Knee Replacement Tips

stevie m | 18:51 Wed 05th Oct 2016 | Body & Soul

13 Answers

In a months time i'm having a total knee replacement op. Has any one any tips on speeding up recovery or anything useful that would be beneficial after the op. No scare stories please I've already heard enough thanks

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anneasquith

Just follow the doctors/physiotherapists instructions. Position thoughts........pain free ::-)

anneasquith

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stevie m

Question Author

Thanks. I have a very good hospital team who gives great advice and support just wondered if there might be something else that might help.

furrypusscat

I had total knee replacement on 4th May this year. You need to do the exercises given and don't give in. Yes there is some pain but it does get better. I used ice packs regularly throughout the day, even take to bed. Walk around using aids frequently for short periods otherwise will stiffen up. Have a foot stool so you can rest the knee in between exercises. I am back swimming, albeit a modified stroke. Walking is much easier. I still get discomfort in bed when pressure is on the side but I use a small cushion. Only problem I have now is that my hip is arthritic and have been told I will need replacement of that soon. Knee replacements are more painful than hip and are more prone to infection. Good luck with it.

alavahalf

Had mine done 15 months ago ... the only thing I did was start walking as soon as I had it done. The second day after the op I walked at least a mile. That was the furthest I walked in many years. Since then I have kept it going and most days cover in excess of 5 miles.
Must say I dreaded having it done for many years, but it is truely amazing to be without pain.

stevie m

Question Author

Many Thanks Furry,
I am relatively young for a new knee and have been told that a 4-6 wk recovery should be achievable, so fingers crossed. I wish you luck in your hip replacement.

furrypusscat

Thank you, however knee needs to get stronger and more settled so hip won't be done for a while yet.

Buenchico

This might be useful:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Knee-replacement/Pages/Recovery.aspx
(Take a look at the video at the top right of that page).

stevie m

Question Author

Buenchico, appreciate that, it made interesting reading and viewing. Some I knew some I didn't. Many Thanks

furrypusscat

Just read the article although had looked at it before. I went into hospital Wednesday morning, surgery same afternoon, discharged Friday afternoon. Physiotherapist stated that I would have to get the knee to bend to 90 degrees otherwise I wouldn't be discharged - needless to say I reached it. The staples and the swelling were the things I felt were holding me back with the exercises due to the tightness but I had the encouragement of my husband all the way. I didn't have any physio, just the exercises which were given to me. On review at nine weeks I was totally discharged and was told the swelling could still be there for another 3 or 4 months. It has gradually gone down and is almost normal. As said earlier, the most discomfort I have now is in bed as I sleep on my side and I can feel some pressure on the joint. Movement is really good now and was well worth going through with the procedure. I did have one setback as 3 months post op I had a fall in the lounge, I was really annoyed with myself as I had been so careful. Thankfully after x-ray I was told no damage but had badly bruised the inner surrounding area. So do what you are told re exercises and I am sure you will notice a huge difference.

fbg40

Hi Stevie
Only just seen your post.
I've had both knees replaced, the right in 2005, the left in 2014. The best advice I would give is to do the exercises WITHOUT FAIL !!! My wife and Daughter helped me tremendously, pushing me twice sometimes three times a day to do the exercises. It proved invaluable. When I went back to see the consultant after only 6 weeks, (after both ops) they were surprised with my mobility. Yes it can and will be painful (always stop if the pain becomes too much) but worth it in the end.
Good luck
FBG40