The question I’m afraid to ask

[Tinman74]

I’ve just gotten both of my knees totally replaced, does anyone out there still play after knee replacement and how bad is it?

[Trbo323]

Buddy of mine is going to come to a big game with us this year, he has had some pretty major knee surgeries in the past. I don't know the extent of what was done but yeah, you can play, just don't expect to be sprinting and diving with the college kids

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[Tinman74]

I’m a woodsball guy anyways. I only play a few times a year but the thought of completely giving it up really bugs me. Therapist seems really concerned about falling on it, makes me wonder how delicate the new knees really are.

[rawbutter]

My dad had double knee surgery a few years ago. I would caution against going right back out into the field. Your therapist is right. It's not that your new knee is delicate, though. It's just new. Everything in there was taken apart and put back together again, and it takes time for all that to heal properly and get strong again. It might feel okay to you walking around and doing normal stuff, but there's a big difference between typical daily stuff and paintball. I'm no medical expert, but I know my dad's recovery took almost a year. Granted, he's in his 70s, but think about professional athletes. Even big football guys in perfect shape are often taken out for a whole season if they get injured. It's not uncommon for recovery after surgery to take 3 to 6 months.

The good news is that this isn't permanent. You'll be back to 100% sooner than later. But if you don't give yourself time to heal, your recovery might take a lot longer. So if I were you---and I hate to say this---but I would take one year off just to be safe. You're not giving it up, though. You're just taking time to heal. Once your therapist says you're good to go, I'm sure you'll be right back in it.

In the meantime, there are lots of other things you could do to stay involved. Get some new gear, clean all your stuff, etc. If you really want to go to the field, you could always volunteer to ref. That way you're still out there, but you can go slow and careful.

Just try not to get discouraged and make it a point to enjoy the extra time you have when you can't play. You'll be through it soon enough.

[Chuck E Ducky]

When you are ready, Look into the Hard Shell D30 Mtn bike knee pads. They offer the best protection while still being flexible enough to run in. You’re going to pay top dollar for them but small price to pay to still play without risk of injury. I don’t see why you couldn’t as long as you keep your body weight down and take it easy. If you dedicate to your PT build your strength back up. You can for sure play again I wouldn’t rush right back to it. It’s really up to you and how bad you want it. But with todays knee replacements they have come a long way. With lower recovery times and longer lasting more durable materials.

[zinger565]

Check with the physical therapist if there are additional exercises you can do to help strengthen that area. I also know that PlayBetterPaintball just published a "fitness for older players" that I think a lot of us could benefit from.

[Painthappy]

Folks I know who have done it regret not doing it sooner. I was talking to one at dinner and he said he was back out skiing, etc. Just that you need to remember that kneeling down isn't the same, so have padding or a towel under otherwise it can hurt according to him. So good knee pads for playing, but otherwise it sounds like it will be worth it.

[Jonnydread]

For the time being, take a backplayer/callout position mentality. You can still shoot and see and yell, just don't jump back into the front position until you have a feeling for your new parts.

[Tinman74]

Thanks guys. I’m only 48, in my opinion that’s way too young to stop playing. I appreciate all the advice. Definitely checking out the hard shell knee pads. A year off wouldn’t be too terrible

[Memornix]

Looking forward to an update in a few months if you think about it. I think sooner or later I am going this route as well.

[TouchofGrey]

Both of my knees have been replaced. The outcome is amazing. Walking helps a lot. As for running, it takes time. Heal well.

[Spider!]

Big games have spots that move slow. Base security especially. Often there's a defensive pinch point where you can camp out and wait for the hoard to come to you. We had a local that played on artificial knees for years. He even came to a big game and played on crutches during recovery. Afterwards he usually walked everywhere, but that's not a big deal at those games.

[coyote]

I move like a guy with fake knees.

My game rarely exceeds second gear. If there is still room for me on the field there's room for you. No one says you need to slide or dive.

Get healthy and go play.