Post-operative care to gear up your replaced knee

The key to success of total knee replacement surgery is that postoperative physical activity is undertaken seriously and religiously.

A regular exercise regimen helps restore knee mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments, facilitating a gradual return to normal activity.

Important tips to follow after Knee Replacement Surgery:

• Minimal stress should be laid on the replaced joint to avoid excessive wear and tear which can reduce the longevity of the implant.

• Intensity of the exercise should be adjusted so that it is painless, but still promotes cardiovascular fitness.

• Avoid running and jumping.

• Wear shoes that are well cushioned at the heels and insoles.

• Joints should not be placed at the extremes of motion.

• Activity time should be increased gradually with frequent rest periods.

• Use walking aid to minimize stress on the replaced joint.

• Undertake walking as the first long-term activity after surgery.

Early post operative exercises

• Quad sets: Tighten thigh muscle to straighten the knee. Hold for a count of 10. Repeat several times a day.

• Straight leg raise: In lying position, lift one leg with the hands around the thigh and pull it towards the body. Hold for a count of 10. Slowly lower. Repeat five times.

• Ankle pumps: Move your foot up and down rhythmically and periodically for two to three minutes, two or three times an hour till the lower leg swelling subsides.

• Knee straightening exercise: Placed a rolled towel just above the heel. Press it downward to touch the back of the knee to the bed for a count of 10. Repeat 10 times.

• Knee bends: Bend the knee as much as possible while sliding the foot on the bed. Repeat several times.

• Advanced exercises with stretch-band is very safe and improves muscle strength and knee mobility.

• Cycling is an excellent activity to regain muscle strength and knee mobility. Pedal backward at first. Ride forward only after a comfortable cycling motion is possible backwards. Start cycling for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day, gradually build up to 20 or 30 minutes.