Knee Replacement - Buying Time

[RayK]

In 1997 I was told to have my knee replaced. I am a 60 year old tennis player. My goal is find the right exercise, stretches, diet, frequency of playing that will enable to play 1 - 2 times a month. Several doctors told me as long as I can handle the pain I can do whatever I want.
So far: Pilates, Glucosamine, Fish Oil, half ball balance and Modified squats, are the things I am doing. To keep my tennis timing I hit with people who can hit the ball within one or two steps of me. I rest by feeding (drilling) them balls where ever they want them. I also serve a bunch, they get the practice returning serve, I get to practice the serve.
The squat was a real good find. It uses a balance ball between you and the wall. Lean about 25degrees away from the wall. Do three sets of 15 TWICE A DAY. I found this recommended for "jumpers knee" rehab. My knee normally doesn't go past 90degrees, with this routine I am getting about 100degrees.
The best find was doing my own deep massage using a medicine ball. I roll on the ball covering as much leg muscle as possible. This has been great because the arthritis is causing tendonitis behind the knee, very sore hamstring and shin pain. I do the quad especially because it needs stetching to help with the range of knee motion. I think the quad got short because the knee never got past the 90 degrees.
Aleve works best for me, but I avoid it unless things are really bad. I also get relief sleeping with a pillow under my knee. It seems the straight leg, goes hyper extended.
I would like opinions on my routine - especially if something is technically wrong or if a modification would enhance it.

[Ruth]

Hi,

You seem to be a very pro-active individual which you should be proud of!

Basically any exercises which can help to maintain your range of movement (both flexion AND extension, as much as you can) and strengthen your muscles around the knees without causing you lots of pain/inflammation are what is suggested as a pre-op exercise plan. Particularly, strengthening the knees (both of them!) is really helpful.

Other exercises you could consider may be available from a physio if you get referred to them pre-op - it really depends on how things are done where you live to be honest.

Remember when you do eventually have the op you'll be on crutches for some time, and putting a lot of demands through the "good" leg, so it is important to treat it nicely and build up the strength in that leg!

When you're doing the squats a variation to help strengthen the VMO (a muscle which quite often gets weak) is to have a ball between your knees. This helps you focus on the inner thigh muscles.

You may want to consider doing some upper arm exercise as well, believe me it takes a lot of strength using crutches to get around! Also don't forget your general health (which by the sounds of it is pretty good anyways) as for any surgery.

Well done on your approach thus far, I hope you continue to do well! Please let us know how you're getting along.