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You
will need to use a walker, cane, or crutches for the first 3 to 6
weeks following surgery. |
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For three months after your surgery, be careful about leg movements and how you position your leg. |
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When going up stairs, raise the unaffected leg, and then your crutches/cane. (Remember, up with the good!) |
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When
going down the stairs, lower the crutches/cane first, then the affected
leg, and then the unaffected leg. (Remember, down with the bad!) |
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When travelling by car, have the car seat pushed back before getting in. Use a firm cushion to raise the seat height. Follow your therapist's instructions. |
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A high-rise toilet is recommended. |
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A walk-in shower with a rubber, non-slip mat and safety grab bar is highly suggested. Do NOT sit in the tub. |
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Use a long-handled sponge and a hand-held shower hose to wash and rinse those hard to reach places. |
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To dry off your feet, use a towel wrapped around a reacher or long-handled shoe horn. |
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You may participate in sports activities ONLY after Dr. Caillouette has given approval to do so. |
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Avoid any activity that involves start-stop, twisting, or impact stress, excessive bending, lifting or pushing heavy objects. |
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Avoid gaining excessive weight. |
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When sitting, lying down, or standing up, do NOT cross your legs. |
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Keep the affected leg facing forward at all times, even in bed. |
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For the first six weeks after surgery, sleep with a pillow between your legs when lying on your back or side. |
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Use a reacher to pick up items from the floor. Do NOT lean forward to reach when sitting. |
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Download our comprehensive brochure about Total Knee Replacement to refer to offline here.
 You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view items that you download from this site. If you do not already have this on your computer, you can download it from Adobe here. |
