What Not To Do After A Knee Replacement

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely looking for a quick list of the most important things you need to know about what not to do after a knee replacement.

As an orthopedic surgeon who regularly performs knee surgery, I make it a priority to inform my patients what they should and shouldn’t do post-surgery. Being that I treat patients living in the Los Angeles area – one of the best places in the country for outdoor activity – many of them want to get back to their active lifestyle as soon as possible. To do this without exacerbating the original issue or reversing the treatment, they need to be proactive (or inactive, in some ways) to give the body its best chance at healing. 

Today I’m answering some of the internet’s most commonly searched questions about what you should avoid after a knee replacement and when you can expect to get back to familiar activities.

There are some things you’ll need to remember not to do after a knee replacement, especially when you’re feeling better:

1. Don’t try to do too much too soon

After a knee replacement, most people are eager to get back to the walking, jogging, or running routine they once had – or the one they’ve been dreaming of. However, putting too much stress on your knee too soon can cause damage and set your recovery back days or even weeks.

Listen to your body in the early days, and stick to the advice of the orthopedic surgeon and the physical therapist that are familiar with your specific aftercare plan. They will give you expert guidance on the best way to safely heal from your knee replacement surgery. Keep your assistance devices like walkers, crutches and canes handy – don’t give them away prematurely!

2. Don’t skip any of your exercises

I get it, exercising your knee after surgery isn’t always fun – but it is critical to your successful recovery, even if it hurts.

As mentioned above, your physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon will not steer you wrong in terms of developing the safest exercise plan to increase your range of motion, extension, and strength after your knee replacement surgery. Ultimately it’s your responsibility to put in the work needed to maximize the outcome of your knee replacement.

In addition to seeing your physical therapist, you should expect to do all of your prescribed exercises on your own 2 to 3 times daily for the first 2 to 3 months after your knee replacement.

3. Don’t sit for prolonged periods of time or on soft/low chairs

Prolonged periods of sitting after knee replacement surgery can increase the risk of developing a blood clot, inhibit the drainage of fluid in the lower leg, and worsen swelling. Try not to sit in the same position for more than 45 to 60 minutes at a time.

When recovering from knee replacement surgery, soft chairs and chairs that are too low to the ground will be difficult to rise from. Choose to sit in a firm chair with a straight back and armrests whenever possible.

4. Don’t do things that increase your risk of a fall

Needless to say, high impact sports and bodybuilding will be off the table for quite some time after a knee replacement (if ever), but don’t forget about everyday activities that you might not think about until it’s too late, like:

• getting up at night without an assistance device
• walking through a dark house without a light or nightlight
• moving about without glasses or contacts
• wearing flip flops or socks on slippery floors
• showering without a non-slip mat
• navigating steps and stairs
• pets that can knock you down or get underfoot

Lifting weights ultimately helps build strength and diminish knee pain, but you should expect to avoid heavy lifting (more than 40 lb) or weight lifting for the first three to six months after your knee replacement surgery. High impact lifts that place a high amount of stress on the knees can damage artificial joints. Make sure to consult with your physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon before starting any program, sport, or job that requires regular lifting.

5. Don’t forget to take care of your basic physical needs

Take your pain medicine as prescribed. Elevate your leg and use ice to reduce swelling.

Eat a diet filled with healthy foods rich in protein, vitamin c, calcium, and Vitamin d – these nutrients help speed up the healing process. Avoid excessive sugar and salt.

To avoid potential surgical complications, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Make sure to get enough sleep. It’s common to have trouble sleeping because of pain. Wounds heal faster when we get good quality sleep, so try these tips:

Sleep on your back with your leg straight or propped up using 1 to 3 pillows. Make sure the pillow supports the length of your knee and calf.

After a few weeks when you can begin to bend your knee, you can also sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your knees to provide support.

After a knee replacement, you should expect to wait 4 to 6 weeks to take a bath. Along with needing to keep your surgical site dry, one of the biggest challenges is your physical safety – getting in and out of the tub while you are recovering is a major fall risk.

After a knee replacement, you can expect to drive again in 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the surgery site (your right or left knee). Don’t start driving until your doctor gives you the green light, and never drive while you are taking narcotic pain medications.

Every person is different, but most patients are able to learn to walk up and down stairs (with assistance) as soon as they feel comfortable putting weight on their knee. The general method to tackle stairs is “up with the good leg, down with the bad”.

Most likely, you’ll practice standing and walking on your new knee the same day you have knee replacement surgery. You’ll soon be able to take short walks around the room with an assistive device and then graduate to longer walks down the hall and on other level surfaces around your home when discharged. Generally speaking, you can expect to be able to walk on your own in 4 to 8 weeks.

Yes, there are people who go back to running after knee replacement surgery, but you should manage your expectations and set a realistic timeline. At minimum, you should expect to wait at least six months before you begin a running program. In the meantime, a sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon like myself can suggest alternative activities to running after a knee replacement and make sure that you know how to minimize the load on your replaced knee when you do decide to return to running or jogging.

Check with your orthopedic surgeon about your travel plans, but most will suggest that you wait a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to fly after a knee replacement. If you have to fly, upgrade to a seat with plenty of leg-room and plan on getting up frequently.

Looking for a double board certified sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon to treat your knee pain? Read more about the knee surgeries we offer, including total knee replacement surgery, or contact our office in Van Nuys to schedule a consultation.

 

 

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own physician or another qualified healthcare provider.