Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement & How to Avoid Them | Credihealth

A knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty is a life-changing procedure that helps relieve knee pain and improve mobility. However, your recovery phase is just as crucial as the surgery itself as it contributes to a successful surgery. Certain mistakes can delay healing, cause complications, and even lead to long-term discomfort. To ensure a faster, smoother recovery, let’s learn about the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement to avoid and what you should do instead. Plus, we’ll cover safe and unsafe exercises to help you regain strength effectively. Read on!

Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement: Avoid these & Recover Faster

Avoiding these mistakes after knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) is crucial to prevent the risk of complications and promote recovery:

Mistake 1: Skipping Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is the keystone of knee replacement treatment. Skipping therapies due to limited time or discomfort can significantly delay recovery.

Why It’s Important: A study says that physical therapies help improve flexibility and strengthen new joint muscles. Additionally, it improves the range of motion, lowers the buildup of scar tissue, and reduces swelling and pain.

What You Should Do:

• Attend every therapy session (no skipping!)

• Practice prescribed exercises at home to reinforce progress

• Discuss with your therapist in case you feel extreme pain—they can adjust your routine

Mistake 2: Overdoing Activities Too Soon

It’s natural to get back to your everyday activities or routines after surgery, especially if you start feeling better. However, overexertion due to strenuous activities like lifting heavy things can put pressure on the new joint, leading to increased pain and slow healing.

Why It’s Important to Avoid:

Avoiding overdoing anything can help prevent the risk of pain, swelling, or damage to the treated area. Though staying active is crucial, engage in activities in moderation.

What You Should Do:

• Follow the guidelines for activity levels instructed by your surgeon and therapist.

• Increase your daily activities slowly once approved.

• Take rest when you feel low in energy or any discomfort.

Balance is key! Too much rest can cause stiffness, while too much movement can cause strain.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Pain and Swelling

Some discomfort is normal after knee replacement surgery. But, persistent or worsening pain and swelling might signal a problem. Ignoring them can impact knee mobility and delay healing.

Pain management helps increase the progress of physical therapy and helps you stay active. However, do not overuse pain medications to avoid side effects or dependency.

What You Should Do:

• Take medicines as prescribed by your doctor (don’t overuse them)

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation

• Communicate with your doctor if pain worsens—early intervention can prevent complications

Pro Tip: Alternative pain relief methods like deep breathing, relaxation techniques, or mild stretching can help reduce discomfort.

Mistake 4. Neglecting Diet and Weight Management

A healthy diet and weight are crucial for smoother and faster healing. This is because a poor diet can weaken the immune system and excessive weight can put more strain on the treated area. This, in turn, slows down the healing process.

A healthy diet can help improve bone and overall health. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy weight can avoid additional pressure on a new joint.

What You Should Do:

• Work with certified nutritionists for a recovery-focused diet plan.

• Eat foods rich in vitamin D, calcium, proteins, and minerals for improved bone health.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water to promote healing.

Mistake 5. Ignoring Follow-Up Appointments

Feeling better doesn’t mean you should skip check-ups! Post-surgery care is very important. Delays in health check-ups can prevent healthcare providers from identifying problems such as knee joint alignment issues, and infections early.

Attending follow-up appointments helps with close monitoring of recovery progress which can help avoid further complications. Additionally, it prevents the risk of infections which lead to symptoms like redness, drainage, swelling, or fever.

What You Should Do:

• Attend every scheduled appointment—even if you feel fine

• Report unusual symptoms (like redness, drainage, or fever) to your doctor

• Ask questions about your progress and next steps for recovery

Even months after surgery, follow-ups are key to ensuring long-term success!

Exercises To Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery

Certain movements can strain your new knee joint and increase the risk of complications. Avoid these movements:

1. High-Impact Activities

High-impact activities like running or jumping can significantly put pressure on the new knee joint, leading to damage risk. They can also raise the risk of bone loss around the new joint which can cause pain or reduce the lifespan of the replaced joint. So, avoid them, especially during the initial phase of recovery. 

