Can I still train with a bad knee or hip?

In most cases, yes, within tolerable pain and with your surgeon's agreement. Many people train every week with a knee or hip that is waiting for surgery; the exercises are chosen and adjusted to what the joint can take.

Will exercise wear the joint out faster?

For osteoarthritis, exercise is recommended by the NHS as a core treatment. Sensible loading does not wear a joint out; disuse weakens the muscles that protect it. The exception is anything your surgeon has told you to stop.

What if the pain flares up?

Drop the load, keep the movement, and give it a few days. If a flare does not settle within a week, or comes with swelling, heat or giving way, contact your GP or the surgical team.

Person doing a supported sit-to-stand exercise to strengthen the legs before joint surgery

Health Conditions

Waiting for a knee or hip replacement? What to do with the months before surgery

By FiftyPlus Team | 23 September 2026

Chat about training before surgery

Sources

Knee replacement - nhs.uk
Hip replacement - nhs.uk
Osteoarthritis: treatment - nhs.uk
Exercise advice - csp.org.uk

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Sources