Running post knee surgery

kacylaine
kacylaine Posts: 154 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
When I was 13, I had a softball knock my kneecap OFF. I know...klutzy. Anyway, I had VMO and Lateral release surgery (basically, they cut a muscle, tightened tendons on one side and loosened on the other to get the patella back on). That was almost 11 years ago. I'm tired of being limited by an injury like that at my age (I'm 23) and I want to RUN again! Any tips on how to do so safely? It doesn't hurt while I'm running, but afterwards it is definitely sore. I'm a candidate for knee replacement, but they won't do it until I'm 35 at least. Will I be able to run after replacement surgery?

Replies

  • MsLisaB
    MsLisaB Posts: 256
    I think your best bet is to go talk to a sports physiotherapist or chiropractor. You may want to have a professional monitor your knee as you slowly increase the time/distance/pace you run. I know it's frustrating being limited by an injury, but you really don't want to blow your knee out all together!
  • summerblunden
    summerblunden Posts: 184 Member
    You need physical therapy. Lateral releases generally have a very poor success rate, that is why they hardly do them anymore. You need to go to a therapist (not a chiro) and have them work on strengthening your gluteal muscles and quads so they can correct the alignment in your hips and knees that I'm sure is off (thanks to being a woman) and help you run again.

    I also recommend the neoprene knee braces with the hole in the middle for your patella (kneecap), so it is held in place while you're active and you don't have to worry about it dislocating.
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