What Not to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery

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Knee replacement surgery is one of the more common forms of orthopedic surgery. As the knee joint degrades with time or suffers an injury, its functionality and stability may decrease. When this happens, patients can experience pain, knee clicking, knee arthritis, and many other complications. In some cases, it may be time for a whole new knee. This can be achieved through a total knee replacement, which involves replacing the original knee joints with implants. This blog aims to outline what not to do after knee replacement surgery, whether you had traditional knee replacement surgery or robotic knee replacement surgery.

At SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy, our sports medicine professionals have extensive experience with both partial and total knee arthroplasty procedures. An orthopedic surgeon with our team can evaluate the source of your pain, perform a total knee replacement, restore knee function, and guide you through the healing process. To schedule an appointment with us for a new knee replacement, please call our office at 469-200-2832 today.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery

First, we’ll briefly go over how for the months after surgery. The recovery process for a knee replacement requires careful planning as well as strict adherence to your surgeon’s instructions. Before undergoing your surgery, be sure to complete the following preparations.

• Gather all the assistive devices you might need in the weeks after surgery. Examples of these devices include crutches, canes, walkers, a long-handled shoehorn, a rubber mat for the tub or shower floor, elastic shoe laces, and an elevated toilet seat.
• Prepare your home ahead of time. Examples of some ways to prepare your home include getting rid of tripping hazards, making clear walking paths, placing essential items within easy reach, avoiding climbing stairs if possible, and adding safety rails wherever necessary.
• Do simple exercises in the weeks leading up to the surgery. This will help to strengthen your body in preparation for the surgery. Having stronger joints and muscles going into recovery will make the process much easier.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol. The effects that alcohol and tobacco have on the body often lead to complications, especially after major surgery. Try to cut back on these substances as much as possible. Ideally, you should not use either of them during recovery.
• Ask for help from family and friends. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the hospital since you won’t be able to drive yourself. If possible, have someone help you for at least the first day after surgery.

What Are the Risks of Knee Surgery?

As with any surgery, knee arthroplasty has certain risks that doctors advise their patients of beforehand. The risks associated with knee surgery are as follows.

• Infections
• Knee stiffness
• Knee pain
• Failure of the implant
• Nerve damage
• Damage to blood vessels
• Blood clots

What Not to Do After Knee Replacement

The recommendations from your surgeon and your physical therapist were explained for very important reasons. Chief among these is the fact that taking care of your knee/s during the recovery process will help with your recovery. Sports medicine professionals have the knowledge that it takes to recommend the best steps to a full recovery. Below, we’ll begin by explaining what NOT to do after knee replacement surgery.

Skipping Physical Therapy

Even if you don’t have to go into the doctor’s office for your physical therapy, you should still stick to the knee exercises that your physical therapist recommends. Only do exercises that your physical therapist clears when recovering from surgery. Don’t skip out on the exercises that will help speed along your recovery.

Getting Rid of Your Assistive Device Too Early

Most patients require some form of an assistive device, whether it’s a brace or a walker. No matter what, do not stop using this device too early. Your doctor will let you know when your knee is healed enough to bear weight. Too much stress or too much weight too early can reinjure your knee joint.

Sitting on Chairs That Are Too Low or Soft

Part of preparing your home for the recovery period involves preparing places to sit. Sitting in low or soft chairs, rocking chairs, and low car seats can put stress on your knee when you get up. Avoid low seats and soft seat material. Instead, opt for a higher, firm chair that is easy to get in and out of.

Lifting Heavy Objects

Refrain from lifting weights or heavy objects. This means no weight training while you recover. If you like to lift weights or exercise regularly, ask your physical therapist for alternatives in the meantime. Also, the restriction on heavy objects includes grocery bags. Have someone help you bring in groceries if you have several heavy bags.

