Still can't cycle
Posted , 8 users are following.
I am 14 weeks post TKR. Prior to my op I went to a spinning class 3 times a week (but couldn't walk very far). My surgeon said I would be cycling again at 6 weeks. I have no pain from my knee, walk down stairs backwards, or sideways instead of putting both feet on each step. I use a cross trainer, leg press and rower twice a week and attend physio gym class also. I want to cycle but am too scared to push the pedal just a bit more to get the full rotation. I have suffered with a very tight calf which could have been caused by having to wear flat slippers in hospital.
0 likes, 13 replies
Nance133 Greazel
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Guest Greazel
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Hi greazel my passion is cycling did lots before my tkr I'm 6 weeks now and just got bk on the static bike at the gym have the seat a little higher than usual and start of gently I also have a bit of pain in the calf but think if you keep excericising and build muscle hopefully should subside good luck 👍
martha08360 Greazel
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Nance133 martha08360
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Irish_Al Greazel
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Maybe try rocking the pedals back and forth as far as you can.
I am the same, I'm swimming 40 lengths a day and doing exercises, but afraid to do that full rotation.
Though the bike I have at home is inexpensive and small so I might try the gym later this week.
Good luck.
Greazel Irish_Al
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I have borrowed my son's exercise bike and have the saddle really high. I have been rocking the pedals trying to go just a bit further each time. I am so close but just haven't the courage to do the last bit. I think using the cross trainer in the gym helps quite a lot but I am aware I should not overdo it.
Snoozy69 Greazel
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This has been one of my big problems, I was a keen cyclist before my TKR and it was having osteoarthritis that made me take it up. I have a static bike, and I've also set up my racer on a turbo trainer. The static bike is easy to pedal, lift the seat up as high as you can, pointing the foot downwards will also help as I've found if I try and keep my foot horizontal my calf complains about it. The racer is a little bit harder because I use my special bike shoes so I can't cheat as much. I've also ridden my hybrid outdoors but this different altogether, you can really feel the tightness inside the knee but it's good physio to grin and bear it, ice and elevate afterwards. I managed 4 miles the other day but rainy weather has put a halt to anymore outside cycling adventures for now. I'm coming up to 6 months post op so it's not something that comes overnight. I've had to really work at relaxing the muscles around knee which helps get that revolution on the bike. Massage the muscles, relax in a bath with Epsom salts. I've just had my second Thai massage today which I find also helps. I've still got a long way to go before I complete anymore endurance rides but I'm confident it will happen one day 😋🚴
lyn32416 Greazel
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You can massage your calf gently. Ask physio for technique or just try to loosen calf muscles with gentle pressure. Reverse pedalling helped me but took around 16 weeks post op before I got full rotation. If surgeon agrees, push it. Take a light pain killer before just in case. Paracetamol Osteo helps me before exercise. Two pills three hours before then every six hours. Ask doctor. It might help you through the barrier. Prior TKR is a very different ballgame to post TKR. Depending on your age you might never regain your previous abilities. But for me, I accept that. I am 65, no medication, travel 4-5 trips overseas per year, backpack, climb stairs, walk miles. Life is good. Don't get caught up in expecting too much, too soon. xx
Greazel lyn32416
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If my surgeon hadn't told me I would be cycling at 6 weeks I would not have been so disappointed. I am a 70 year old grandmother who was very fit before my surgery. I could spin better than some of the younger participants in the class. I knew the surgery was going to be a painful experience but I had convinced myself I would be back in the gym quite quickly. I now realise its not that easy and it doesn't seem to matter how fit you were beforehand. Its a major operation and recovery is a long journey of ups and downs. I need to be patient. I will get there. Thank you for your advice.
lyn32416 Greazel
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Good attitude! The will to return to your new normal will assist you. So does acceptance of our age and our current situation. That doesn't mean we stop striving but for me, I've learnt to accept the changes with knowledge that my life has changed since my bilaterals in March 2016. No pain like before, but done limitations. You're on the way back! Good luck! xx
Snoozy69 Greazel
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I don't think surgeons are in the real world when it comes to post op issues. yes they are a genius in the theatre but not realistic outside of it. Mine told me id be back at work 7 weeks post op which is just a little bit optomistic 😂😂 I was 5 months when I went back. The physiotherapist I saw in the hospital said I'd be cycling outside in 3 weeks again optimistic. People on this site tell you what to expect realistically. On your static bike just really go for it with the first revolution, seriously you think it will never happen but once you do, it seems that it was something psychological that was preventing you from doing it and then nothing will stop you. In your head you are probably thinking this is going to really hurt but it doesn't really it's all in your head try it x
lyn32416 Greazel
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robin15577 Greazel
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