Exercises to Strengthen the Muscles Around the Knee After Replacement Surgery

After a total knee replacement, exercise is necessary to rebuild strength in the thigh and calf. There are exercises patients can begin doing in the recovery room to speed up healing and reduce pain. Exercise will also prevent scarring around the knee and help with joint stability. Patients will begin walking short distances with aids and performing daily activities, and gradually increase those over time.

Early Exercises for Thigh

• These are exercises you should do as soon as you can, even while still in bed. Although they might be uncomfortable, these exercises can reduce postoperative pain and speed recovery. Do all exercises until the muscle is tired.

  First, do quadriceps sets by tightening your thigh muscle and trying to straighten your knee. Hold this for five to 10 seconds, and repeat 10 times over two minutes. Rest for one minute and repeat the process.

  The second important exercise is straight leg raises. Hold your thigh muscle tight with your knee straightened on a surface, such as your bed. Lift your leg a few inches and hold for five to 10 seconds. Lower your leg slowly. Repeat the process until the thigh feels fatigued. You can also do raises while you sit.

  For knee-straightening exercises, put a small rolled towel or linen above your heel so the heel doesn't touch the bed. Tighten the thigh muscle. Try to completely straighten your knee and touch the back of it to the bed. Hold your knee straight for five to 10 seconds.

Lower Leg

• For the lower leg, ankle pumps should be done until ankle and lower-leg swelling has gone down. Move your foot up and down by contracting the calf and shin muscles. Do this for two to three minutes, two to three times each every hour while in the recovery room.

  Perform all knee exercises until you can completely bend your knee or your leg is tired. Do bed-supported knee bends to help with strength. Bend your knee as much as you can while sliding your foot on the bed. Hold your knee in this position for five to 10 seconds. Straighten.

  To do sitting knee bends, sit in a chair and put your foot behind the heel of your replaced knee. Bend your knee as far as you can. Hold it this way for five to 10 seconds. To do unsupported bends, sit in the same position and bend your knee until your foot is on the floor. With your foot on the floor, slide your upper body forward to increase the bend and hold for five to 10 seconds. Straighten your knee.

Walking

• Walking is the best exercise you can do. Don't limp or lean away from the operated knee. Start with crutches or a walker. Once you can stand and walk for 10 minutes without putting weight on the aid, you can go to one crutch or a cane.