Walking

• Use a walker or crutches until your doctor says you no longer need them. You will be instructed on how much weight you may put on your affected leg.
• Steps: Always go up with your stronger leg and assistive device first. To go down, use the assistive device first, followed by the operated leg, then the stronger leg.

Positioning

• Do not wear the knee immobilizer splint during the day. To prevent stiffness, it is important to practice your bending exercises frequently (every one to two hours).
• Do not put a pillow under your knee while in bed or sitting. This would eventually keep your knee from straightening.

Swelling

You can expect swelling in your knee and leg for a few months after surgery. To help reduce or prevent swelling, do the following:

• Elevate your ankle and knee above your heart. Do ankle pumps at least every hour.
• Put ice packs on operated knee. To make an ice pack, fill a plastic bag with ice, wrap a towel around your knee and put ice pack on top of the towel.
• Do not use creams such as Ben Gay, Icy Hot, etc.

Exercise

• Follow exercise instructions given by your physical therapist. Continue working on exercise until you can straighten your knee completely and bend it to at least 90 degrees.
• Swimming may be started as soon as your incision heals. Be sure access into pool is a ramp or steps. Do not go up/down ladder or sit on side of pool.
• A stationary bike may be used four weeks after surgery, with no resistance on the pedals.

Download a Home Exercise Program (PDF, 246 KB) developed by Duke physical therapists

Activities (Six to Eight Weeks After Surgery)

• Do not drive until given permission by your doctor.
• You may shower once incision is healed.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes or slip-on slippers. Instead, wear good walking or tennis shoes.
• Avoid scatter rugs. Put them away while walking on crutches or a walker.
• Avoid gaining excessive weight.

Additional Activities (After Six to Eight Weeks )

• Walking is an excellent exercise to help build strength and general conditioning.
• Avoid jogging or any other sport that requires stop-start or jarring movements. These may loosen the prosthesis.
• Golf may resume after three months.
• Swimming is great for general conditioning and endurance.