What Not To Do After Knee Replacement?

What Not To Do After Knee Replacement
Don’t attempt any high-impact sports – High-impact activities or contact sports such as football, skiing or lifting heavy weights are best avoided throughout your recovery period. They carry a high risk of falling which can damage your new joint. Any activity that requires twisting, jumping or running could place too much strain on your new knee.

What can you no longer do after knee replacement?

Activities you Cannot do After Full Recovery – You shouldn’t downhill ski or play contact sports such as football and soccer. In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing. Other directions you will always need to follow include:

Take small steps when you are turning. Try not to pivot on the leg that was operated on. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead.Do not jerk the leg that was operated on.Do not lift too much weight. This will place too much stress on your new knee. This includes grocery bags, laundry, garbage bags, tool boxes, and large pets.

Are there permanent restrictions after knee replacement?

Are There Any Permanent Restrictions After a Knee Replacement? – Although it is possible to participate in high-impact sports after a knee replacement, surgeons usually strongly discourage doing so even after the knee is fully healed. Furthermore, patients with knee restrictions often have permanent work restrictions — medical instruction against performing certain activities at work — after having knee replacement surgery.

  • Employers are legally obligated to honor those restrictions, which often occur even after patients have resumed normal activity levels.
  • That said, knee replacement surgery involves very few long-term limitations for patients.
  • Besides high-impact sports, long-distance running and some work-specific activities, you should be able to resume your life with the freedom to participate in a broad range of activities after knee replacement surgery.

The main reason for activity restrictions is to ensure a long knee replacement life span.

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

5 Possible Problems With Knee Replacement While can help improve your pain and mobility, you can experience problems as well. Complications may include stiffness, clicking, wearing out of the implant, possible infection, as well as blood clots. While problems can occur, knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty, typically has high success rates.

  1. Serious problems occur in less than 2% of individuals.
  2. This article discusses possible problems with knee replacement, as well as potential causes and risk factors.1 Knee stiffness after replacement can often be treated with therapy.
  3. UpperCut Images / Getty Images One of the most common problems people experience after knee replacement is a stiff,

This can cause difficulty with activities that require a lot of bending, including going down stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of a car. Management of a stiff knee joint after replacement may include appropriate and pain management, as well as minor surgical interventions, and, more rarely, revision surgery, or a second knee replacement.

Having a stiff knee joint before surgery Having a previous knee surgery Having another condition, such as, a, or Not having appropriate pain management and/or physical therapy after surgery

2 P. Marazzi / Getty Images Because artificial joints are made of metal and plastic, it is not uncommon to hear clicking, clunking, or popping when the knee bends back and forth. In general, noise without pain is not usually a problem. Some potential causes of clicking, clunking, or popping include:

in the connective tissue that lines the inside of the joint Implant design Implant breakage Soft tissue moving over the implant

In situations where or swelling is accompanied by these noises, it is a good idea to contact your surgeon.3 Knee replacement implants can wear out over time-if they do, a second knee replacement may be necessary. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Over 90% of knee replacements last longer than 15 years.

A younger, highly active individual has the surgery doneAn individual participates in high impact activities, such as running, football, and tennisAn individual carries extra weight, which can place more stress on the implant

4 Jose Luis Pelaez / Getty Images are a serious complication of knee replacement. However, they only occur in less than 2% of individuals who have had this procedure. Knee replacement infections are generally separated into early and late infections:

Early infections occur within six weeks of the original surgery. They’re typically the result of skin bacteria entering the joint at the time of surgery. may involve surgical cleansing of the knee joint with appropriate antibiotics administered for several weeks or months. Late infections occur at least six weeks post-surgery. These are usually caused by bacteria in the bloodstream finding their way to the knee joint. These infections can be difficult to cure and typically require the entire knee replacement to be removed.

, such as taking your prescribed antibiotics before and after surgery, can help reduce the risk of infection.5 Rolf Ritter / Getty Images commonly occur in the large veins of the leg after knee replacement and can cause pain and swelling. In some circumstances, the blood clot can make its way to the lungs.