Wearing Unstable Footwear

Don’t wear shoes or footwear that give you unstable footing. This means you can’t wear flip-flops, soft socks, high heels, platforms, and any other unstable footwear. If you don’t wear shoes indoors, consider wearing grip socks to avoid slipping on smooth flooring.

Running or Jogging

Do not run or jog while your knee heals. Both of these activities put tremendous stress on the knees, which is the last thing you want after serious surgery. This is especially true for running or jogging on uneven ground. You also should not play contact sports, high-impact sports, try to downhill ski, or try playing tennis. Avoid sports in general until your knees fully heal.

Exercises to Avoid After Knee Replacement

There are several exercises that your physical therapist will recommend for you during the recovery process. These exercises should be performed every day, as they will help gently strengthen your joint without the risk of injury. However, other forms of exercise should be avoided while you recover. Below, we list certain exercises to avoid after a knee replacement.

Any Activity with a Fall Risk

Any activity, sport, or exercise that has a high fall risk should be avoided. Knee replacements lead to a heightened fall risk already, so keeping your risk low is very important. When you shower, we recommend keeping the bathroom floor dry at all times, placing grip mats where you’ll walk, and considering using a shower chair.

Weight-Bearing Exercises

Any activities in which your knee will bear weight should be avoided. Surgeons ask many patients to get out of bed to bear weight on their joints as soon as possible after surgery. However, this only applies to your own body weight. Avoid putting extra weight on your lower leg joints.

Sports With High Impact or Quick Direction Changes

Again, high-impact sports are a no-go after surgery. You should also avoid any sport or activity that requires quick changes in direction. Examples of activities to avoid include football, soccer, hockey, basketball, rugby, skiing, and gymnastics. We recommend swimming, riding a bicycle, or playing golf instead.

Kneeling or Sitting

Try not to kneel until your knee has completely healed. Also, refrain from sitting for too long. Keeping your knee in the same position for too long can cause a blood clot. Long car rides should be avoided if at all possible. If not, you should make frequent stops to stretch your legs.

Exercises Not to Avoid After Knee Surgery

After your surgery, your physical therapist will likely recommend two very beneficial exercises for your recovery: knee straightening and knee bending. Our sports medicine team will show you how to properly perform these exercises on your own before you ever leave for home.

Knee Straightening

Lie flat on your back with your knees pointed straight ahead. Place a small rolled-up towel under your heel. Gently try to straighten your knee as much as possible. When you fully straighten it, keep the knee straight for 5 to 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Knee Bending

Start by lying down in bed. Slide the bottom of your foot back along the bed toward your pelvis. When you can’t bend your knee further, hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds. Straighten the knee, then repeat this process.

How Long Do You Have Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Unfortunately, this question is not easy to answer. Each patient’s case is unique, which means their healing process is also unique. Even without any complications, some patients still feel pain and experience swelling for up to a year after the surgery. However, the intensity of the pain should fade with time. If you still feel debilitating pain after a year, there may be a deeper problem. Take your pain medicines as prescribed, which means only the amount that the container states.

Knee Replacement Recovery Time

Recovery times also vary greatly depending on the patient, as well as the complexity of the procedure. Most patients can get back to living their normal lives in as little as two to three months. However, you should still follow your doctor’s recommendations. They can keep you moving in the right direction for your recovery.

What Is the Most Commonly Reported Problem After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Any surgery has its potential risks and complications. One of the most common problems reported after knee surgery is stiffness in the joint. This stiffness can cause difficulty in completing everyday tasks. The best way to avoid knee stiffness is to attend physical therapy sessions and work on exercises at home. This can help prevent stiffness from occurring in the first place.

Contact SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy Today

At SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy, our knee specialists are here for you during your time of need. We can help you find a solution to reduce pain, increase your range of motion, and get back to leading your pain-free life. After developing a customized treatment plan for you, we’ll help you stick to it and keep you pointing straight ahead in the right direction. To schedule an appointment with the best Dallas orthopedic surgeon, please call our office at 469-200-2832 today.