Guidelines to Protect Your New Knee Joint Lying in Bed : During the first 24 hours following surgery your knee will be stiff and may feel very uncomfortable. You will have a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine placed under you knee after surgery. The CPM will help your knee from becoming too stiff and tight. However, you may take a periodic rest from the CPM by elevating your leg on a pillow placed lengthwise under your entire leg. Do not place a pillow or rolled up towel under your knee. You may also lie on either side when you are not in the CPM. Your physical therapist will give you additional instructions on the use of your CPM.We encourage the use of the CPM for no more than 6 hours a day. We encourage you to walk, get outside, and work on your motion independent of the CPM. We encourage the use of ICE. You will receive a polar care or ice machine which cools the knee. The use of the ice machine is particularly helpful after therapy. Sitting in a Chair: Use a firm, sturdy chair with arm rests. Use a cushion or pillow to raise you up, if needed, to facilitate getting out of the chair. Allow your foot to rest on the floor if you can. Walking : YOU MAY PLACE ALL OF YOUR WEIGHT ON YOUR KNEE. The physical therapist will teach you to use a walker or crutches when you walk until your knee heals. Most people are walking normally after 3 weeks. Most only use crutches inorder to provide balance and to ensure a normal gait in the first few weeks of recovery. Once a normal gait is established you may get rid of your crutches, cane, or walker. At your 3 week check-up, most patients are walking with a near normal gait. KEEP KNEE STRAIGHT WHEN RESTING - NEVER PLACE A PILLOW UNDER THE BACK OF KNEE - place your foot on an ottoman, chair, or on a rolled up pillow so air is under the knee, push the knee down in extension this is THE MOST IMPORTANT STRETCH OR EXCERCISE after knee replacement. Your balance might be shaky for a while. 1. Use handrails on steps. 2. Use low-heeled or flat shoes. 3. Avoid wet or waxed floors. 4. Keep your floors free of items that could trip you. Throw rugs or small objects should be kept off of the floor for your safety. 5. Watch for pets or other animals that could get in your way. 6. Avoid ice or snow. If you are riding in a car, stop every hour or so. Get out and walk around for a few minutes. This will help the circulation in your legs and keep your muscles from stiffening up. Check with Dr. Hickman when you can resume driving after your surgery. Driving is usually allowed once the patient is off narcotic pain medications and normal foot and lower extremity reaction times. Managing Activities of Daily Living Following Your Knee Replacment Chair Transfers : Avoid low recliners and soft couches until otherwise told by Dr. Hickman. Stiff-backed chairs with armrests are ideal to sit in. If the seat is low, you may place 1 or 2 pillows in the chair to elevate the seat and facilitate transfers. 1. Back up to the chair until you feel both Iegs touching the chair. 2. Slide your operated leg out in front of you as you reach back with one hand for an armrest. 3. Lower yourself slowly, keeping your operated leg straight out. Once seated, bend your knee comfortably, or keep it straight. 4. When getting up, scoot your operated leg out in front of you until you can stand on it comfortably. 5. Push up using the armrests, keeping your operated leg out in front of you. Car Transfers : The front seat is preferable because it generally has more leg room, can be adjusted for comfort, and can allow the rider to more easily wear a seat belt. 1. Make sure the seat is as far back as possible. Back up to the car with your walker or crutches. Put your operated leg out in front of you. 2. Lower yourself slowly to the seat. You may roll the window down and use the car doorframe, along with the headrest, to support yourself as you sit. 3. Scoot back into the seat, then swing your legs into the car. If the seat is low, recline the back slightly or put a pillow on the seat to sit on. 4. To get in the back seat in a semi-reclining position. You will need to use your arms and non-operative leg to scoot yourself back farther onto the seat. Adaptive Equipment After your total joint replacement, you may benefit from several pieces of equipment to make your daily activities easier and safer. Your Dr. Hickman and physical therapist will recommend the equipment that best suits your needs.Most patients need very few assist aids after surgery. Some aids may be recommended depending on your particular needs which are assessed in the hospital. Seat / Shower Bench: This seat allows you to sit while bathing and provides you safety while you are in the shower. Seat Cushion: Cushions are used to elevate the seat height of a chair, couch, car, or other surfaces. Elevated Toilet Seat: This device is attached to your toilet seat to elevate its height. Long-Handled Shoe Horn: This shoe horn is attached to long stick and allows you to put on your shoes while sitting or standing. Walking with Crutches Crutch Safety The pressure or weight goes on your hands and not on your armpits. Nerve damage can result if weight is placed on the armpits for a long period of time. Keep your elbows close to your side to help keep the crutches against your ribs. Your crutch tips should be 2 to 3 inches out to the side of your feet so you do not trip on your crutches There should be a slight bend in your elbow when holding onto the crutches (15 to 20 degrees). Take your time and do not try to walk too fast. Keep your head up and look ahead. Do not look at your feet when walking. When walking on carpet, you must pick up your crutches and injured leg more than when you walk on tile or linoleum floors. Remove all throw rugs from the floor to keep from slipping and falling.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:36:13 +0000
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