Placed on Shown how to stimulate blood flow in the leg muscles with specific foot and ankle movement Given support hose or compression boots to wear to help with blood circulation

: 5 Possible Problems With Knee Replacement

Can too much walking damage a knee replacement?

– Performing movements or exercises that are too intense can increase the chances of loosening or fracturing the bones around the implant. Pushing too much can also lead to increased pain and swelling around the knee, slowing down the rehabilitation process and making it more difficult to exercise.

Is it OK to sleep on your side after total knee replacement?

Sleeping on Your Side – Some people find sleeping on their sides more comfortable, and if you are one of them, do not lie on your operative side. Also, put a cushion or pillow between your legs to provide cushion to the knee. In case you need more support, add another pillow to pad your knee to make the leg comfortable.

How long does it take to walk normally after total knee replacement?

How Far Should I Be Walking After Knee Replacement? One of the most common questions about knee replacement surgery is related to the time it takes to recover. That’s probably because it’s normal to wonder what your mobility will be like after such a major surgery.

  1. When your knees go bad, whether, from wear and tear or injury, you end up realizing just how important these joints are to your mobility.
  2. Nee pain can keep you from performing even the simplest daily tasks.
  3. While having major knee surgery to replace the joint typically alleviates your pain, you may wonder how long it will take to return to normal functions.
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What’s it like to have knee surgery at, and how far can you go on your new knees? We have answers that may surprise you., also known as total knee arthroplasty, is designed to remove a damaged or worn-out knee from the body and replace it with a new prosthetic knee joint.

  • The most common reason for the surgery is to alleviate the pain from osteoarthritis that many people experience over time.
  • Nee replacement can be total, where both sides of the knee joint are replaced, or partial,,
  • Each year, undergo knee replacement.
  • The data shows that who receive knee replacement on one or both knees experience a significant reduction in pain and suffering.

Of the patients who undergo knee replacement, 90% still have the same artificial knee going strong more than 15 years later and 25 years after their surgery. What Not To Do After Knee Replacement Knee replacement surgery is indicated usually after trying other non-invasive treatments to alleviate knee pain. When the knee joint is sufficiently damaged or worn, your mobility is lessened, and the pain you’re experiencing won’t let up even when resting, it may be time for knee replacement.

Cortisone injections and physical therapy aren’t working Medications don’t help anymore Mobility is so reduced that you’re walking with a cane or walker Pain persists even while sleeping You’re in pain even from everyday tasks like trying to get dressed

Knee replacement is typically considered between the age of 60 and 80. Traditional opinions are changing about what is the right age for knee replacement, though. There is no perfect age for knee replacement, and each case is different. The rehabilitation period after knee surgery is just as important as the surgery itself.

  • Recovering from knee surgery is a weeks-long process that gradually strengthens the knee and returns you to your normal level of activity.
  • The 12 weeks after surgery are critically important to regain your mobility, and your recovery begins the very day your surgery is complete.
  • A typical timeline for recovery after knee replacement looks something like this: Day 1.

After you’ve recovered from the anesthetic, your physical therapist will help you stand up and walk slowly by using an assistance device. Day 2. You may walk for brief periods with the aid of an assisted device. You’ll work during this time on flexing the knee as much as possible.

Week 1. You should be able to bend your knee by 90 degrees, although the pain and swelling may make this uncomfortable. You’ll start to bathe, dress, and use the toilet on your own and likely change your own bandages, although you may still require the help of a caregiver. Weeks 2 – 3. You’ll start work with a physical therapist.

You will have a daily work schedule to keep the knee mobile. You will likely use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine that keeps the joint slowly moving while preventing the buildup of scar tissue and stiffness. During this time, your healthcare team will work closely with you to rehabilitate the joint safely.

  • Weeks 4 – 6.
  • By this time, if you’ve stuck to your rehabilitation and exercise schedule, you should begin to see dramatic improvements.
  • Your strength and flexibility should improve.
  • The surgery swelling, bruising, and inflammation should also be much better.
  • These are the weeks, typically, when you can start to go on longer walks, eventually, without the aid of your assistive canes, walkers, or crutches.

