- It is very important that you follow your doctor's specific instructions! The information here is only a general guide, and should, under no circumstances, replace or substitute your doctor's instructions. If you have any questions pertaining to your surgery, you should speak with your doctor.
The First Days After Knee Replacement
In the first days following knee replacement surgery you will begin your formal rehabilitation. Following surgery, the knee replacement implants are set firmly in place. This allows you to have confidence that you can place your full body weight on the knee. While pain may prevent full weight on the leg, the joint implant can withstand these forces.In the first day or two following surgery, you will work on becoming more mobile. Early exercises are focused on stimulating blood flow of the extremities by contracting muscles:
- Ankle pumps
Foot and ankle pumps help to prevent stiff ankles, and also help circulate blood in the extremities. - Straight Leg Raises
Keeping the knee straight, tighten up the muscles on the front of the thigh (the quads) and lift your heel up off the bed.
- Walk down the hallway with a walker or crutches
- Climb a short set of stairs
- Fully straighten the knee
- Bend the knee (hopefully to 90 degrees)
- Perform home exercises
Once Back At Home
Upon returning home, it is important that you be diligent about your rehabilitation and post-operative care. Again, it is the first six weeks following knee replacement that can have a significant impact on the overall outcome of this surgery.- Activities
Patients can walk as much as tolerated following surgery. Some activities should be avoided in the first few weeks after surgery. These include kneeling, driving, heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and sexual activities.Patients usually take at least a month or two off from work, but can return as soon as they are comfortable. Timing of returning to work depends on what activities are necessary for your work. As soon as you are comfortable, you can return to work.
- Exercises
Exercises are very important following knee replacement surgery. Exercises will accomplish several goals. Primarily, the exercises are focused on increasing strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings and increasing motion of the knee.Patients should work hard to ensure they call fully extend (straighten) their knee, and flex (bend) the knee to at least 90 degrees. Some patients are given a CPM, or continuous passive motion machine to help with bending. For more information, read on about the use of CPM machines after knee surgery.
- Incision Care
The incision should be kept clean and dry. If the bandage gets wet, a dry, fresh bandage should be placed. Your doctor will let you know when he or she feels it is OK to shower.You should look for signs of infection, such as redness or increasing drainage from the wound. Also let your doctor know if you have a fever, sudden increase of pain, increased swelling, or other symptoms that you are concerned about.
Among the most common complications following knee replacement surgery are blood clots. Let your doctor know if you have calf pain or swelling, or if you have chest pain or shortness of breath. All of these can be signs of a blood clot.
- Diet & Medications
Patients can usually resume their regular diet upon returning home. Make sure you have a list of all medications you need following discharge from the hospital. Furthermore, make sure you know when and for how long to take any new medications.You will be placed on a blood thinner after surgery. Some blood thinners are given by injections; the other commonly used blood thinner is taken by mouth (Coumadin). If taking Coumadin, you will need your blood checked periodically to make sure it is not getting too thin. Also, patients taking Coumadin should avoid foods rich in Vitamin K (mostly green, leafy vegetables).
