What to expect after knee surgery

How long does the pain last after knee replacement?

General pain may occur for up to several weeks following a total knee replacement. Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months. Bruising may last for 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.

What should I do after knee surgery?

What to expect during your recovery

1. take your pain medicine as instructed by your surgeon.
2. rest between activities as needed.
3. lie down, raise (elevate) your surgical leg and put cold packs around your surgical knee at least three times a day; see the home exercise program page for more instructions.

How bad is the pain after knee replacement surgery?

Typically, knee replacement surgery hurts more than hip replacement surgery (sorry, knee people). After surgery, pain is no longer achy and arthritic but stems from wound healing, swelling and inflammation. Hip replacement patients often report little to no pain around the 2-6 week mark.

How much should you walk after knee replacement?

Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day and walk for 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day during your early recovery.

What happens if you don’t do physical therapy after knee surgery?

Why you should commit to physical therapy after knee surgery

It’s important to get moving and functioning as soon after the procedure; otherwise, the following can occur: Decreased blood flow to the area can negatively affect healing at the surgical site. Muscles can weaken and atrophy if they go too long without use.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

4 Tips for Faster Recovery after Knee Surgery

1. Keep the Knee Straight. While it may not be incredibly comfortable, it’s important that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after your surgery. …
2. Wear Your Knee Brace. After your surgery, your doctor may give you a knee brace. …
3. Appropriate Exercise. …
4. Physical Therapy.

How do you sit on the toilet after knee surgery?

Getting Up and Down From a Toilet:

Back up to the toilet. Reach back for the armrests/raised toilet seat/seat. Slide your operated leg slightly forward and lower yourself slowly onto the toilet. To stand, use a grab bar or place your hand at the middle of the center bar of the walker.

How long does it take to bend your knee after surgery?

Within 7 to 10 days after your knee replacement, you should be able to get your knee entirely straight/full extension (Fig. 1) (no space between the back of your knee and the table) and you should be able to bend/flex your knee to at least 90 degrees (Fig. 2). 90 degrees is the same thing as a right angle.

What can you not do after knee surgery?

Even if you’re able to return to full normal after your surgery, you’ll need to mind your artificial knee for the rest of your life. Avoid lifting anything more than 20 pounds. That can stress the joint too much. Don’t jerk the leg with the implant.

What helps knee pain after surgery?

There are many ways you can ease your pain:

1. Raise (elevate) your legs and apply a cold pack to your incision after activities such as exercises or walking. This can help reduce swelling and pain. …
2. You may feel some discomfort in your new joint. …
3. Take the prescription pain medicine as instructed by your surgeon.

What should I wear after knee surgery?

loose-fitting, warm day clothes to wear after my operation. nightwear. a pair of closed, good-fitting shoes or slippers. my crutches or other suitable walking aid.

What is the average hospital stay for a knee replacement?

You will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after having hip or knee joint replacement surgery. During that time you will recover from your anesthesia and the surgery.

How can I speed up healing after surgery?

Diet – eating well for recovery.

1. Reduce salt. …
2. No Gatorade. …
3. Increase protein. …
4. Decrease Sugar. …
5. Eat small amounts many times throughout the day. …
6. Wine works as a diuretic, so consuming a glass of wine 2-3 weeks post-operatively may be helpful for post-surgical swelling. …
7. Consume a quality probiotic. …
8. Walk.