You should also be able to return to working and driving, as long as you have a desk job. If your job requires lifting or standing for long periods, it could take up to three months before you are medically cleared. Weeks 7 – 11. Physical therapy will continue, consisting of all kinds of exercises to regain stability, strength, and function.

You’ll likely ride a stationary bike and even use a leg weight machine. You may even be cleared for swimming, bicycling, and more strenuous walking. Weeks 12 and beyond. You still won’t be cleared for higher-intensity exercises, such as running, basketball, or aerobics. Many people can resume activities like golf.

As the weeks progress, you will keep improving, the pain will continue to lessen, and you’ll get back to normal life. What Not To Do After Knee Replacement The answer to this question depends on you. Most patients are able to walk out of the surgery center with the assistance of a device such as crutches or a walker. It makes sense that you want to get back on your feet as soon as you can, but you also need to be careful not to overdo it.

Too much strain and you’ll have more pain than necessary. Fortunately, your physical therapist and healthcare team are standing by to help determine what is right for you. Usually, about three weeks after the surgery, you’ll be able to walk without crutches for about 10 minutes. Your physical therapist will push you to add more to your regimen.

Generally, it takes about a year for everything to settle, the knee to regain its strength, and all normal activities to become possible again. At Louisville Hip & Knee Institute, we are devoted to helping you heal. We provide state-of-the-art orthopedic treatment, including knee replacement surgery for our patients.

Can you squat with a knee replacement?

Can I squat or kneel? Half squats for exercise are acceptable. Deep squatting is neither usually possible nor desirable after a knee replacement. Kneeling is not harmful but may not be comfortable.

Can I ever cross my legs after knee replacement?

After your knee replacement surgery, it is important to remember that you should not cross your legs at any time.

What is the best exercise after total knee replacement?

Walking – Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.

Stand comfortably and erect with your weight evenly balanced on your walker or crutches. Advance your walker or crutches a short distance; then reach forward with your operated leg with your knee straightened so the heel of your foot touches the floor first. As you move forward, your knee and ankle will bend and your entire foot will rest evenly on the floor. As you complete the step, your toe will lift off the floor and your knee and hip will bend so that you can reach forward for your next step. Remember, touch your heel first, then flatten your foot, then lift your toes off the floor.

Walk as rhythmically and smoothly as you can. Don’t hurry. Adjust the length of your step and speed as necessary to walk with an even pattern. As your muscle strength and endurance improve, you may spend more time walking, and you will gradually put more weight on your leg. When you can walk and stand for more than 10 minutes and your knee is strong enough so that you are not carrying any weight on your walker or crutches (often about 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery), you can begin using a single crutch or cane. Hold the aid in the hand opposite the side of your surgery. You should not limp or lean away from your operated knee.

What is the best age to have a knee replacement?

What is the ideal age for knee replacement surgery? – There is no such right or wrong age for knee replacement surgery. If you find it challenging to sit, walk, or work without feeling tremendous pain in your knees, you may be considered as a candidate for a knee replacement.

  1. The age bracket of 50 to 70 years is the most common age group for knee replacement patients.
  2. Older patients above the age of 70 may also benefit immensely from the mobility and comfort offered by a prosthesis.
  3. However, with the rising number of cases of early osteoarthritis and other joint problems, several younger patients now too may qualify for knee replacement surgeries.
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A patient below 45 years of age is typically considered to be a young patient. But opting for such a major surgery so early on is generally not recommended. Moreover, younger adults tend to be more active, and this can cause the implant to wear out faster.

In such cases, the patient may have to undergo a second knee replacement within 15 years of the initial surgery. The second surgery is usually harder on your body than the first one and this can prove to be a tough recovery. There is no defined knee replacement age limit. You will qualify for surgery based on numerous factors such as the severity of your symptoms and overall health.

If the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks, your doctor may want you to go ahead with this surgery.

What are the signs of a failed knee replacement?

What are the signs of knee replacement failure? – The most common symptoms of a failed knee implant are pain, decrease in joint function, knee instability, and swelling or stiffness in the knee joint. Persistent pain and swelling can indicate loosening, wear or infection, and the location of the pain can be all over the knee (generalized) or in one particular area (localized).

Why am I so tired 3 months after knee replacement?

