How to Heal From Total Knee Replacement

A total knee replacement is a surgical procedure whereby a knee joint diseased by arthritis is removed and replaced with artificial metal and plastic components. An injury that damages the knee joint can also make knee replacement surgery necessary. A report published in the June 22, 2009, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that nearly 500,000 total knee replacements are performed in the U.S. annually (see Reference 3). For those who opt to have the surgery, knowing what to expect can help to facilitate the recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Think ahead before you have the surgery. Plan for your comfort and convenience throughout your recovery. Often doctors will give patients prescriptions for pain medications that can be filled beforehand.

• 2

  Stock up on groceries and ask family members and friends to check in on you and run errands during the time you are recovering and still unable to drive. Most people are not able to resume driving until four to six weeks after having the surgery.

• 3

  Schedule some physical therapy sessions prior to your surgery. This can help hasten recovery and make it less painful. A physical therapist can show you how to use your good leg to support and lift the surgical knee on and off the bed during those first weeks of recovery.

• 4

  Learn how to use a walker after surgery. You will be required to walk more distance with each physical therapy session, although you may need assistance. The sooner you begin moving again, the faster you will heal.

• 5

  Talk to your doctor about the use of pain medication to make rehab easier. Take the medication before the pain becomes too intense rather than holding out. It may also be to your benefit to take pain medication an hour before you begin a scheduled physical therapy session.

• 6

  Ask for medication to help you sleep if you are having difficulty sleeping following surgery. Once you return home from the hospital, try to rest at regular intervals throughout the day. This will give you more energy as you continue to receive physical therapy at home.

• 7

  Practice walking with the help of the therapist. Patients can usually move from using a walker to a cane after three or four weeks. Use the cane in the opposite hand from the knee on which you were operated.

• 8

  Continue physical therapy at an outpatient facility. Patients who have had knee replacement surgery normally have physical therapy two or three times a week for up to eight weeks. You will be expected to do additional exercises at home along with physical therapy.