of modern implants is excellent — but it depends on the level of activity, body weight and surgical technique.
What increases longevity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Low-impact activities
Ongoing physiotherapy and muscle strength
Correct surgical technique and alignment
Regular monitoring with the surgeon
Avoiding falls and trauma
What reduces longevity
Excess weight — increases wear of the bearing surfaces
Repetitive high-impact activities
Contact sports — risk of periprosthetic fracture
Young age — greater time exposure to the implant
Periprosthetic infection — a serious complication
Revision surgery — outcomes inferior to the primary procedure
Longevity data: National arthroplasty registries show that more than 90% of total knee replacements remain functional at 15 years. Many last 20 years or more. Current-generation implants perform better than earlier generations — and appropriate monitoring allows signs of wear to be detected early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Sport after a Knee Replacement
In selected patients and with the surgeon's approval, light running may be tolerated. However, high-impact running is generally not advised, as it increases wear of the implant's bearing surfaces and the risk of long-term complications. Cycling and swimming are alternatives with equivalent cardiovascular benefit and much less wear on the implant.
Alpine skiing is possible in selected patients with good technique and on gentle slopes. The risk of falling and periprosthetic fracture is the main concern. Experienced patients who are physically fit and who skied before the replacement have better outcomes. It requires the surgeon's approval and should be started with progressive caution.
Data from national arthroplasty registries show that more than 90% of total knee replacements are working well at 15 years. Many exceed 20 years. Longevity depends on the type of implant, the surgical technique, the patient's weight and the level of activity. High-impact activities accelerate wear of the bearing surfaces.
Yes — high-impact activities and contact sports should be permanently avoided to preserve the implant. These restrictions are not disabling for most patients, who find an active and satisfying life through low-impact activities (swimming, cycling, golf, walking). Most patients become significantly more active after the replacement than they were before, thanks to the relief of pain.
NC
Dr. Nuno Camelo Barbosa
Orthopaedic Surgeon · Knee Subspecialist Hospital Lusíadas Porto · Hospital Misericórdia Vila do Conde · Paços de Ferreira
Knee replacementArthroplastySport after surgery
Have questions about what you can do with your knee replacement?
Activity recommendations are individualised. Consult Dr. Nuno Camelo for guidance specific to your case, your implant and your physical condition.