Life at Home After Total Knee Replacement: Essential Recovery Guide

In this episode of Talking with Docs, join us as we delve into the crucial topic of life at home following a total knee replacement. Our expert doctors provide comprehensive insights, guiding you from the moment you leave the hospital to every aspect of your recovery journey. From vital exercises to pain management tips and lifestyle adjustments, this episode equips you with the essential knowledge and support needed for a successful and smooth rehabilitation process. Don't miss out on this valuable guide to ensure a seamless transition back to an active and fulfilling life post-surgery!

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

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[sandyprather]

I'm a little over 4 weeks post total RT knee replacement. I count myself blessed to have all the help I need & awesome physical therapists. I must honestly say this is the hardest surgery I've ever had. It has tested me in every way possible. Despite saying this, I am grateful to have had it done. I am hopeful to get back to my normal way of life minus all the pain I used to endure. I can't stress enough how important it is for you to do all the prescribed exercises at home multiple times a day each & every day. There are no vacation days when it comes to recovery of knee replacement. Also, go to your outpatient PT appointments & totally give each & every appointment everything you've got. YOU are the captain of your own ship when it comes to recovery.

[monicamorilla]

I've just had a total new knee last week. April 2024. Walking good. Stairs good.. but still need time to improve...🎉

[superskr]

With me it was almost 3 months of pain to varying degrees. The most irritating thing that I had to accept was that the pain NEVER totally went away for almost three months. Never all gone. finally, of course, and I was amazed one afternoon nap I suddenly realized there was none! I was afraid to move the sensation was so glorious. Of course it was temporary but let me know that it was eventually going to be that was all the time. The exercises and PT were tough but necessary, so I did them. Still can't kneel comfortably so no convent in my future!

[ceebeecee]

68 years old. One week after my right Total knee replacement. Already have flexion at 90 and extension close to 0. Everyone is different. I am a tap dancer and want to rehab so that I can enjoy doing again what I love. I did post-surgical exercises as pre-surgery exercises as a way to prepare for surgery. My surgery was scheduled 12 weeks out, so I had time. Now, I am doing the exercises at home very religiously. Worst day was day three post-op when the nerve block wore off. Take pain meds before going to physical therapy because you will work in a longer session than you will probably do at home. Take an ice pack to wear while going home.
What I did to prepare for recovery at home was to bandage my knee straight before surgery to limit mobility and then try to do everything in my day without using my right leg to figure out what I might need. Then I got the items and had them set up in the house for when I got home from the hospital. Can use lending closets or friends for some items or purchase them if your budget allows.
The following helped: commode chair with arms over toilet seat; shower seat; something to put over leg to keep it dry while showering; walker with a bag to carry things; cane; leg lifter (can use cane handle but I love the flexibility of the leg lifter); a way to sleep with leg elevated and that will help keep leg STRAIGHT while sleeping (avoid bending the knee because it will slow progress to extension); TED hose for compression; ice machine and/or ice packs for swelling; basket for holding the medicines and keeping them organized; spiral notebook with attached pen for keeping track of meds and when you take them and what you’re taking and to record exercises; grabber for when you drop things; sock assist for the compression stockings; removal of tripping hazards; phone/iPad chargers set up for where you can use them; and favorite snack items already prepared.
Allow for rest time. Your body needs it to heal.

[phronsiekeys]

I think you should talk more about the bathroom! Prepare your toilet seat to be comfortable when your knee is painful. If you don't have a taller toilet you need some sort of replacement toilet seat-- trust me, you WILL. If you don't have a walk-in shower, can you get over the tub wall? Will you need a shower chair? Have that stuff ready for when you get home. Not after!

[suzannhansen]

I was surprised at how much pain i was in after knee surgery, but I eventually survived. I wish I'd seen this video before I had my surgery. Excellent information! I love watching your videos.

[godson]

5 months post op total knee replacement surgery, greatest decision I ever made. Down in Florida right now with my family enjoying life walking around Universal Studios. ✌️💪💯

[donnyfigueroa]

I am 56 years old, and I am literally writing this in recovery at the hospital. Just had my left knee replaced. Pain and physical therapy is my concern going forward. Will keep you posted. I will be going home in about two hours and a second floor bedroom to tackle here soon.
Love your videos....

[buzzlardie]

Both knees replaced 3 years ago other than occasional pain from inflammation everything else has been great. I was a heavy equipment mechanic and went back to work with no restrictions. Rehab and your attitude makes a big difference in my recovery.

