What should I be able to do 2 weeks after TKR?

You should be able to bend your knee 90 degrees at the end of the second week. Physical therapy will continue to focus on improving strength and mobility. During weeks three through six, you should move from using a walker to using a cane.

What should I be doing 3 weeks after TKR?

By week 3. By the time you're back home or in a rehab facility, you should be able to move around more freely while experiencing reduced pain. You'll require fewer and less powerful pain medications. Your daily routine will include exercise your PT has given you.

How long after knee replacement can you do housework?

For the first 3 months, you should be able to manage light chores, such as dusting and washing up. Avoid heavy tasks such as vacuuming and changing the beds. Do not stand for long periods as this may cause ankle swelling and avoid stretching up or bending down for the first 6 weeks.

When can I walk up stairs normally after TKR?

For the first several weeks after TKR, you will likely go up/down stairs one foot at a time (non-reciprocally). The pattern to follow is: “Up with the good leg, Down with the bad (operated)”. As you get stronger, I encourage you to try to climb stairs alternating one foot per step; holding on to the banister will help.

How far should you be able to bend your knee after replacement?

Bending and straightening the knees becomes reduced over time. The goal after knee replacement is to get the knee to at least 120 degrees of flexion or bending motion. You need at least 110 degrees to enter and exit a car and most people need 110 to 120 degrees to ride a bike.

Post-Operative Exercises Weeks 2-4 for Total Knee Replacement*

What degree should your knee bend?

A fully bent knee will max out at about a full range of motion of 135° degrees of flexion. As a general rule, a knee flexion of about 125° will allow you to carry out most normal activities. For daily living, a minimum flexion of around 105°-110° is required.

Can you walk too much after knee replacement surgery?

It is important to gradually increase your out-of-home activity during the first few weeks after surgery. If you do too much activity, your knee may become more swollen and painful.

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.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

What you Cannot do after knee replacement?

After your surgery, avoid stools, sofas, soft chairs, rocking chairs, and chairs that are too low. When getting up from a chair, slide toward the edge of the chair, and use the arms of the chair, your walker, or crutches for support to get up.

Should I still have pain 5 weeks after knee replacement surgery?

General pain may occur for up to several weeks following a total knee replacement. Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months.

How soon can you put weight on your leg after knee replacement?

Years ago, total knee surgery frequently required six to eight weeks of walking with a cane, crutches or walker, but if the cemented approach is used, you can put weight on the leg almost immediately.

How long should you elevate your leg after knee replacement?

To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time.

How many times a week should I do physical therapy after knee replacement?

Most people spend 1 to 3 nights in the hospital. After you're discharged, you might check into a rehab facility. There, you'll usually get physical therapy 6 days a week for a couple of weeks. One advantage of a rehab clinic is that you will have help and you're sure to do your exercises every day.

What causes stabbing pains in knees after TKR?

A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that develops at the back of the knee. It's often the result of a problem within the knee joint such as osteoarthritis. “The pain is like a stabbing, someone taking a knife and just stabbing it in your knee and twisting it,” Jasper says. “You can't straighten your leg out. …

Can you sit in a recliner after knee replacement?

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.

Why am I peeing so much after TKR?

Urinary tract infection: Infection to your urinary tract can occur after having surgery. Symptoms include burning and frequent urination, as well as blood in your urine. Fever and weakness may also occur.

What causes tight band feeling after TKR?

Nerve pain – The surgical incision that is made through the skin and underlying layers to get into the knee joint also cuts through small nerves that pass through these tissues. Commonly this leaves the outer aspect of the knee feeling a bit numb or tingly after surgery, or a feeling of a “tight band” around the knee.

How long is knee warm after knee replacement?

Total knee patients can expect to feel warmth for 3-4 months after surgery. The heat is the body's indicator that healing is occurring.

What should I be doing 8 weeks after knee replacement?

By 7-8 weeks after surgery, you continue to exercise your knee and work with your physical therapist. You may add more complicated exercises to your routine and exercise for longer periods of time. You should still plan to avoid high-impact workouts to avoid putting too much stress on your knee.

Should I still have pain 8 weeks after knee replacement?

It depends on the knee replacement

A total knee replacement patient is typically looking at a one year recovery period for things to fully settle down. I should stress that doesn't mean you'll be living with constant pain for a year. But the occasional twinge or moment of discomfort could well last 12 months.

How much flexion is normal after TKR?

90 degrees is the same thing as a right angle. If you achieve 90 degrees by one week, and continue to push forward after this, you will end up with excellent range of motion of your knee replacement. Most of our patients end up with 120 to 125 degrees of flexion.

Can you elevate your leg too much after surgery?

Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long.

How long does it take to go from partial weight bearing to full weight bearing?

This depends on your job and what you do. If your job role involves moving around and / or commuting to work it may not be possible for you to return to work until you are fully weight bearing, this will be a minimum of 6 weeks.

How many times a day should you exercise after knee replacement?

Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily; and walk for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery.