Recovery

After Knee Replacement: Keeping Your Knee Healthy

Choose a preferred language

You can keep your knee healthy by knowing the right moves and not doing the wrong ones. Some activities could harm your artificial knee and may be permanently restricted. Your healthcare provider and physical therapist will give you specific instructions and advice.

Three images showing man taking small steps to turn body.


Do’s:

  • Place your knee comfortably as you go about daily activities.

  • Exercise and walk every day as directed by your health care provider.

  • Use an ice pack if your knee starts to swell or feel tender.


Don’ts:

  • Don't twist your knee. Turn your whole body instead.

  • Don't jump or do any impact activity. It could loosen your new knee joint.

  • Don't force movements, such as bending your knee too far.

  • Don't put a pillow behind your knee when you are resting. This may keep you from straightening it fully. 


Follow-up care

Your orthopedic surgeon will schedule follow-up exams to make sure that your knee is healing the right way. Use this time to ask any questions you have about your recovery or activities.

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Discharge Instructions for Open Rotator Cuff Repair

If you've had rotator cuff repair, this sheet can help you care for yourself after the procedure.

Read article
Orthopedics
After Total Hip Replacement: Recovering at Home

A total hip replacement is major surgery and the recovery can be long. Learn more about how you can protect your new hip and have a good recovery after you leave the hospital.

Read article
Orthopedics
Transfers After Leg Amputation

After your amputation, you will need to learn how to transfer safely.

Read article
Orthopedics
Headache After Spinal Tap (No Patch)

If there is a loss of too much spinal fluid from a leak at the puncture site after a spinal tap, the spinal fluid pressure goes down and a headache occurs. This headache may be mild or severe. There may also be dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. Here's what you need to know.