You’re not alone. Having an orthopedic surgery can leave you feeling tired for weeks or months after the procedure. Here’s a list of 7 main causes of fatigue after surgery: surgical stress, blood loss, medications, pain after surgery, energy of healing, dietary changes, and sleep disturbance.

How long is bed rest after knee replacement?

Bedrest After TKA Improves Recovery | SHELBOURNE KNEE CENTER Delayed ambulation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) decreases pain and swelling and facilitates recovery without increasing complications, according to a Shelbourne Knee Center study.1 “One of the most important aspects of patient recovery post-TKA is being able to tolerate physical therapy,” says Rodney Benner, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Shelbourne Knee Center.

  • 285 unilateral TKAs
  • 95 bilateral TKAs (190 knees)
  • 83 staged bilateral TKA (166 knees).

Eaton and Dr. Benner identified 22 complications in 20 patients (3.4%): 1

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): 2 (0.3%)
  • Joint infections: 4 (0.6%)
  • Manipulations under anesthesia (MUA) for flexion loss: 5 (0.8%)
  • Scar resections for extension loss: 2 (0.3%)
  • Heart/lung related problems: 6 (0.9%)
  • Hospital re-admission for pain: 1 (0.2%)
  • Medial femoral condylar fracture: 1 (0.2%)
  • Patellar dislocation: 1 (0.2%).

Shelbourne Knee Center’s rates of DVT, infection and MUA were lower than or similar to those seen in the current literature.1 “We assumed that our complication rate was as low or lower than average,” says Eaton. “Now when patients and caregivers ask us about the rate of specific complications, we can use these data to answer those questions.” Eaton is one of nine physical therapists and athletic trainers at Shelbourne Knee Center. The range of motion (ROM) loss of < 1% for Shelbourne Knee Center patients is lower than the rate seen in the current literature. A systematic review by Zachwieja et al. reported a 1.3–5.8% prevalence rate of stiffness after TKA.7 Average ROM for Shelbourne Knee Center patients was:

  • One-week postoperatively: 0-2-104 degrees
  • Two-weeks postoperatively: 0-1-112 degrees
  • One-month postoperatively: 0-0-117 degrees.

“Our study showed that putting TKA patients on bedrest for the first seven days postoperatively improved recovery of ROM,” says Dr. Benner. Eaton presented a poster about the study at the Indiana American Physical Therapy Association virtual conference in September 2020.

She also did a poster presentation at the virtual national combined sections meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association in February 2021. The TKA postoperative rehabilitation protocol is based on research on Shelbourne Knee Center’s ACL patients, which showed the importance of improving ROM before strengthening.10 TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.

Patients wear TED hose and use a Knee Cryo/Cuff and a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine with the knee elevated. The Knee Cryo/Cuff provides compression and cold therapy to help control swelling.K. Donald Shelbourne, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Shelbourne Knee Center, developed the device in collaboration with Aircast.

To minimize swelling, patients only walk to the bathroom. Three times daily, they perform physical therapy exercises to maximize ROM and maintain proper quadriceps/leg control. A personal physical therapist or athletic trainer guides each patient through rehab. “Specializing in knees enables us to provide expert and consistent care,” says Eaton.