[jsstar]

Hi Docs.. My Surgeon told me he did the easy part, the hard part is on us to push ourselves for great results!

[PVVI]

I’ve had both knees replaced (3 and 4 years ago). My surgeon did an excellent job! I did the exercises as recommended by my physiotherapist. I bought a massage table which made the doing the exercises much easier. Pain management was challenging because opiates make me extremely nauseated so I couldn’t take them. I managed ok with Celebrex, Tylenol, Gabapentin and ice packs. The first 6 weeks were tough, especially trying to sleep. The exercises are hard work and take a lot of time and effort. But it was worth it because I can enjoy life fully now. I cycle, golf, XC ski, snowshoe, hike and kayak. No limping, no pain! I’m very grateful 😊
For the most part, the people I know that have trouble with their replaced knees did not do their exercises as directed. They made excuses, and now they have limited mobility and discomfort. You have to do the work if you want good results!

[RobertETH]

Left knee TKR on October 30. Hurt only second to kidney stones. Went back at week two to schedule the right knee. Agreed and compromised with my surgeon that once we both knew I was past infection risk, we’d schedule the right. I’m so glad to be past the constant intense pain in my right knee. Physical therapy is not a joy to endure, but extremely necessary. 3/4 turn Rocking on an exercise bike is extremely helpful. In place of a heel slide, use grippy socks to hold foot in place as you push/pull in a rolling chair(alter the seat height frequently). Wedge pillow to maintain foot orientation while sleeping is a big help for leg swelling. My other big mention is stay on track with pain meds for first 20 days.

Final comment…I spent two plus hours daily on exercise bike to build leg strength for two months prior to surgery. Made a huge difference in my outcome.

[shelleytheriault]

Husband had it done 3 weeks ago and no pain. Pain meds worked great! Already has 110 degrees and been walking with no aids for a week. We had been prepared for so much worse. Very grateful

[rogered]

“You will be in Some form of discomfort”. Boy that’s an understatement

[disqusrubbish]

Yes, around 4:15 or so where you note that you'd rather have someone on a walker than rush to get off. The Physical Therapist speaking in my pre-op class (mine was hip, but principle applies) said people rush to use a cane instead of a walker, develop a rocking motion in their gait, and six months later he'll see them in a store or someplace and while they don't have a cane, they still have the rocking motion. I totally agree with you - use the walker to regain your natural motion.

[CookingCanningAndBaking]

I found your channel a couple of years ago when researching info for my (then upcoming) RTK. It was awful! Well, the pain was awful. I survived with the use of narcotics, physical therapy and sheer determination to get past it. I have great benefits (thankfully) and was able to take off about 10 weeks from an office job to focus solely on my knee. I'm happy to report that I have more than zero degrees (I'm "back-kneed) and the last measurement I had was 135 degrees bending, almost the same as my non-surgical knee. The lessons: Take the medicine. Do the stretches. Do the exercises. No one can do it for you. If you want to have full range of motion, endure the pain -- and it WILL hurt. Make yourself do it and get a great result. Best of luck to anyone going through it now or planning to do so.

[alisonbradbury]

Had TKR surgery at end of March. So happy I did it. The initial pain was much better than the pain I had before the operation. Ice, Tylenol, walking and exercise/physio were the most important activities after surgery to alleviate pain and get back to an active lifestyle.

[freewaybaby]

I’m scheduled for my right knee to be done later this month, but when I hear about going up stairs, etc., it concerns me that my left knee may hold my new right knee hostage, as far as rehabbing goes. It’s marginally better than the right one, but not sure it’s up for stairs. My doctor said it’s too much risk to do both at the same time, so I gotta wait for the other one’s turn. My doctor says the same thing you guys do; to expect the pain… a LOT of pain. I’m not arguing because I have not been through it, but it’s really difficult to imagine more pain than now, before surgery. I was so glad to find this video; most of the ones I find are years old. Thank you! And to everyone who has had the surgery or are about to, praying the best for all of you.💞

[julietb]

The timing of this updated video is perfect. I had a left TKA two days ago (outpatient) and am recovering at home now. I will be starting outpatient physical therapy in three days and will have a total of 2 1/2 weeks off from work (luckily my job allows for me to sit or stand as much as I need to). I had my right knee replaced 12 months ago, and in my research for that surgery I discovered your channel. You two have been such a great resource for me along the way. Thank you for all of your great content!!

[redbeard]

For all the good humour and joking around which I love, when you guys talk about your "bread and butter" you are the GOATS.