Your physiotherapist will give you a list of the exercises to perform regularly.
It will be normal for the knee to feel stiff. It is important to do all the exercises regularly. If the stiffness does not improve by the 6 week mark it may be necessary to manipulate it under anaesthetic.
Pain
You will have a level of pain for several months although this will gradually decrease. You may need to continue taking painkillers at night for some while so you get some sleep.
Swelling
This is very common around the feet and ankles after the operation and can last a few months. You will be wearing anti embolism stocking initially, which helps with swelling and are designed to help prevent DVT ( deep vein thrombosis). You will also be encouraged to move the feet up and down as much as possible when sitting or lying to encourage the circulation. Once you are walking regularly this also helps the circulation to improve.
The knee itself will also be swollen and applying ice regularly can help with pain and reduce the swelling.
Ice should be put on or around the knee for 10 minutes then allow 20 minutes rest before it is reapplied. This should be wrapped in a wet tea towel or in a plastic bag to avoid ice burns.
When can I return to work?
This will depend on the type of work. If you sit at a desk you will probably be able to return after 6-8 weeks.
If your job is more manual then you may not be able to for 10-12 weeks.
When do I feel normal again?
It will be some weeks before you recover from the operation and start to feel all the benefits of your new joint.
If you keep up the exercises with the help of regular painkillers you will make good progress. Gradually you will regain the strength in your thigh muscles and will be able to walk easier.
Try to avoid jarring and twisting activities for at least 6 weeks.
You should avoid having a bath until the wound is fully healed and you are sure that you are strong enough to get out. However you can take a shower once the wound is dry.
Walking
Initially you will walk with crutches. Once you have sufficient strength and balance you can discard first one crutch and then go down to a walking stick. By 6 weeks you should be strong enough to walk with no aids. The time it takes depends on your age, mobility, and the type of operation you had.
When you walk try and walk without a limp. Take the same size strides with each leg and as you push off try and extend the knee.
Watch the video how to walk with sticks and crutches.
Sitting and Kneeling
Initially try not to sit with your legs crossed as this increases the chance of blood clots.
Kneeling may never be totally comfortable again but will become easier after several months. Although uncomfortable it does not do you any harm.
Sleeping
There is no special sleeping position after knee surgery. You should avoid putting a pillow under your knees when on your back as this prevents the knee from fully extending.
However if you prefer to sleep on your side you can put a pillow between your knees in this position.
Sleeping for the first few weeks can be disturbed due to pain at night.
Driving
You will be able to drive a car again when you can safely do an emergency stop.
The normal time is about 6 weeks for a full knee replacement and 3 weeks for a partial.
If you have an automatic car and you have the left leg operated you may be able to return to driving earlier as long as you are not affected but any of the tablets you are taking.
Sport
Exercise and Sport are recommended after the operation. It is very important to do specific exercises to strengthen the thigh to help stabilise your new knee.
Bicycling is a very good exercise to build up your knee and cross trainer is also a good exercise.
You will be able to return to your normal recreational sports such as Golf, tennis( preferably doubles)and skiing.
Golf can start at 8-12 weeks with chipping and putting. Avoid the driving range for 3 months as this puts a lot of strain on the knee.
It is best to avoid contact sports as this may weaken the cement.