Spearmin

Hi,
About 6 months since TKR and my operated knee won't bend enough for me to clip into my Spd pedal. It is painful to do so.
I am using double sided pedals. My right leg is fine and clips-in but I have to place my operated leg an inch or so further forward on the pedal than my right.

I really hope (I am sure it will) the situation improves. However, it would be great to hear from anyone who has experienced the same difficulty after tkr. In particular, I would like to know whether riding with my feet in different positions will have long-term effects.

redshift1

I haven't had a TKR but a far far more minor incident a couple of months ago - I completely removed my right foot big toe nail dragging a heavy chair towards me. So while it healed, I stopped using my cleated pedals and shoes ( road bike ) and started using flat pedals with flat soled shoes.

Have you considered using flat pedals and flat sole shoes, just for a little while ?

Maybe you will find less stress ( possible "twist" for one thing ) on your left knee. Also you might find during the ride, you can try sliding your foot back incrementally and see how you feel.

I'm not sure the greater freedom of movement will suit your TKR situation, but you could try it if you think it's safe.

These are the ones I bought - they are very good quality.

https://www.cyclingtips.com/2021/09/...pedals-review/

drlogik 

Ouch!

I had partial replacement years ago and have had no problems at all; however, I had the most ruthless, cruel, sadistic therapist that made me use this crazy electronic contraption that worked/articulated my knee in increments. It was absolute torture; however, I was up and walking inside two weeks and never looked back. Six months since surgery it may be too late but you might ask your surgeon about that machine. I laid on the couch while it worked my knee.

Steve B.

I'm thinking you need a few weeks of PT.

79pmooney

Various ideas here. 1) That your feet now don't sit identically - doesn't surprise me. I'd work on getting each foot/leg to the place where it is at its best and let the symmetry or no be what it is. But watch for issues cropping up from the asymmetry. Your body will be the best indicato of what works. 2) Consider all the options. You may well want different pedal types for each leg. A pedal like the Look Keo can be used with different cleats with different releases and on many clipless, you can adjust the release resistance. I use the same pedals left and right and same shoes but I have the right show toed in by the cleat a lot with the left shoe nearly straight. Run laces on my shoes and lace them completely differently. Odd but it works. If I set them up symmetrically, rides and after would be painful and at least one knee would be up for TNR. As is, I've staved off that TNR now for 45 years and hope to go a few more. If/when it happens, I'll have to follow the advice I" am giving you,

If you are one who puts his right foot down; so the TNR leg stays on the pedal, consider an old fashioned toeclip for that side. No twisting at all. You can ride with the strap loose enough to always be able to pull your foot out or reach down and pull it tight and it is fully the equal to clipless. (But you do have to remember to release the strap or you fall over when you stop. Now it you just relax and accept that you just made a fool of yourself.very little happens other than a couple of minor bruises and some slightly dirtied clothing. I've been riding with toeclips 50 years and I still forget. If your TNR leg is also your "put down" leg and you want to go toeclip for it or both, get back to me and I"ll pass on tricks to make the toeclips easier to get into.

Spearmin

I'm in Europe and the operation is free. However, my rehab only included 2 short visits to a physio and 1 phone consultation. So, I didn't really have any PT except for the exercise instructions (stretching and muscle strengthening) in a booklet I was given. I initially struggled with pain, and it took 6 weeks before a could turn the crank on my exercise bike full circle.

Spearmin

I decided on flat sole shoes and flat pedals with spikes on them. Thanks for the advice.

rickpaulos

Try some maintenance. Most spd pedals have adjustable spring tension. You can loosen up the spring tension. Spray some chain lube on the pedals and cleats. And see if the cleats are too close to the rubber shoe tread. You might trim some of the sole back with a sharp blade. All this can make it a lot easier to clip in.

zandoval 

Yep... You need to get back with Physical or Occupational Therapy. Specifically tell them you need to get back to ridding and let them make an appropriate plan. Take your bike in and show them your set up. They will size ya up and get ya started. It may only take a two visits...