Dos & Don'ts After Knee Replacement — Complete Guide — Dr. Imran Akhtar, Lucknow

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Dos & Don'ts After Knee Replacement — Complete Guide

Complete dos and don'ts after total knee replacement by Dr. Imran Akhtar, Charak Hospital Lucknow. Activity, diet, travel, warning signs and daily precautions.

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First 48 Hours — Critical Period

✅ DO (Day 1–2)

  • Start ankle pumps immediately after surgery
  • Stand and walk with physiotherapist on Day 1
  • Do quad sets and straight leg raises as taught
  • Elevate leg above heart level when resting
  • Apply ice 15 min every 2–3 hours
  • Take all medications as prescribed
  • Wear compression stockings as advised

❌ DON'T (Day 1–2)

  • Don't put pillow directly under the knee
  • Don't sit with leg hanging for long periods
  • Don't miss physiotherapy sessions
  • Don't ignore calf pain or redness (DVT sign)

Week 1–6 — Home Recovery

✅ DO (Week 1–6)

  • Exercise 2–3 times daily as prescribed
  • Walk with walker/crutches as advised
  • Use raised toilet seat (45–50 cm)
  • Sit in firm chairs with back support and armrests
  • Sleep on back with pillow under the calf (not knee)
  • Attend wound review at Day 10–14
  • Take blood thinner as prescribed (prevents DVT)
  • Progress walking distance gradually each day

❌ DON'T (Week 1–6)

  • Don't sit on low sofas or chairs
  • Don't cross legs at knee or ankle
  • Don't kneel on operated knee
  • Don't twist the knee sharply
  • Don't sit more than 45–60 min at a stretch
  • Don't drive for minimum 6 weeks
  • Don't do deep squats or high-impact activity

Long-Term Activity Guide

ActivityAdviceTimeline
Walking (30 min)✅ Highly recommended dailyFrom Week 2–4
Swimming✅ Excellent low-impactAfter wound healed (Week 6–8)
Stationary cycling✅ Good ROM exerciseFrom Week 4–6
Golf / Dancing✅ Permitted after full recoveryFrom Month 4–6
Driving✅ After 6 weeks and clearanceMonth 1.5–3
Air travel✅ Short flights from Week 6 (exercise on plane)From Week 6
Running / Jogging❌ Not recommended — high impact on implantAvoid permanently
High-impact sports❌ Not recommendedAvoid permanently
Deep squatting❌ Avoid for at least 6 months; minimise long-term6+ months

⚠️ Warning Signs — Call Dr. Akhtar Immediately

  • Increasing pain getting worse, not better
  • Fever above 38.5°C — possible infection
  • Redness, warmth or discharge from wound
  • Sudden severe calf pain or leg swelling — possible DVT
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain — pulmonary embolism (EMERGENCY)
  • Clicking, locking or giving way of new knee

Diet After Knee Replacement

✅ Eat More

  • Protein: eggs, chicken, dal, paneer — for healing and muscle recovery
  • Calcium: milk, curd, ragi — for bone health
  • Vitamin C: amla, oranges — for collagen and healing
  • Turmeric: natural anti-inflammatory
  • Adequate water (2–3 litres/day)

❌ Avoid

  • Excessive salt — increases swelling
  • Alcohol — interacts with blood thinners
  • Smoking — impairs wound healing
  • High-sugar foods — increases inflammation

Frequently Asked Questions

Short car journeys (30–45 min) from Week 2–3. For longer journeys, stop every 45–60 min to walk briefly. Air travel from Week 6 — wear compression stockings and do ankle exercises during the flight.
Not recommended for at least 6 months — puts stress on the implant and risks dislocation in certain designs. Use a chair instead. Some patients can carefully do so after 6 months with Dr. Akhtar's guidance.
Significant improvement within 6–8 weeks. 80–85% improvement by Month 3. Maximum benefit at 6–12 months. Some mild stiffness in cold weather is normal long-term.
Blood thinners (typically aspirin or enoxaparin) are prescribed for 2–6 weeks after TKR to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The exact duration and type is determined by Dr. Akhtar based on your risk factors.

📍 Consult Dr. Imran Akhtar at Charak Hospital, Lucknow

  • MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) · 14+ years · Arthroscopy & Sports Injury Specialist
  • OPD: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fee: ₹700
  • Department of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Hardoi Road, near Safaid Masjid, Dubagga, Lucknow – 226003
  • 📞 0522-666-4444 | Emergency: 24×7

Consult Dr. Imran Akhtar

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Days: Monday – Saturday

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Fee: ₹700

Emergency: 24×7

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