When recovering from knee surgery the low surface may cause excessive painful bending at the knee. If this is the case, your therapist may help you with getting a raised toilet seat or a three-in-one commode that can be used over your toilet. Getting Up and Down From a Toilet: Back up to the toilet.
You shouldn't downhill ski or play contact sports such as football and soccer. In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.
The toilet seat should be at least as high as the crease of the back of your knee. If it is not, get a raised toilet seat. The toilet seat should have armrests on it or you should have a vanity close on one side and/or a grab bar on the other side.
Sleep on Your Back
The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back.
Timeline for Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
Most patients are able to care for themselves and resume normal daily activities within 6 weeks and drive within 3 to 6 weeks.
The best sleeping position just after your surgery is sleeping on your back. You should make sure that your operative leg stays as straight as possible to avoid hypertension of the knee and keep proper blood flow to the surgery site. If you are sleeping on your back, put the pillow under your calf and knee.
After surgery, your caregivers will frequently ask whether you have passed gas. This is because passing gas is a sign that your bowels are returning to normal. You may not have a bowel movement for four to five days following surgery.
Unfortunately, constipation is a common side effect of surgery. It can happen for a few different reasons: the anesthesia used during the procedure, pain medications you're taking or how much and what you're eating and drinking.
Urinary tract infection: Infection to your urinary tract can occur after having surgery. Symptoms include burning and frequent urination, as well as blood in your urine. Fever and weakness may also occur.
High-impact activities or contact sports such as football, skiing or lifting heavy weights are best avoided throughout your recovery period. They carry a high risk of falling which can damage your new joint. Any activity that requires twisting, jumping or running could place too much strain on your new knee.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
DON'T put unnecessary stress on your knee
Avoid lifting heavy objects. Turn your entire body and avoid twisting your knee when you move to face a different direction. Be mindful of your form when you bend down, kneel and sit. Review these movements with your physical therapist so they can help improve your form.
It's normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery. Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises. Note that this is absolutely normal and will disappear with time.
Therefore, naps during the day are part of what to expect after knee replacement surgery. “It's okay to feel wiped out and tired as well as pushing yourself into pain to do your exercises,” Dr. Lyon says. “It will resolve with the healing of the knee.”
With any major surgery, it's important to stay in bed as much as possible for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Some surgeries may require even more patient bed rest. Sleep if you feel tired and be sure to move slower than your usual pace.
You'll start standing and walking on your new knee almost immediately – just a few hours after surgery. Movement is key to a successful recovery. At first, you'll take short walks – for example, from your bed to the bathroom and around your room.
The surgery itself depends on the type of knee operation. A total knee replacement, for example, will likely take between 2-3 hours. Whereas a partial knee replacement normally takes around an hour. Most knee surgeries take between 1-3 hours.
Three weeks after surgery you should be able to walk around for 10 minutes without crutches or a walker. During the fourth week, you are able to restore your normal walking pattern and walk without an assistive device.
Around the 6 week mark, once your physician gives you the greenlight, you may be able to return to sleeping in your preferred position (such as on your stomach or surgical side).
The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion.
While it may not be incredibly comfortable, it's important that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after your surgery.