| Any kind of surgery requires a period of recuperation | | | | Sitting for long periods of time may cause additional |
| and healing, and a total knee replacement is no | | | | discomfort and swelling, and sitting is not |
| different. After your knee replacement, the muscles | | | | recommended for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. |
| and tendons around the knee are going to be sore, | | | | If the patient must sit for longer than 45 minutes at |
| sensitive, and weak. It is important to follow all | | | | a time, be sure to take frequent breaks and walk |
| instructions sent home with you after your total | | | | around to move and stretch the knee. |
| knee replacement surgery. This will include specialized | | | | Infections are a concern after any surgery and for |
| exercises to strengthen the muscles and promote | | | | total knee replacement can happen up to a year |
| flexibility in the joint, a regimen of ice therapy, and | | | | later. If you experience any of these symptoms, |
| specific ways to sit, stand, lie, and rest. | | | | seek emergency medical treatment immediately. |
| Immediately after your total knee replacement, you | | | | - Long periods of fever |
| will probably experience swelling and discomfort, | | | | - Redness and pain from the wound |
| which can last up to 6 months following the surgery. | | | | - Discharge from the wound |
| Applying ice to the affected knee will help reduce | | | | - Intense pain in the knee. |
| discomfort and swelling. This should be done 3 or | | | | During your recovery, your doctors and physical |
| more times a day as needed for about 10 to 20 | | | | therapists will be giving you various exercises. These |
| minutes at a time. After exercising, walking and other | | | | exercises are designed to build strength and increase |
| movement, ice is highly recommended and should be | | | | flexibility in the joint. These exercises may include, |
| used at least 3 times daily for the first 6 weeks | | | | but are certainly not limited to: ankle pumps, heel |
| after surgery. Apply the ice pack to a straightened | | | | slides, leg raises, side lying abduction (leg lifts), sitting |
| knee while lying down. The foot of the affected | | | | knee extensions, and standing exercises. Please |
| knee should be slightly elevated on something like a | | | | follow all directions given completely and accurately. |
| rolled up towel. | | | | Another part of your recovery may include the use |
| The movements and positions you assume while | | | | of physical aids such as crutches or a walker. Once |
| sleeping are completely subconscious, but try to keep | | | | again, following the directions you are given is very |
| the surgery affected knee straight while lying down | | | | important, since physical injury is possible if you do |
| or sleeping. It may help to keep a rolled towel under | | | | not abide by them. If you have any questions about |
| the foot of the affected leg. Do not place anything | | | | the surgery, your recovery, or the aids you may |
| under the knee to force it into a bent position. | | | | need to use, please ask your doctor. |
| Instead keep the knee as straight as possible. | | | | |