Knee replacement surgery, known as knee arthroplasty, is usually performed to help restore normal function to a knee that has been damaged due to disease. The damaged areas, including the knee cap, are cut away during surgery and replaced with metal alloys, high grade plastic and polymers, according to the Mayo Clinic. After knee replacement surgery, exercises are usually ordered to restore normal function your knee.
Postoperative Recovery
After your operation, your doctor will probably order you to perform exercises for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Walking for 30 minutes a day may also be ordered, reports Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Consult your physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon before performing these exercises. These exercises may be uncomfortable at first, but may help to quicken your recovery and lessen postoperative pain.
Ankle Pumps And Circles
While sitting or lying on a flat surface, with your affected leg straight, bend your ankle so that your toes are pointing toward you. Then bend your ankle away from you, pointing your toes down. End with pointing you toes straight up and circling them clockwise and counter clockwise. Perform 10 repetitions of these movements every day, increasing slowly to 20 repetitions. Perform this exercise two to three times a day, according to Allina Hospitals And Clinics.
Straight Leg Raises
While lying or sitting in bed, tighten the thigh muscle of your affected leg while your knee is in a straight position. Lift your leg several inches off your bed and hold it in that position for 10 seconds. Slowly lower your leg and repeat this exercise until your thigh feels fatigued. Perform this exercise two to three times a day, says the American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Sitting Supported Knee Bends
Sit in a chair or on the side of your bed. Place your good foot behind the heel of your postoperative knee for support. Bend your knee out as far as it will go and hold for five to 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise several times until your leg is fatigued. The American Academy Of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends performing this exercise two to three times a day.
Heel Slides
While lying flat in your bed on your back, bend your hip and knee by sliding your heel up toward your buttocks while keeping your heel on the bed. Then slide your heel back down to the starting position. Your kneecap must remain pointed up toward the ceiling while performing this exercise. Repeat this exercise 10 times, two to three times a day. Gradually increase to 20 repetitions, suggests Allina Hospitals And Clinics.
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