Recovery and rehabilitation
Once you return home, you may need to continue to take your painkillers if this is advised by your surgeon. You may also be advised to continue to wear compression stockings that you will have been given for a further few weeks. These can be difficult to put on and take off so you may need someone to help you with this.
You must take great care during the first eight to twelve weeks following your operation to avoid potentially damaging your new knee – you must be patient and not try to test your new joint to see how far it will go. Initially you will tire more easily, not least because there will continue to be traces of anaesthesia in your body for some time. Set aside a rest period each afternoon. You should contact your doctor immediately in the case of any undue pain, severe redness around the operation site or weeping from the wound.
Walking without the aid of a stick is often possible from four to six weeks – although this will be determined by your confidence and progress and you should follow the advice of your surgeon or physiotherapist. Your return to driving will be determined by your surgeon which may be as much as six to twelve weeks. Your return to work will also be determined by your surgeon.
Throughout the period immediately postoperative up to the first twelve weeks following your surgery, you may be able to continue to build up your level of exercise. You may eventually be able to start participating in a variety of low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling or playing golf, (you must of course seek advice from your surgeon or physiotherapist before beginning to undertake these exercises). Avoid high-impact activities such as aerobics, squash, running or contact sports, as they can cause damage to the artificial joint.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
