Yes, walking is crucial for reducing swelling after knee replacement because muscle movement pumps fluid out of the leg, improving circulation and preventing fluid buildup, though it should be balanced with rest, elevation, and icing as directed by your physical therapist. Early, gentle walking helps prevent stiffness and promotes faster healing, but avoid overdoing it, as increased pain and swelling 24-48 hours later can signal you've done too much.
Strategies to Reduce Swelling After Knee Surgery
Note: Side sleeping is usually an option several weeks into recovery, not immediately after surgery. Always check with your physical therapist or surgeon before trying this position.
Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg. Stand comfortably and erect with your weight evenly balanced on your walker or crutches.
Walking after knee replacement
Aside from physiotherapy exercises, walking is one of the most important activities you can do following a knee replacement. It increases mobility while strengthening the muscles around the new joint.
By raising your leg, you reduce the gravitational pull on fluids, which helps decrease swelling. This reduction not only alleviates pain but also lessens the risk of complications that could arise from excessive swelling. Keeping the swollen area elevated is a simple yet effective way to speed up your recovery.
Swelling of the knee and leg are normal after a total knee replacement. There are some things that you can do, however, to minimize this problem. Ice the knee frequently for the first two to three weeks after surgery. It is particularly helpful to ice after you have done your exercises or been on your feet for a while.
Your knee / calf may swell for up to three months or more after your operation. If this happens, sitting with your leg up and applying an ice pack will help ease the swelling.
After a TKA, you can expect approximately six to 10 weeks of Physical Therapy visits, usually two to three times per week.
By about three months, many people can manage stairs in a mostly normal pattern, but it's still common to notice some stiffness or mild discomfort, especially when going down or after a lot of activity. Still, your knee may feel slightly stiff at times, especially in the morning or after long walks.
After surgery
The best chair is one that is firm with a straight back, armrests, and height adjustment. Avoid low, soft chairs that make it difficult to stand. A riser recliner chair is also ideal, as it helps in standing up and sitting down with minimal pressure on the knee.
It's generally safe to start using an elliptical around 12 weeks post-surgery, but always check with your therapist first. Treadmill: Walking on a treadmill can be beneficial, but it's essential to start slow. Use a flat incline initially and gradually increase the duration and speed as your knee gets stronger.
Not walking after surgery can cause muscle weakness and joint stiffness. It can also lead to blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Poor circulation and lung problems are also risks. Delayed healing and slower recovery are possible.
Doing too much too soon is a common workout mistake. And it's a recipe for injuries and overtraining. Start with shorter walks at a slower pace, and slowly increase your distance and intensity as you get fitter.
You will heal between 3-6 weeks and after you have recovered, you can begin sleeping normally again. However, if the position you are used to sleeping in causes pain, avoid it for a few more days until you are completely healed.
This can also increase the pressure on your knee joints, which can cause pain and swelling. To give your knees relief, limit the amount of time you spend with your knees bent or crossed. Try to have them straight whenever possible.
Learn more about Post-Surgery Physical Therapy. Exercises such as straight leg raises, quad sets, and heel slides effectively improve quadriceps strength and knee range of motion, which are essential for restoring mobility and function.
How Often Should You Use a Cold Therapy Machine? Medical experts advise patients not to use the cold therapy machine continuously for more than 20 minutes. It is also important to apply cold therapy immediately after an injury occurs and apply it periodically for at least 72 hours.
Oxycodone 5 mg: This is an opioid pain medication for severe pain after surgery. Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for severe pain. The goal is to discontinue this medication by 2 weeks after surgery.
Generally, by three months post-op, most patients have:
Secondly, patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease may feel pain in their feet when their legs are elevated because the arterial blood has to push against gravity to get through the legs. Patients who suffer from either of these conditions should thoroughly discuss leg elevation with their doctor before attempting it.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest or inactivity, which weakens supporting muscles, leading to stiffness and instability, creating a vicious cycle of pain and dysfunction, even though it feels counterintuitive; the solution involves controlled movement and strengthening exercises (like walking, swimming) to support the joint. Other major mistakes include wearing unsupportive shoes, carrying excess weight, and performing movements that involve twisting.
The following steps include the RICE protocol: