Rachel’s Story: Getting back to an active life after knee replacement

Staying active has always been an important part of Rachel’s life. She enjoyed walking her dogs in the morning, spending time with her family, riding bikes and teaching fitness classes at her local YMCA.

But over time, knee pain began to interfere with many of the activities she enjoyed.

Before her knee replacement, Rachel had reached a point where walking more than an eighth of a mile was difficult. The pain and discomfort became so severe that she had to stop walking her dogs in the morning.

Teaching fitness classes at the YMCA became challenging, too. Rachel could still participate by demonstrating the basics, but the pain and unsteadiness in her leg made her concerned that she might fall during class. Afterward, she would take the elevator down to the main level because the stairs were too painful, and she would often be sore for days.

As her knee continued to worsen, stairs became increasingly difficult. She began doing the stairs using her other leg, which eventually caused soreness in her good leg as well.

Her knee pain also meant missing out on activities with her family, including walking at the park and riding bikes.

A Smooth Procedure and Steady Progress

Rachel decided it was time to move forward with knee replacement surgery with Dr. Allen.

Her procedure went very smoothly, and she was able to go home the same day. The first part of recovery came with some challenges. She needed to use a walker, have help getting in and out of bed and rely on others for rides to physical therapy appointments.

After about two weeks, Rachel began to notice things getting easier.

Physical therapy played an important role in her recovery. She was getting around more comfortably with her walker, and as her range of motion improved, she was able to do more. She eventually transitioned to a cane, which she used for several weeks.

She also realized how much weakness had developed from compensating for her knee before surgery. Rebuilding that strength became an important part of her recovery.

By about three months after surgery, Rachel was back to teaching her fitness classes at the YMCA.

Working Toward What’s Next

As her strength and mobility continued to improve, Rachel began working toward getting back to the activities she enjoyed before surgery.

One of her goals is to teach step classes again, which had become especially difficult before her knee replacement. She is also continuing to build her hip strength, improve her ability to navigate stairs and increase the distance she can walk.

For Rachel, getting back to walking her dogs is one of the goals she is most looking forward to.

Her knee replacement has given her the opportunity to keep building strength, getting active and working toward the things that are important to her.

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

Rachel and her mom after an exercise class Rachel taught.

The OrthoEdge Joint Replacement Program combines the expertise of Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic with the resources of River’s Edge Hospital to provide a coordinated approach to joint replacement care.

If knee, hip, or shoulder pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, learn more about the OrthoEdge program and take the next step toward getting back to the life you want.