Knee Surgery

The page contains information to help you avoid knee surgery. You will also find advice on how to care for your knee after surgery on this page. 

Avoid knee surgery

Avoid surgery altogether by taking care of your knees. Below is a list of tips to help you care for your knees to keep them in good condition for years to come.

Consult your doctor

Talk to your doctor to assess your state of health to help you plan for your future. Explain your worries and symptoms to find a way to ensure your knee’s health. Some diseases like Osteoarthritis can have their progression delayed to minimize damage to your knee. The earlier you identify what is causing your knee pain, the better the result of your treatment.  

Avoid certain activities

Know which activities to avoid to prevent your knees from deteriorating. Avoid kneeling, heavy lifting, and squatting to preserve your knees. Consult with your doctor for physical therapy to strengthen your knee to allow you to participate in activities you enjoy.

Exercise

Here are tips to preserve your knees when engaging in an active lifestyle.

Stretch

Stretch before doing any physical activity to loosen up your leg muscles. Stretching can help you by preventing unnecessary pressure from reaching your kneecaps and knees. Focus on your calf muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings to keep your knees safe while you exercise.

Use proper techniques

You need to use proper techniques while you exercise to avoid injuries. Our staff can show you the right techniques to avoid straining your knees.

Rethink your routine

Try low-impact activities such as cycling and swimming because they have a lower risk of causing knee injuries than other exercises. 

Add weight training

Weight training can strengthen your knee and leg muscles to help reduce your chances of injury.

Use specialized equipment

You can use certain devices to help you walk. Using canes or walking sticks can help ease your knee pain by reducing the load on your knees. Speak with your doctor or physical therapist to find out which specialized equipment can help your knees.  

After surgery care

Your knee may need surgery if it deteriorates for whatever reason. Below is a list of advice that you can use to care for your knee after surgery. 

The tips below are meant to help you understand the proper ways of moving after your knee surgery. It would be wise to get checked by a physical therapist to ensure the advice is made for your case.

Getting dressed

1. You can sit on a chair or bed while putting on your pants to make it easier. 
2. Use devices such as a long-handled shoe horn or a reacher to make dressing easier.
3. Remove your clothes from the surgery side last.

Walking 

1. Use a walker or crutches to help you move until the doctor says otherwise.
2. Follow the advice of your physical therapist on how much weight to put on your knee.
3. Do not turn suddenly by taking small steps when you turn. 
4. Wear skid shoes.

Sitting

1. Avoid sitting in the same position for 60 minutes straight.
2. Follow your physical therapist’s advice on how to sit down to avoid aggravating your wound. 
3. Ask your physical therapist what kind of chair you should sit on and get it. 
4. When getting up from your chair, use your crutches to help you stand up.

Using stairs 

1. Hold on to the railing for stability. 
2. Use your injured leg first when going down the stairs. 
3. It’s safer to go up or down the stairs one step at a time. 
4. Avoid long flights of stairs for the time being after surgery. 
5. Use your uninjured leg to step first when climbing up the stairs. 

Tips

1. Put handrails on the stairs.
2. Stay with family and friends to get help after your surgery.
3. Remove cords and other tripping hazards from the floor. 
4. Prepare your home by making a living space on the first floor near a bathroom.

Contact the office if you need help with your knee and to learn more!