After Knee Replacement: Keeping Your Knee Healthy

You can keep your knee healthy by knowing the right moves and not doing the wrong ones. Some activities could harm your artificial knee and may be permanently restricted. Your healthcare provider and physical therapist will give you specific instructions and advice.

Do’s:

• Place your knee comfortably as you go about daily activities.

• Exercise and walk every day as directed by your healthcare provider.

• Use an ice pack if your knee starts to swell or feel tender.

 

Don’ts:

• Don't twist your knee. Turn your whole body instead.

• Don't jump or do any impact activity. It could loosen your new knee joint.

• Don't force movements, such as bending your knee too far.

• Don't use the stairs right away after surgery. Ask your healthcare provider when your knee will be strong and mobile enough to climb stairs.

• Don't put a pillow behind your knee when you are resting. This may keep you from straightening it fully. 

Follow-up care

Your orthopedic surgeon will schedule follow-up exams to make sure that your knee is healing the right way. Use this time to ask any questions you have about your recovery or activities.