Q: How long does it take to recover after knee replacement?

Typically it takes 3 months for most people to recover although total recovery can be almost 1 year

 

Q: How long is my knee swollen after surgery?

Most people take 6 months for the swelling to resolve although some people take as long as a year

 

Q:  Can I return to all activities after I recover from knee replacement?

 All low impact activities are OK and you can be as active as you want to be (that is why you did the surgery). We don’t recommend high impact activity like running or repetitive jumping (eg. basketball, volleyball, soccer). Hiking, golfing, and skiing are allowed. If you play tennis then we recommend only doubles tennis.

 

Q: Can I climb stairs right after surgery?

Most people are able to go up and down stairs after surgery however it takes typically 1-2 weeks to get comfortable with stairs.  Remember to go up with the “good” and down with the “bad”.

 

Q: Do I need to sleep on the first floor after surgery?

We recommend that you sleep on the first level for the first 2 weeks if possible. Some people can sleep on the second level right away but this is more difficult. You might qualify for a hospital bed as well if needed.

 

Q: Do I need help after surgery?

We do advise you to have someone with you full time for the first 2 weeks if possible. Also it helps to have someone help you with the exercises.

 

Q: Can I kneel after surgery?

Kneeling is perfectly safe but is one the most difficult things to do after surgery due to the sensitivity of the knee and requirement to have good flexion (bending) of the knee. We have included kneeling exercises in the later modules of the program.

 

Q: Will I be able to bend my knee like my other one?

Although most people get good bending of their knee usually they don’t have as much as the other knee. We want a minimum of 90 degrees bending but we are shooting for 120 degrees or more. Most people end up between 110 degrees and 120 degrees.   We also want the knee to straighten to with 10 degrees of full extension (straightening).

 

Q: When can I drive my car?

Most people start driving around 4 weeks after surgery (especially with the right knee)

 

Q:  When can I use a bike or swim?

Swimming and cycling are great ways to enhance your recovery. Most people can start getting into a pool around 4 weeks if the incision is healing well.   Cycling is OK after 6 weeks.

 

Q: Is numbness over the lateral (outer side) of my knee normal?

Yes. Most people have numbness in this area. The nerves to the skin travel from the medial (inside) part to the lateral (outside) part of the knee. Because of this the area to the lateral side of the incision usually is numb. This usually takes a year to get back to normal and sometimes up to 2 years.

 

Q:  Can my body reject the knee replacement?

Allergies to the knee replacement is not common.  The implants are typically made of Cobalt, Chromium, Titanium, and Polyethylene.  Some women in particular have nickel allergies and may be allergic to the Cobalt. Typically these women cannot wear costume jewelry. If this applies to you let your surgeon know right away. There are manufacturers that make nickel free implants

 

Q: How do I know if I am developing an infection?

Signs of an infection to look for is redness around the incision area that is worsening. Also look for increase in pain, swelling, and warmth that does not get better with rest.  Also if you notice drainage from the incision area let your surgeon know right away.  Also beware of fevers, chills, night sweats, and generally not feeling well.

 

Q: How do I know if I have a blood clot?

Blood clots can be very serious and can potentially travel to the lungs and cause problems breathing.  If you notice increase pain or swelling in the calf, back of the knee, or thigh this could be a potential blood clot.  If you have more pain with moving your ankle towards you (dorsiflexion) then this could be a sign of a blood clot (Hohman’s sign). You will likely be placed on blood thinners for a few weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots. In my practice we use aspirin for 2 weeks.

 

Q: How much should I walk?

Walking is good for your  recovery but definitely you can overdo it as well. You should gradually increase the amount you are walking week to week.  You can start by walking up to 5 times a day for now more than 10 minutes in your first week and build up your routine from there.  We generally recommend 1000 steps per week increase during your recovery.

 

Q: What equipment will I need after surgery?

You will need a walker, cane, transfer belt, and raised toilet seat for home. Also some people get commercially available ice machines or knee wraps to decrease swelling.

 

Q: Is it normal for my knee to click?

Yes. Universally knee replacements click during the first year and usually resolve as you get stronger.

 

Q: When can I go to the dentist after surgery?

We usually recommend waiting 3 months after surgery to get any dental work. Let your dentist know that you have a knee replacement so that they can give you a dose of antibiotics prior to your dental procedure to prevent infections.  We recommend antibiotics for any dental work for the first 2 years after surgery. If you have any major dental work that you need done we encourage you to do this before your knee replacement. Also let your surgeon know if you have any active dental infections.

 

Q: Is weight loss after surgery normal?

Most people have some loss of appetite after surgery which can take up to 3 months to get back to normal. During this time it is common for people to lose weight.

 

Q: When can I walk without the walker?

Usually most people get rid of their walker between week 2 and week 4 after knee replacement.  You should use your walker until you feel your balance and strength are good. Most people will start using a cane around the house after a few weeks.

 

Q: Am I too heavy to have a knee replacement?

Obesity can put you at increase risk after knee replacement surgery. We use Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measure of this and recommend that your BMI is below 40.

 

Q: Do I need to quit smoking before surgery?

Smoking puts you at increase risk of complications as well after surgery. We recommend that you quit smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery.  Also avoid any nicotine products including patches during this time period since they can increase your surgical risk as well.

​

Q: Is diabetes a problem with knee replacement?

As long as your diabetes is well controlled it should not be a problem. If it is not under good control (HgbA1c >8.0) then your risk of infection and wound complications are higher.