2. Deep Squats & Lunges

Deep squats can excessively stress the new knee joint so avoid it. Practice shallow squats instead or any leg-strengthening exercises by contacting your therapist. Moreover, avoid lunges as they require significant bending of the knee which can put pressure on t

3. Treadmill Running

Though walking on a treadmill can help ease recovery, running on it is not recommended. This is because it can put pressure on your knee joint which can lead to wear or damage of the new joint. So, choose to walk at a slow speed and avoid inclines. 

4. Heavy Lifting

Weightlifting or lifting heavy objects can put excessive pressure on the new knee joint which can cause injury, pain, and swelling. This can slow down healing. So, avoid such exercises and instead practice low-weight exercises like leg lifts to slowly build knee strength without any damage. 

5. High-Intensity Sports

Sports like soccer and basketball involve jumping, running, and rapid direction changes which can be excessively hard on a new knee joint. These activities also raise the risk of falling, leading to further damage. So, avoid these sports until your knee joint heals completely and your doctor gives approval. 

Note: Always ask your physical therapist or doctor before engaging in any new exercises to ensure they are appropriate. 

5 Best Safe Exercises for Faster Recovery After Knee Replacement

Practice these low-impact exercises to regain strength and mobility safely and speed up your recovery after your knee replacement surgery:

1. Walking

• According to one finding, walking is the best low-impact activity that promotes blood circulation and improves mobility.

• So, walk short distances with the help of crutches or walkers.

• As you gain more strength and motivation, increase the distance gradually.

2. Cycling

• Another low-impact exercise that can help maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility.

• Make sure to begin cycling on a stationary bike with low resistance to prevent excessive stress on the new knee joint.

• As your strength improves, slowly increase the duration and resistance. 

3. Swimming

• This is a full-body exercise in which the buoyant force of water supports the body and reduces the pressure on the knees.

• It also aids in strengthening the muscles and improving the range of motion around the knees.

• This helps stay active and promote recovery.

4. Gentle Strength Training

• This includes leg lifts, calf raises, and ankle pumps to support the new knee joint.

• Use resistance bands or light weights to practice these exercises to build muscle stability and support.

• Make sure to begin with low resistance and increase the resistance gradually once you gain strength.

5. Climbing Stairs (Gradually!)

• Learn to climb stairs with the help of walking aids like crutches by seeking assistance from nurses and doctors.

• As the recovery continues, you can climb stairs without crutches.

• Research reports that 95% of people have no issue climbing stairs after recovery from knee replacement.

Listen to your body! If an exercise causes pain, stop and consult your therapist.

Tips For Quick Recovery After a Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are the things to avoid post-surgery for a quick and smooth recovery:

• Follow surgeon’s instructions: Make sure to strictly follow guidelines and take prescribed medications after the surgery.

• Attend physical therapy: Follow rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

• Use ice packs: Apply an ice pack on your affected area for some minutes to reduce pain and swelling.

• Be consistent with exercises: Practice recommended exercises every day to support healing and reduce the risk of stiffness.

• Take prescribed pain medicines: Take the medicines as recommended by the doctor to manage the pain, infection, and discomfort and support healing.

• Consume a healthy diet: Eat nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, green veggies, and fruits to manage weight and promote healing.

• Rest frequently: Give enough time to your body to heal by avoiding overexertion, getting adequate sleep, and taking regular breaks.

• Stay active: Practice light activities such as walking for a short period to boost blood circulation and reduce joint stiffness.

• Look for complication signs: Monitor unusual pain or infection signs and consult with the healthcare providers if needed.

• Attend follow-up appointments: Attend each appointment after the surgery to ensure no risk of complications and proper healing.

These tips can help you recover efficiently and comfortably after knee replacement surgery. 

Final Thoughts

Recovering from knee surgery is a journey that requires patience, care, and the right choices. By avoiding the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement surgery, such as skipping rehab, overexerting too soon, or neglecting follow-ups, you set yourself up for a smoother recovery and long-term mobility. Focus on recommended exercise, a healthy diet, proper hydration, adequate rest, physical therapies, and regular appointments with doctors to avoid further complications and promote healing.

Remember to always be patient and seek medical help when required!