A partial knee replacement involves the removal of the damaged part of your knee joint and the resurfacing of the damaged area with a metal implant. This surgery is often recommended after damage from conditions like arthritis of the knee or for patients who are not responding well to other, less invasive treatments. Rehabilitation following this surgery often involves strength and flexibility exercises to help you return to your normal activities.
Ankle Pumps
Lie on your back with your unaffected leg bent and the sole of your foot flat on the bed or floor. Your injured leg should be fully extended with your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Keep your knee straight and begin bending your foot up and down. When performing this exercise, try to flex and extend your foot as far as possible. Repeat according to your doctor's directions.
Heel Slides
This exercise is performed from the same starting position as the ankle pump exercise listed above. Lie on your back with your unaffected knee bent and the sole of your foot flat on the floor or bed. Your injured leg should be extended with your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Keep your heel on the bed or floor and begin bending your knee to slide your heel toward your buttocks. Be sure that you bend your knee as far as possible without serious pain. Repeat according to your doctor's prescription.
Quad Sets
This exercise is designed to help restore range of motion to your knee joint. Sit down on the floor, a bed or table with your injured leg stretched out in front of you. Place a rolled-up towel under the ankle of your injured leg. Tighten the muscles of your thighs and press your knee down as if you were trying to push the back of your knee into the table or bed. Hold this contraction for about five seconds and relax. Repeat as directed by your doctor.
Straight Leg Raise
Lie on your back on a bed or table with your uninjured leg bent and the sole of your foot on the bed or table. Your injured leg should be straight with your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Tighten the muscles of your thighs and lift your injured leg toward the ceiling while keeping your knee straight. Lift as far as you can and hold this position for about five seconds before lowering your leg using a slow and controlled motion. Repeat according to your doctor's advice.
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