You have had knee replacement surgery. The knee joint forms where the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap meet. The knee joint is supported by muscles and ligaments It's lined with a cushioning called cartilage. Over time, cartilage wears away. This can make the knee feel stiff and painful. Your surgeon replaced your painful joint with an artificial joint to relieve pain and restore movement. Here are some directions to follow once at home.
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Don't soak your knee in water until your surgeon says it’s OK. This means no hot tubs, bathtubs, or swimming pools.
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You may be given support stockings. If so, wear them as directed by your surgeon. These may be needed for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. If needed, you can place a bandage over the incision to prevent irritation from clothing or support stockings.
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Arrange your household to keep the items you need handy. Keep everything else out of the way. Remove items that may cause you to fall, such as throw rugs and electrical cords.
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Use nonslip bathmats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat, and a shower chair in your bathroom.
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Until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve, use a cane, crutches, a walker, handrails, or someone to help you.
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Keep your hands free by using a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or pockets to carry things.
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Prevent infection. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions if you haven’t already received them. Any infection will need to be treated right away. Call your healthcare provider right away if you think you might have an infection.
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Tell your dentist that you have an artificial joint. You may be directed to take antibiotics as prescribed before any dental work.
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Tell all your healthcare providers about your artificial joint before any medical procedure.
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Stay at a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds. Added body weight puts stress on the knee.
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Take any medicine you may have been given after surgery as prescribed. This may include blood-thinning medicine to prevent blood clots or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised. If you have staples or stitches to close your incision, follow your surgeon's instructions on when to return to have them removed, usually about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.