What Not to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery
Key Takeaways
- Don’t skip physical therapy after knee replacement surgery. Consistent PT improves mobility, reduces stiffness, and supports faster recovery.
- Keep knee pain under control. If pain prevents walking, contact your care team.
- Use rest, ice, and elevation. These simple steps help reduce swelling and discomfort for knee surgery patients.
- Don’t rush recovery. Joint replacement healing takes time, and doing too much too soon can cause setbacks.
- Stay connected with your care team. UR Medicine orthopaedic experts provide follow-up care to ensure a safe recovery and better long-term results.
Knee Replacement Surgery can restore mobility, reduce chronic joint pain, and help you get back to doing what you love. But knowing what not to do after a knee replacement can help prevent painful and discouraging setbacks.
Here’s what orthopaedic surgeon John Ginnetti, MD, at UR Medicine says you need to keep in mind as you heal and regain strength.
What to Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery
Don’t Ignore Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is essential. Skipping repeated sessions or not following your surgeon’s/therapist’s instructions can delay your recovery. A consistent PT routine with key mobility exercises will improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, reduce the risk of blood clots, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.
Don’t Forget About Pain Management
It's true that knee pain is a normal part of recovering from joint replacement surgery. However, your pain level should not prevent you from engaging in routine activities.
Research Impact: Detecting Bone Infections Earlier
Bone infections after joint replacement surgery are rare but serious complications. URMC Researchers identified an immune-system protein that may help doctors detect these infections earlier, leading to faster diagnosis and more targeted treatment.
If you're struggling with basic movements like standing, walking, or physical therapy, your pain management plan may need an adjustment. Less commonly, a surgical complication may have occurred.
Managing pain effectively is an important part of recovery. When your pain is well-controlled, you'll find it easier to move more comfortably. This not only helps limit unnecessary knee stiffness or pain but also reduces the risk of blood clots.
To keep your recovery on track, remember these pain management strategies:
- Rest: Allows your body time to heal when balanced with physical therapy.
- Ice: Helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Elevation: Keep your leg raised above your heart level (when able) to minimize swelling.
- Medication: Take your pain medications exactly as prescribed.
- Contact your care team promptly if you have concerns about your pain level or side effects from your pain medication.
Don’t Worry How Quickly Someone Else Recovered
It’s great to feel stronger—but don’t rush the process. Doing too much too quickly can lead to setbacks, especially during the first 2–3 weeks. Everyone recovers at their own pace.
Avoid high-impact activities, bending your knee beyond what’s recommended, or skipping rest days. Don’t return to work or other physical activities before your provider recommends it. Let your recovery unfold at a steady pace, guided by your care team—not your friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers.
Seek Follow-Up Care After Total Joint Replacement
Every patient heals differently, which is why your care plan should be tailored to your needs. At UR Medicine, our orthopaedic specialists work closely with patients to create individualized plans for recovery, physical therapy, pain control, and follow-up care.
Have questions or concerns along the way? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Your care team is here to support you every step, stretch, and milestone of the way.
Joint Replacement at UR Medicine
UR Medicine's Orthopaedics & Physical Performance provides diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals with degenerative joint disease, inflammatory bone conditions, injuries, and deformities. Our mission is to help joint patients live with greater mobility and independence, while advancing research in joint health and recovery.
Connect with us!
