What are the dos and don'ts after a knee replacement?

You have an important role in caring for your “new” knee:

• Do use crutches or a walker to assist with walking; be safe, falls can be disastrous
• Do continue to wear your elastic stockings (a second pair allows you to wash one pair while wearing the other)
• Do practice your exercises as instructed
• Do stop exercising if you have severe pain or discomfort
• Do eat a well-balanced diet
• Do place a pillow under your ankle when lying down
• Do elevate your leg when not walking from place to place
• Do avoid constipation. While you are taking pain medications, especially narcotics, you may need to take a stool softener and laxative

There are certain movements that place stress on your new knee and should be avoided until you are instructed to do otherwise by your doctor:

• Do not overdo it; plan your activities with frequent rest periods
• Do not cross your legs at the ankles or knees
• Do not kneel
• Do not jump, run, jam your foot as in shoveling, or other demanding physical activities that put undue stress on your knee
• Do not lift heavy objects
• Do not drive a car until authorized by your doctor (usually about six weeks after your operation)
• Do not return to work until your doctor approves
• Do not bathe in a bathtub or hot tub, swim in a pool, lake or ocean until your physician gives you permission
• DO NOT PLACE A PILLOW UNDER YOUR KNEE
• Do not do physical activities that require quick starts and stops without first consulting your physician