While you look forward to your upcoming knee replacement surgery, you may wonder what you will not be able to do post-operatively. Knee arthroplasty improves independence and freedom of movement, but some activities will be off-limits–either temporarily or for good. Here’s what you cannot do after a knee replacement.
Don’ts After Knee Replacement Surgery in Boynton Beach, FL
As a knee replacement patient, you want a safe recovery period free from discomfort and falls. Also, you want your knee prosthesis–the metal and plastic replacement parts installed by your orthopedic surgeon in Boynton Beach–to remain stable, fracture-free, and fully functional for the expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
So, be sure to follow your knee doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully. Plus, when you enter the rehab phase of your recovery (within a day or two of your knee surgery), heed the warnings and ambulation training your physical therapist outlines. You’ll return to normal more quickly and enjoy safer, more comfortable movement for the long term.
Here are the don’ts for knee arthroplasty patients in Boynton Beach, FL.
Don’t Sit for Long Periods of Time.
While you need to rest after your surgery, your therapist will want you to move to strengthen your muscles, improve balance, and to avoid dangerous post-operative blood clots.
Make sure to sit without bending your operated knee and keep the leg straight and positioned, as your physical therapist will show you. Sit for no longer than 45 minutes at a time and use your assistive devices to stand up and walk. Avoid super soft couches and chairs and instead choose something straight-backed, comfortable, and supportive.
Don’t Smoke.
Cigarettes rob the extremities of much needed oxygen and impede the healing process. Before your knee surgery, consult your PCP about monitored smoking cessation programs. Even if you do not quit entirely, simply cutting back will benefit your recovery.
Don’t Sit in a Low Bathtub.
You may fall or be unable to get out of the bathtub safely. Use a walk-in shower and shower chair as much as possible.
The Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal reports that about 17% of total knee patients suffer avoidable falls in the post-operative period, and one-third of the incidents are related to slipping. So, prepare for safety ahead of time by having someone help you with bathing and dressing.
Don’t Run or Jump.
Any activities involving hard running, jumping, or twisting place excessive stress on weight-bearing joints. So, avoid jogging, basketball, skiing, and any other similar activity until your knee surgeon in Boynton Beach clears you for activity. Instead, cycle, walk, and swim as these provide great low-impact exercise.
Don’t Kneel if You Experience Discomfort.
While research shows no detrimental impact on artificial knees when patients kneel after full recovery, most individuals simply are not comfortable putting pressure on their new knees. While doing so likely will NOT harm your prosthesis or shorten its life, you may feel unstable on your knees or have extreme difficulty remaining in a kneeling position.
Don’t Jeopardize Your Recovery.
Of course, you will wish to get back to normal as soon as possible. However, if your operated knee feels warm and painful, or if it swells, discontinue your activity and rest, elevate the leg, and ice the knee. Aim for slow, steady progress in your recovery and you’ll experience better results.
Where’s the Best Source for Knee Replacement Surgery Near Me?
If you and your PCP feels it’s time for a consultation on total knee replacement, please contact Personalized Orthopedics of The Palm Beaches. Joint arthroplasty is one of the many specialty procedures offered by our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. Plus, we have on-site physical therapy services to guide your recovery.
Call us today at (561) 733-5888, or request a convenient appointment online through our homepage.
