Now that your knee is healing, here’s what to know to keep it functioning well.
Congrats! You made it through surgery and your new artificial knee is on the mend. You may now be wondering what you can do — and what you should not do — to keep your knee as healthy as possible, for as long as possible.
Dr. Steve Engstrom, an orthopedic surgeon with Vanderbilt Orthopaedics, says an artificial knee can last 15 to 20 years. When he counsels knee-replacement patients, he reminds them that “these numbers are averages. Some knees need to be redone at 10 years, some at 15, and some last well over 20.
“The key,” Engstrom said, “is regular follow-up to identify problems while they are still relatively easy fixes.”
Generally, people who have had knee replacement surgery are advised to keep these dos and don’ts in mind, to keep their new knee functioning at its best in the long term:
Do
- Position your knee comfortably as you go about daily activities.
- Exercise and walk every day as directed by your care team.
- Use an ice pack if your knee starts to swell or feel tender.
Don’t (during recovery)
- Don’t twist your knee. Turn your whole body instead.
- Don’t jump or do any high-impact activity. It can loosen your new knee joint.
- Don’t force movements, such as bending your knee too far.
- Don’t put a pillow behind your knee when you are resting. This may keep you from straightening it fully.
Your orthopedic surgeon will schedule follow-up exams to make sure that your knee is healing correctly. Use this time to ask any questions you have about your recovery, current activities and what additional activities you can add to your routine as you continue to heal.
“Our long term goal is to give you a knee that you can use as normally as possible,” Engstrom said. “Bending, twisting, and exercise are all reasonable expectations once the knee is fully recovered. While high-impact activity can cause the knee to wear out sooner, we want you to use your knee to its fullest potential.” It is very difficult to damage the prosthesis but realize that high impact activity can aggravate the soft tissues. Usually, these types of aggravation will resolve on their own.
Much of this advice is good for overall health, not just for healthy joints. For post knee replacement, though, “the time frame starting 6 weeks prior to surgery and ending 6 weeks after is most crucial,” Engstrom said. However, “living an active lifestyle with a healthy diet, free from smoking, is something we should all strive for.”
Getting a knee replacement means needing to maintain joint health over time, he said. “For a knee replacement, this consists of any exercises and activities that keep the quad muscles strong.”
If you are dealing with an injury, facing surgery or coping with chronic pain, Vanderbilt Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of care. Our specialists work with you from evaluation and “prehab” through physical therapy and, if needed, surgery. We’ll help you get back to doing the things you love, pain-free. To make an appointment, call 615-936-7846.
