Talk to your surgeon about which of these measures apply, or may be helpful, to you.
The wound site
After you go home, you need to look after the wound site by keeping it dry and clean until the sutures or staples are removed.
Avoiding injury
A fall can result in damage to the new knee joint so it’s important to make your home as safe as possible. See Preparing for surgery.
Watching out for infection
Signs of infection in the wound include redness, heat, swelling, discharge and increased pain. If you think the wound might have become infected, contact your surgeon immediately.
Reducing swelling
This is an important part of rehab for total knee replacement. It helps to reduce pain and improve the knee’s range of motion. During the first 2 weeks, try and keep the leg elevated to chest height while you’re sitting or lying. A cold pack, used 6 to 8 times a day for 20 minutes at a time, is also helpful.
Wound management
See your GP within 2–3 days after leaving hospital. They’ll check the wound and review your anticoagulation and pain medication.
Stitch or staple removal
See your GP to have your stitches or staples removed 10 days after surgery.
Scar management
Once the scar has healed, you can rub a scar reduction cream, vitamin E or sorbolene into the area to help with healing.
Pain medications
Pain medication and lack of exercise can cause constipation. Keep track of your bowel movements and if constipation becomes a problem you may need to take a laxative. Alternatively, reduce or modify your pain medication. Discuss options with your doctor.
How long to take your pain medication
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but most people need pain medication during the first month.
If you’ve been taking strong pain relievers, you should try and reduce your dependence on them. This is best done gradually, by tapering your dosage until you can manage without them. Work with your GP on this.
Important: Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until your surgeon gives you the okay.
Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.