References

  1. Eaton S and Benner R. Effects of 1-week Bedrest on Complication Rate and Range of Motion following Total Knee Arthroplasty. Presented at the Indiana American Physical Therapy Association virtual conference, September 2020. Lee SY, Ro DH, Chung CY, Lee KM, Kwon SS, Sung KH, Park MS. Incidence of deep vein thrombosis after major lower limb orthopedic surgery: analysis of a nationwide claim registry. Yonsei Med J.2015 Jan; 56(1): 139-145.
  2. Dua A, Desai SS, Lee CJ, Heller JA. National trends in deep vein thrombosis following total knee and total hip replacement in the United States. Ann Vasc Surg.2017 Jan; 38: 310-314.
  3. Dai WL, Lin ZM, Shi ZJ, Wang J. Venous thromboembolic events after total knee arthroplasty: which patients are at a high risk? J Knee Surg.2019 May; 24: doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1688962.
  4. Teo BJX, Yeo W, Chong HC, Tan AHC. Surgical site infection after primary total knee arthroplasty is associated with a longer duration of surgery. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong).2018 May-Aug; 26(2): 2309499018785647.
  5. Anis HK, Mahmood BM, Kilka AK, Barsoum WK, Molloy RM, Hiquera CA. Hospital volume and postoperative infections in total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty.2020 Apr; 35(4): 1079-1083.
  6. Zachwieja E, Perez J, Hardaker WM, Levine B, Sheth N. Manipulation under anesthesia and stiffness after total knee arthroplasty. JBJS Reviews.2018 Apr; 6(4): e2.
  7. Werner BC, Carr JB, Wiggins JC, Gwathmey FW, Browne JA. Manipulation under anesthesia after total knee arthroplasty is associated with an increased incidence of subsequent revision surgery. J Arthroplasty.2015 Sep; 30(9)(Suppl): 72-5.
  8. Issa K, Rifai A, Boylan MR, Pourtaheri S, McInerney VK, Mont MA. Do various factors affect the frequency of manipulation under anesthesia after primary total knee arthroplasty? Clin Orthop Relat Res.2015 Jan; 473(1): 143-147.
  9. Biggs A, et al. Rehabilitation for patients following ACL reconstruction: A knee symmetry model. North Am J Sports Phys Ther.2009;4:2-12.

: Bedrest After TKA Improves Recovery | SHELBOURNE KNEE CENTER

What foods should you avoid after knee surgery?

What Not To Do After Knee Replacement Proliance Orthopedic Associates June 29, 2018 Recovery speed and effectiveness after orthopedic surgery are largely determined by what we eat. Not only does our body need more calories to recover, but surgery also causes a stress reaction in the body that elevates the metabolism and increases our need for calories.

Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein. Make sure you incorporate some into each meal to allow your bones and muscles to rebuild and help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off infection. Vitamin C – vitamin C helps your body make collagen. When your body is recovering, it needs healthy connective tissue and collagen is what those ligaments and tendons are made of. Citrus fruits, vegetables, berries, and potatoes can help ensure you get enough vitamin C. Calcium – this mineral is not made in the body and our bones are continually losing small amounts of it, so we need to consume calcium to maintain strong bones. Dairy like milk, cheese, and yogurt are often the sources we think of first, but chew on this: spinach, kale, and chia seeds are loaded with even more calcium. Vitamin D – this nutrient makes sure we can absorb calcium from the food we eat and can be found in orange juice, almond milk, and many of the same foods that contain protein and calcium.

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While these foods help your body recover after orthopedic surgery, their positive effects can be canceled out by other foods. Make sure to avoid caffeine, alcohol, excessive sugar, and salt as they can all slow bone healing by depleting your body of nutrients.

Unless advised otherwise by your physician, try to get your nutrients from food rather than supplements because food helps the body absorb them better. For healthy eaters and athletes, it’s still important to adapt your diet for surgical recovery. That means that many of the foods you eat while maintaining a healthy lifestyle – like nutrition bars or protein drinks – can be swapped with nutrient-dense foods.

This allows the body to absorb what it needs more effectively while taking the extra sugar and calories off the table. Want more guidance about what to eat before or after surgery? The doctors at Proliance Orthopedic Associates are here to help you learn more about the best foods for your recovery process.

Why can’t you fly after knee surgery?

Blood clots are one of the most common complications following knee replacement surgery. But how does travel factor in? Most forms of travel like driving, flying or taking the train have you sitting or staying still for long periods of time. The longer you stay still, the higher your risk of developing a clot.

Can I climb stairs after a knee replacement?

What should I avoid after knee replacement FAQs – We’ve covered a lot of ground so far, but if you’ve still got questions about knee replacement surgery, our dedicated FAQs can help! You may feel a little stiff and uncomfortable immediately after your surgery.

Working with your physiotherapist will help to regain your mobility and strengthen the affected area. You should also practise bending your knee – by the time you leave hospital, you should be able to bend your knee between 70 – 90 degrees. It’s important not to overextend yourself during the recovery process.

