After Knee Replacement: Back at Home

You and your healthcare team will assess how well you can care for yourself at home. You may need friends, family, or a home health aide to help with chores and errands. Your occupational therapist will teach you the skills needed for daily living with your new knee.

Home Safe Home

Is your home as safe as it should be? Or, are there potential hazards, like rugs and cords, ready to trip you up? Make sure your home is safe and free of hazards before you return. Ask friends or family to help you rearrange rooms as needed. Tips:

• Remove throw rugs to prevent slipping or tripping on them.

• Move electrical cords out of the way.

• Install a rail along one side of staircases.

Bathroom Safety

You may need to adjust your bathroom to make it safer and easier to use. Your occupational therapist can help you choose the right equipment for your bathroom. He or she will also teach you to bathe, dress, and sit more easily in the bathroom. Tips:

• Use a long-handled sponge to wash hard-to-reach areas.

• Use a rubber-backed bath mat to help keep the floor dry and prevent slipping.

• Sit on a shower chair while you bathe.

• Use a commode chair or elevated toilet seat to raise the height of your toilet.

Managing Pain at Home

You may be prescribed pain medication to use at home. With pain under control, you'll get back to an active life sooner. Use pain medication only as directed. Take each dose on schedule, before pain becomes severe. (Don't hesitate to take medication when you need it.) Wait about 30 minutes after taking pain medication before starting an activity, such as exercise. Tell your doctor if the medication doesn't control your pain or if you suddenly feel worse. Icing and elevating your leg can also help relieve pain.