Swelling and pain control

It is normal to have pain and swelling in your knee following surgery.  This will improve over time, but may persist for twelve weeks or longer after surgery.

It is important to use your pain medication as directed by your physician to help manage your pain.  Keeping your pain managed well will help you do your exercises and improve at a faster rate.

• Use ice on your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time.  Repeat this as often as one time per hour.
• Keep your leg elevated to help reduce the swelling and pressure.
• Do not leave your leg down, like in a sitting position, for long periods.  This makes it more difficult for your body to get the swelling out of the leg.
• Do your exercises as instructed.  Keeping your knee moving will help control your pain and swelling.
• Keep your walking to household distances for 2-3 weeks.  We want you to walk, but too much walking can increase your pain and swelling.
• Increase your activity level gradually.  Do not overdo it.

If your pain or swelling is worse at the end of the day, that usually means you have done too much activity that day.

 

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