A total knee replacement involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee and replacing it with plastic or metal joint surfaces. It is typically performed on patients who suffer from severe arthritis or have experienced a traumatic knee injury. You can start outpatient rehabilitation exercises two to three times a day within the first week after surgery to help speed up the recovery process, restore knee strength and mobility, and help you to quickly return to everyday activities. Tell your doctor if you develop any pain, discomfort or injury as the result of rehabilitation exercises.
Heel to Toe
Stand about 20 feet away from an object on the wall such as a picture in a frame. Place the heel of your right foot directly in front of the toes of your left foot. Your heel should just barely or almost touch your toes. Focus on the picture frame and take one step, placing your left heel in front of your right toes this time. Continue taking steps in this fashion without looking at your feet until you reach the picture frame. Repeat as often as desired.
Sideways Step-Up
Stand to the left of a low bench or stair step. Position your hands on your hips and step sideways onto the stair. Press your weight into your left foot and allow your right foot to just dangle in the air. Hold the exercise for as long as possible and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat up to 11 more times. Switch to the opposite leg and repeat. Stop immediately if you develop any pain.
Straight Leg Raises
Lie on your back with your legs stretched out comfortably. Contract the muscles in your right thigh and carefully lift your right leg about six inches from the floor. Hold for as long as 10 seconds and then slowly lower it back into the starting position. Repeat until your thigh is fatigued. Switch to the left leg and continue. Do this exercise periodically throughout your recovery until your strength starts to return.
Knee Bends
Sit in a chair or on the side of your bed. Position your foot directly behind the heel of the leg that was operated on. Keep your other knee completely straight in the air. Carefully bend your injured knee and lower your foot as far as you can. Attempt to place the foot of the injured leg on the floor. Hold for at least five seconds and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat until your leg is fatigued or you can bend your knee fully and comfortably.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Chapter 4: Sample Exercises - Balance
- The Stone Clinic: Total Knee Replacement
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation; Knee Rehabilitation Exercises; Warren D. King
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
