Exercise and activity after joint surgery
Following your operation you will be encouraged to get up and walk. It is important to walk on a regular basis and to steadily increase the distance as you recover. We will advise you about what exercises to do to help you recover.
If you have any questions or concerns once you have been discharged home, you can contact the Occupational Therapy department on 01305 255241.
Activity after knee surgery
Movement is good for your new knee but remember your knee is an artificial joint. Pace your activity, walk and exercise you knee regularly and often.
It is safe to kneel on a knee replacement. Some people find initially the nerve endings around the scar maybe sensitive; this should improve. Kneeling on a cushion to start may help.
Exercises
Completing the following exercises will benefit your recovery, improve movement in the knee joint and develop the strength of the muscles around it. These exercises should be completed three to four times a day, repeating each exercise up to ten times.
Initially the exercises may feel difficult due to pain and weakness, so it is important that you take pain medication regularly. It is normal to feel a stretch around the operation site when exercising.
Breathing exercises
Take 3 slow deep breaths every 30 minutes. Breath in slowly, hold for a few seconds and gently breath out.
Foot exercises
In lying or sitting position, bend and straighten your ankles briskly.
Repeat 10 times regularly during the day. Reduces swelling and risk of blood clots
Static quadriceps
Lying on your back with legs straight and toes pointing to ceiling
Bend your ankles and push your knees down firmly against the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and relax Repeat 10 times.
Straight leg raise
Lying on your back with legs straight. Lift your leg 15cm (6inches) off the bed keeping your knee straight Hold for 3 seconds and slowly lower your leg. As you get stronger, hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Passive knee stretch
Sitting or lying with your leg out in front of you, put your heel on a block / rolled up towel so there is no support beneath your knee. Let the knee stretch in this position. Start with a short time building up to 5 minutes.
Leg straightening
Lie on the bed with the knee resting on a rolled towel or sit in the chair.
Straighten the knee from the bent position. Repeat 10 times.
Knee bends
Sit or lie with your legs straight.
Slide your heel up towards your bottom allowing your knee to bend. Repeat 10 times.
It is advised that you continue these exercises daily for at least three months after your operation to build up muscle strength around the knee.
Rest
Rest is as important as your exercises in promoting healing and managing pain and swelling. Alongside your exercises, ensure you have a period of rest daily. This should be a period of approximately 30 minutes lying down, at least for the first three-four weeks after your operation. Elevate your leg (ensure you keep the knee straight) to help reduce swelling. Do not sleep or rest with a pillow underneath you knee.
Walking
After your operation, you will be encouraged to get up and walk. It is important to walk on a regular basis and to steadily increase the distance as you recover. It is normal to be allowed to put full weight through your operated leg.
As soon as possible try and walk placing one foot past the other in a normal walking pattern. You can progress to using one crutch or a stick held on the opposite side to your operated leg as soon as you feel safe and comfortable to do so. If you are uncomfortable or if you limp when walking, continue to use your walking aids. You are likely to need to use elbow crutches outdoors for about four weeks.
Driving
You can travel as a passenger in a car immediately following you operation. Ensure the front passenger seat is positioned as far back as possible, so you can get into the car bottom first, lifting one leg in at a time. Consider putting a plastic bag on the seat to help you move easier on the seat. Please ensure that you remove the bag from underneath you before the car moves off. An extra cushion on the seat can help.
You should be able to return to driving when you are able to walk a good distance and complete an emergency stop. This should be within two-three weeks of the surgery. If you need to go on a long journey, plan in regular stops to rest and stretch.
Your insurance company will need to be informed of your surgery and will need reassurance that you can carry out an effective emergency stop.
Returning to full activities
Most people are ready to return to work at six-eight weeks after their operation. You can resume most physical activities as soon as you feel comfortable and confident. You can swim once your wound has healed, starting straight leg kicking and avoid breaststroke initially. Exercise bikes and treadmills can be used once knee movement allows, returning to outside cycling once comfortable.