How do you shower after knee surgery?

You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.

How long after knee surgery can you shower?

For the first 3 days, keep the dressings clean and dry. After that, you may shower like normal but do not soak the incisions (no bath, pool, lake or ocean) until after your first post-op appointment. You will need to cover the dressing (and brace if you have one) to keep it dry while in the shower.

How do you go to the bathroom after knee replacement?

Reach back for the armrests/raised toilet seat/seat. Slide your operated leg slightly forward and lower yourself slowly onto the toilet. To stand, use a grab bar or place your hand at the middle of the center bar of the walker. Stand up and get your balance before placing both hands on the walker.

Do I need a shower chair after knee surgery?

Sit on a shower chair while you bathe. Use a commode chair or elevated toilet seat to raise the height of your toilet. You may be prescribed pain medication to use at home. With pain under control, you'll get back to an active life sooner.

How do you sleep in bed after knee surgery?

The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back.

ACL Surgery: Part 4 - After Your Surgery

How do I keep my incision dry in the shower?

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

How long should you elevate your knee after surgery?

Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches. Don't put pillows behind your knee because this limits motion of the knee.

Is it OK to sleep in a recliner after knee replacement?

Prepare a recovery area

Designate a recovery area (usually the living room) with a sturdy chair to relax in. The chair should be high enough that it is easy to sit down and get up from. It should have arms and a solid back so you don't fall. A recliner is a good choice because you can elevate your legs.

Is it OK to sleep with your legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

Should I elevate my knee while sleeping?

Don't: Sleep in the Wrong Position

This can make your knee pain worse. Try out different positions, and put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. Don't prop up a bent knee on a pillow, though -- that can make it harder to unbend your leg the next day.

What do you need at home after knee surgery?

Is it normal to sleep a lot after knee replacement surgery?

Conclusion: Among patients undergoing TKR for OA, clinically important fatigue is considerably prevalent both before and for at least 6 months after surgery. Identifying and addressing early predictors of ongoing fatigue has the potential to improve the quality of life following TKR surgery.

Can I wear leggings after knee surgery?

If you wear functional knee braces or post op knee braces over your pants and bend your knee, the pants will pull the brace down. If you have a cotton-lycra knee sleeve or tight leggings that are not slippery, you can wear your functional knee brace over your pants.

How many days after surgery can I shower?

This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say you can have a shower 48 hours after surgery.

How long after surgery can I wash my hair?

By the end of the first week after surgery, you should be able to return to shampooing your hair as you normally did. You may receive some instructions on how to carefully massage your scalp to promote healing and proper hair growth.

Does a wound heal faster covered or uncovered?

Q: Is it better to bandage a cut or sore, or air it out? A: Airing out most wounds isn't beneficial because wounds need moisture to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered may dry out new surface cells, which can increase pain or slow the healing process.

What is the most commonly reported problem after knee replacement surgery?

Knee Stiffness

One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement is a stiff knee joint. Often these symptoms can cause difficulty with normal activities including going down stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of a car.

Do you lose weight after knee surgery?

BMI decreases were greater among knee replacement patients (21.5%) than hip replacement patients (16.9%), researchers reported. Overall, the mean weight of the group dropped from 175 pounds to 172 pounds after surgery.

How far should I be walking after knee replacement?

How much walking is optimal after knee replacement surgery? Most physical therapists say to walk as much as you're comfortable with. Start small with little steps over short distances, using an assistive device as needed. Gradually work your way up until you can cover longer distances without discomfort.

What do you wear to knee surgery?

Since you'll want to be comfortable, choose practical clothing with a loose fit. Sweats or loose workout pants are generally a good choice. You may want to consider wearing shorts if you're having knee surgery. Shirts or blouses with buttons in the front are easiest to put on and take off.

What happens first week after knee replacement?

The first few weeks after knee replacement surgery your physical therapist will focus on helping you reduce pain and feel more confident on your feet. You'll start working on a daily routine of strengthening and flexibility exercises with your physical therapist.

What is the best painkiller for knee pain?

Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot.

Should you put a pillow under your knee after knee replacement?

We understand that after surgery it may seem like a good idea to put a pillow under your knee. However this is something you should not do. Placing a pillow under your knee would allow your knee to stay slightly flexed. This can cause contractures or problems with how far you are able to extend your knee in the future.

What helps knee pain at night?

To relieve knee pain at night, try supporting your knees with a cushion. You can also take a warm bath, apply ice or heat, and massage your knee to ease the pain. During the day, do your best to stay active. Regular exercise and stretching can manage knee pain and help you fall asleep more quickly at night.