Following Knee Replacement Surgery

Following Surgery


Climbing Stairs

The non-operated leg goes first

The operated leg goes second

The cane or crutches go last

Descending Stairs

The cane or crutches go first

The operated leg goes second

The non-operated leg goes last

Following Surgery


Climbing Stairs

The stronger leg goes first

The weaker leg goes second

The cane or crutches' go last

Descending Stairs

The cane or crutches goes first

The weaker leg goes second

The stronger leg goes last

Lying in Bed

Correct

Incorrect

Following Surgery


Do not put a pillow under your leg because this may cause you to develop stiffness in your hip and knee, making it difficult to straighten your leg.

Following Surgery


DO NOT take a step unless your walker is flat on the ground. This drawing shows the WRONG WAY of using a walker.


When walking with a walker, crutches or cane, DO NOT TURN BY PIVOTING ON YOUR OPERATED LEG. These drawings show the WRONG WAY of turning.

Following Surgery


Sitting may be easier if you sit on a chair that is not too low, allowing your hips to be higher than your knees.

It may also be more comfortable to elevate your operated leg. This should also be done to prevent or decrease swelling.

There are no restrictions on bending forward at the hip.

Getting in and out of the Bath

Following Surgery

Using the walker, walk to the side of the tub. Stop next to the transfer bench and turn so that you are facing away from the tub.

Reach back with one hand for the back of the bench. One hand should remain on the walker.

Sit down on the bench; lift your legs over the side of the tub and turn to sit facing the taps.

To transfer out of the tub, turn on the bench while lifting legs over the side of the tub. Pushing off from the chair, stand up outside the tub.

Dressing - Slacks & Underwear

Following Surgery


Sit on the side of the bed or in an armchair. When dressing your legs use a dressing stick to hook your pants. Always dress the operated leg first.

Put on underwear and slacks first. Using the dressing stick, catch the waist of the underwear or slacks with the hook. Lower the stick to the floor and slip the leg of the slacks over your operated leg first. Then do the same for your non-operated leg.

Pull the slacks up over your knees. Stand, with the walker in front of you, and pull the slacks up.

When undressing, take the slacks and underwear off your non-operated leg first, reversing step #3.

Socks, Stockings & Shoes

Following Surgery

Slide the sock or stocking onto the stocking aid. Make sure the heel is at the back of the plastic and the toe is tight against the end. The top of the sock should not come over the top of the plastic piece. Secure the sock in place with garter or notches in the plastic piece.

Holding onto the cords, drop the stocking aid out in front of the operated foot. Slip your foot into the sock and pull it on (see drawing). Release the garters, or remove the sock from the notches with the dressing stick. You may put the sock on your non-operated foot in your usual manner.

To take socks or stocking off, use the hook on the dressing stick to hook the back of the heel and push the sock off your foot.

Shoes

If needed use a dressing stick to put on your shoes.

Wear slip-on shoes or use elastic shoelaces so you won't have to bend over to put the shoes on and tie the laces.

Using the dressing stick or a long-handed shoehorn to put on or take off your shoes.

Getting in and out of the Car

Following Surgery


Back up to the car with the walker.

Enter the side that allows your operated leg to be supported by the car seat. For example, if your left leg is the operated leg, enter the car on the driver's side.

Lower yourself slowly on to the seat.

Back onto the seat in a semi-reclining position. Rotate yourself so that you are facing the front and attach your seat belt.