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Can You Run After a Knee Replacement?

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: April 23, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What Does a Knee Replacement Involve?

  2. Concerns About Running Post-Knee Replacement

  3. Timeline for Returning to Activities After Knee Surgery

  4. How to Improve Your Return to Running Post Knee Replacement

  5. Alternatives to Running if You Are Still in Pain

    1. Low-Impact Cardio Exercises

    2. Strength Training

  6. How Can Shoes Impact Running After a Knee Replacement?

Thinking about getting back to running after knee replacement surgery? It's one of the most common questions patients ask - and for good reason.

Here's the encouraging news: you can return to jogging and running after getting a new knee.

The key is timing - you'll need about 6 months before hitting the pavement again. Here’s what to expect during recovery and share some excellent alternatives to keep you active while your new knee gets stronger.

What Does a Knee Replacement Involve?

During knee replacement surgery, the knee is opened up to reach the joint. Damaged parts are removed (the ends of the thigh and shin bones).

Then, these parts are replaced with materials such as plastic and/or metal. The kneecap is then put back in place, and the surgery site is closed up again.

Concerns About Running Post-Knee Replacement

Patients may wonder if they can run or do other high-impact forms of exercise or sports after a knee replacement.

Some doctors advise patients to avoid these activities permanently. Others suggest that they gradually ease back into them after waiting about six months.

While wear and tear is possible, knee replacements nowadays are more durable than those in the past. Additionally, activities like running can increase strength and stability. This can arguably protect the replacement joint.


Timeline for Returning to Activities After Knee Surgery

After knee surgery, you’ll need an assistive device to walk for the first 3 weeks or so. After 4-6 weeks, you can drive again. You also will be able to do most light activities. Low impact exercises become safe around 7-11 weeks.

You can begin easing back into high impact activities after about 3-6 months. Your doctor can offer you a personalized timeline.

How to Improve Your Return to Running Post Knee Replacement

Two young women doing back strength exercises together

Mar 27, 2025

For a smooth transition back into running, follow your doctor’s timeline. Also do exercises to improve strength, gait, flexibility, stability, and more before you start trying to run again.

Alternatives to Running if You Are Still in Pain

If you are not able to run yet due to pain, you could try some low-impact cardio exercises, or strength training. 

Low-Impact Cardio Exercises

There are a lot of low-impact cardio workouts you can try, such as swimming, elliptical, rowing machine, and more. These workouts will help you get your body moving again without putting too much impact or strain on your joints.

Strength Training

Strength training exercises can help you improve the strength and stability around your joints, including your knee. Examples include:

  • Resistance band exercises
  • Weight machines (controlled movements)
  • Body weight exercises
  • Seated strength exercises
  • Core strengthening routines

How Can Shoes Impact Running After a Knee Replacement?

Therapeutic footwear can be helpful for getting back to walking, jogging and running following a knee replacement. The right shoes can improve stability, reduce fatigue, and bolster comfort.

Occasionally, knee surgery patients experience post-surgical foot drop. This is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. Exercises for foot drop as well as shoes designed for foot drop can assist with recovery. So can treatments such as nerve stimulation.

Some patients may also experience discomfort or numbness after surgery, which can also interfere with walking.

Cadense shoes for foot drop can make it easier and safer to walk and run after a knee replacement. 

These shoes feature patented variable friction technology that helps the feet “glide” across uneven surfaces even when it is hard to lift the front parts of the feet.

Other features include lightweight materials, comfortable padding, and a wide, stable design.

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FAQ

How long after a knee replacement can I start running?

Patients need to wait around six months before returning to running after a knee replacement surgery.

Will running damage my knee placement?

It may. Running is a high-impact activity, and may increase the chances of wear and tear on the knee replacement. That said, knee replacements today are quite durable.

What signs indicate I’m not ready to run again?

If you feel pain while you’re running or afterwards, then you may still need more rest and recovery before you can get back to running.

Do I need special shoes after my knee replacement?

Wearing special shoes like the Cadense Original Adaptive Shoe can help you walk and run more safely and comfortably after knee surgery.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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