Top 8 Things You Should Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery

By Your Health Magazine

So, you’ve finally done it, congratulations! You’ve got the bionic knee. But total knee replacement is no small feat. But the most important thing you should focus on right now is recovery.

The truth is, what you don’t do matters just as much as what you do. One wrong move (literally), and you could delay your recovery for weeks by irritating your new joint or worse, heading back to the OR (nobody wants that).

The first couple of months require a lot of getting used to, changing your lifestyle, and avoiding things that can slow down your healing process. So, the question is, what not to do after knee replacement surgery?

1. Don’t Skip Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most important things during your recovery process. That’s why you shouldn’t skip physical therapy, no matter what. Skipping PT isn’t just lazy, it’s a fast track to stiffness, scar tissue, and plenty of regrets.

Remember, your new joint needs movement to heal properly. Physical therapy isn’t about punishment; it’s about training your body to move properly again. You might hate every minute of it, but always remember to show up and do the exercises your physical therapist suggests at home.

Think of it this way. The knee replacement surgery gives you the hardware, but physical therapy installs the software. The recovery phase isn’t as simple as reducing digital eye strain. It requires a lot of patience, hard work, and carefully planned routines.

2. Don’t Sit for Hours on End

Yes, you’ve gone through a major surgery, and your first thought is Netflix and lying down on the couch. However, staying seated for hours is one of the worst things you can do. Why? Well, it stiffens the joint, limits blood flow, and increases your risk of blood clots.

So, it is really important to move every hour or two, even just to stretch or take a short walk (with your walker or cane, of course). You should be careful, though. You need to balance it right. The goal is to move without putting too much pressure on your knee.

Therefore, movement is your best friend during recovery, as long as you are gentle.

3. Don’t Ignore Pain or Swelling

You’ve gone through a knee replacement surgery. So, some discomfort is normal. But if you suddenly see swelling or your pain levels go from “annoying” to “I can’t sleep”, that’s definitely not normal.

So, don’t think it out or assume it’ll pass. You should always contact your doctor. But don’t panic. Sometimes swelling is just overuse, but it could also signal infection or complications with your prosthetic joint. Therefore, action is required right away.

4. Don’t Go Downstairs Like a Teenager

You should know your body limits. You’ve gone through a total knee replacement surgery, so you cannot go running around everywhere. Stairs are where most issues come up. They are very tricky, especially going down.

So, make sure you use handrails, go slowly, and for the first few weeks, you should follow one rule: “Up with the good leg, down with the bad.”

I don’t know if we should mention this, but don’t carry weight around, especially not on stairs. Don’t carry a laundry basket right after operation. Putting extra weight on your knee can only have negative effects.

5. Don’t Sleep With a Pillow Under Your Knee

Yes, we all know that it feels good, but in the long run, that’s a bad idea. Keeping a pillow under your knee encourages a bent position, which means that it is harder to fully strengthen your leg later. Why is this important? Well, a full extension is very important for walking normally again.

If you notice slight swelling (from walking around too much), you need elevation to reduce it. So prop up your entire leg, not just the knee. Stack pillows under your ankle and calf so your leg is straight.

6. Don’t Drive Too Soon

Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you can’t do an emergency stop without thinking about it, you shouldn’t be driving.

Depending on which knee you had replaced and whether you’re on pain meds, driving may be off-limits for a few weeks. Always clear it with your doctor first. Your reaction time matters more than your independence here.

Plus, let’s not forget: pain meds and steering wheels are a terrible combo.

7. Don’t Be a Hero with the Stairs, Groceries, or Cleaning

This is where a lot of people mess up. You start feeling a bit better, the pain fades, and suddenly you’re vacuuming the house and carrying grocery bags like you’re in an Olympic training montage.

Slow. It. Down.

Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it yet. Your muscles are still catching up to your new joint. Overdoing it now can undo weeks of progress. Delegate, ask for help, or just chill. You earned it.

8. Don’t Forget That Recovery Is a Long Game

Most people expect to bounce back in a few weeks. Some are even shocked when they still feel stiff or sore two or three months later. Here’s the truth: full recovery from knee replacement can take up to a year.

Let that sink in.

Yes, you’ll be walking and functioning long before that. But your new knee needs time to fully settle, strengthen, and feel like it’s truly “yours.” Don’t compare your progress to others. Don’t panic if your neighbor was golfing at week 8 and you’re still working on stairs.

Your knee, your journey.

Final Thoughts

Getting a new knee is a big investment, not just in your health, but in your quality of life. But, after OP, the recovery process is in your hands. So, make sure you follow these rules just to avoid further complications and to speed up the recovery process.