Mom has been told by an orthopedic Dr. that she can have replacement knee surgery. She is in overall good health, except for her feet. She has neuropathy, arthritis, deformity and cannot walk very far (20-30 steps at one time due to the pain - dr. says too many issues and age to operate). There is a chance that she will be in a wheelchair due to feet issue in 1-2 years. She gets cortizone shots when the pain in her knee gets really bad. I've been reading there are many bed, stretching type exercises for replacement knee surgery. Is it necessary to walk for knee surgery therapy since she really can't walk much? Thanks!
Yes, there are exercises that can be done sitting or in bed to strengthen muscles. At 90, that's probably the best way to go.
If she isn't walking now, she probably won't walk after knee surgery. I sound kind of mean and hopeless about her situation, but realistically, if she cannot walk, and the cortisone shots are helping at this point, I'd leave well enough alone.
Some gentle PT to possibly help her gain a little strength so she can walk a little more is probably the best you can hope for. I'd work with a registered PT first to make sure you know what kind of movements will help and not make her problems worse.
Good luck. Have the doctor TAKE THE TIME to level with you, or don't consider this.
They remind me of what my own 91-year-old mother always said -- "Fifty percent of all doctors graduated in the bottom half of their class."
Aim for a doctor who was at least in the top half of his class.
If what a dr is recommending seems sketchy, get a 2nd and 3rd opinion!!