How soon will I be up and about?
The staff at the hospital will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you’ve had minimally invasive surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation.
You will be able to stand as soon as it is safe to do so with either the nursing or therapy team. If your surgery is being completed as a day case you will be discharged home on the day of your surgery. If your surgeon has advised that you will require a one night stay at hospital you will be able to go home the day following your surgery when deemed fit to go home by the nursing and therapy team.
During your stay in hospital, you will see a physiotherapist daily. Blood tests will be taken and x-rays of your new knee. Your leg will be examined and the wound will be monitored. Medications you were previously on will be restarted when it is safe to do so and you will be started on other new medications such as laxatives and blood thinning medications as well as stronger pain killers.
Will I be able to walk on my own?
Part of the recovery from surgery is regaining your mobility. It is normal to experience discomfort when you first start walking and exercising after surgery, as your legs and feet may be swollen.
Initially you may start with a frame to aid balance and weight bearing through your knee. Once able, you will be progressed onto elbow crutches or sticks. A stair assessment will be completed by the inpatient therapist if required prior to your discharge.
How long will I be in the hospital?
We are aiming for patients to be discharged from hospital after a knee replacement, depending on the progress with physiotherapy and medical fitness.
How can I make my new knee stronger?
During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation and are encouraged to do these at least three times a day. It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications of your new joint.
You may be put on a continuous passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.
You are encouraged to mobilise regularly to prevent stiffness in the new knee joint
How long will it be before I feel normal?
You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and get back to normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to 1 year for any leg swelling to disappear.
Your new knee will continue to recover up to 2 years after your operation. During this time, scar tissue will heal and muscles will be restored by exercise.
Even after you have recovered, it’s best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there’s a risk of falling, such as skiing or mountain biking. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you.
References
“Knee replacement – Recovery.” NHS Choices, NHS,[link](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement/recovery/). Accessed 22 May 2020
Knee Replacement: Versus Arthritis : https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/knee-replacement-surgery/ Accessed 22 May 2020