If you experience persistent or increased knee pain, discomfort or swelling while doing any physical activity, it’s best to ease off and seek medical advice. Walking is a relatively safe and accessible exercise during your recovery period. However, it’s best to start with shorter distances and gradually build up as your strength and mobility improve.

  • Rest is just as important as regaining your strength.
  • While placing a pillow under your calf might feel comfortable, if you put the pillow directly under your knee it will cause it to bend.
  • To avoid excessive stress on the new joint, you ideally want to keep your knee as straight as possible while sleeping.

For the first couple of days after surgery it may be difficult to climb stairs. However, by the time you leave hospital (usually 2 to 4 days after surgery), you should be able to climb stairs using an assistive device or supporting yourself with your upper body.

  1. While you’re still in hospital, your nursing team will practise navigating stairs with you.
  2. Ideally, you should be exercising your knee a little every day.
  3. While you recover, you shouldn’t be afraid to push yourself, but you will need to find a balance to avoid injury.
  4. Your physiotherapist will provide you with a personalised recovery plan which will detail how often you should exercise.

If you’re unsure, they should be able to advise how frequently you need to exercise, or if you are struggling to stick to your plan. Are you ready to relieve pain and get back to the activities you love? Talk to us about knee replacement surgery to see if it could be an option for you.

What is life like after knee replacement?

Recovery is different for everyone – Generally, people are pretty far along by six weeks and mostly recovered by three months after surgery. Minor aches and pains may last for a while longer. Your recovery time will vary depending on whether you have a partial or full knee replacement.

  1. You will need to walk with a cane for at least a couple of weeks.
  2. Return to work can vary, but generally expect at least a couple of weeks.
  3. For the first four to six weeks after surgery, therapy will focus on improving your range of motion.
  4. Many people start with muscles that are atrophied, or weakened, especially if they were limiting their activities for a long time before surgery.

For them, it may take longer to recover, making it important to continue an exercise program focused on building strength.

How long does it take for a total knee replacement to stop hurting?

What’s Normal – You can expect some pain and swell for a few months after surgery. Improved surgical techniques and new technology, such as robotic arm-assisted technology, makes the knee replacement recovery process quicker and less painful. Nevertheless, pain and swelling following your procedure are to be expected, especially at night and with activity.

Do you sleep a lot after knee replacement?

Patients undergoing total knee replacement are highly likely to experience fatigue before the surgery and six months following the procedure. It’s normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery. Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises.

What is the best position for your legs after knee surgery?

1. Keep your knee straight – It’s tempting to sit back and prop your leg on a pillow after knee surgery, but you should keep the joint completely straight after your procedure. To support the healing process, keep your leg and foot pointing straight ahead whenever you lie down or sit.

Can I ever cross my legs after knee replacement?

After your knee replacement surgery, it is important to remember that you should not cross your legs at any time.

How long after knee replacement can you do things?

Rest – Many patients are eager to recover, and it’s normal to feel this way. Did you know that rest is just as important to your recovery? Balancing movement with getting enough rest is necessary to heal from knee replacement surgery. For the first few months, you may have some mild-to-moderate swelling of the affected knee.

Getting the appropriate rest and keeping your leg elevated, as well as applying ice, can help boost healing time. Knee replacement surgery often changes lives. You can recover well with the help of the team at Tri-State Orthopaedics. To learn more, call our Germantown or Memphis, Tennessee locations to schedule an appointment or book online.

: Dos and Don’ts: Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery

Can you do stairs after knee replacement?

Answer: – Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.

Can you squat after knee replacement?

5. Wall squats (6 weeks or more after knee replacement surgery) – These squats are a great way to maintain strength in your quad muscles as well as your glute and calf muscles.

Stand with your back against a wall. Place your feet hip-width apart and 12 to 18 inches away from the wall. Slide your back down the wall by slowly bending your knees to a 45° angle, or to whatever depth works the quadriceps without any knee pain. Hold this squat position for 5 seconds. Activate your quads as well as the glute muscles in your buttocks to straighten your knees, sliding back up the wall.

Alternatively, a health care provider may recommend you do shallow squats while holding on to a countertop in front of you. Your quads are just one muscle group affected by knee replacement surgery. Additional exercises can help you strengthen your calf muscles and hamstrings.