9 Exercises to Do After a Knee Replacement

• Dr Sourabh Shah

9 Exercises to Do After a Knee Replacement

It's difficult to comprehend doing exercises on your knees right after surgery; however, exercise following a knee replacement treatment is a tried and true method of returning strength and flexibility to your joint. Your doctor will advise you to walk as soon as possible after surgery, even if you're being treated in the hospital at the surgery center. Your physical therapy will also suggest specific exercises to help you avoid blood clots, increase muscle strength, and increase mobility.

A physical therapy therapist can safely teach you how to apply resistance during the exercises. Check out these exercises following knee replacements to make your surgery successful.

1. Ankle Pumps and Rotations

It is possible to begin ankle exercises shortly after the surgery. While lying in a reclined position, bend and then point your feet towards the ankle. Repeat this exercise many times. Pump your ankles every 10 mins or as often. Create circles with your foot by moving them around the ankle to do ankle rotations. Your foot should be turned inwards towards the opposite foot, and then and then sweep it outwards away from your other foot, return to the inside. Repeat this process several times in each direction, 3 to every day.

2.Quadriceps Contractions

In a flat position, tighten your thigh muscles with a good knee until your knee is pushed into the mattress. Ten seconds of tension and then let it go. Repetition 10 times. Relax for about a minute, then continue until the thigh muscles are exhausted. Perform these exercises 3 to 4 every daily. This workout strengthens your quadriceps, a big muscle group that regulates the movement of your legs. It also assists in achieving an upright leg position.

3. Straight Leg Raises

Laying back on your back, straighten your leg, and lift it off the mattress. Lean your leg about a foot into the air while maintaining a straight leg. Maintain the position for a few seconds before you gently lower your leg. You can also try this sitting with your legs straight to the side. Don't put your leg on the floor by bending your knee. Instead, keep it straight and then raise it a few inches. Continue straight leg raises until your thigh muscles are exhausted. Perform these exercises three to four times per day.

4. Knee Straightening

It's a similar exercise in nature to quadriceps contractures. First, place an unrolled towel on your ankle to ensure that your heel is not on the mattress. Then, tighten your thigh muscle to your knee presses against the mattress. Please keep it for 10 seconds, then let it go. Repeat until your thigh muscle has fatigued three to four times daily. This workout will provide a more thorough leg straightening.

5. Heel Slides

Laying in bed, slowly slide your heel towards your buttocks. The aim is to reach an inclined knee, with your heel firmly on the mattress. Do not let your knee slide into or outwards. After you've extended your knee as much as possible, stay in this position for 10 minutes and slowly move your foot out. Repeat the knee bend until the leg is tired, anywhere from three to four times a day. It improves the range of motion.

6. Seated Supported Knee Bends

While sitting on the edges of a bed or chair, Let your leg extend downwards. Be sure that whatever you're using to sit on supports your thigh. Place your leg that is not involved beneath your ankle, and then use it to raise your leg gradually. Next, gradually lower your legs and extend them as far as possible. Please keep it for 10 seconds, then continue until the leg gets exhausted. This exercise can be done three to four times every day.

7. Seated Unsupported Knee Bends

In the end, you'll be able to perform the knee bends that are not supported. As with the supported knee bends, you can sit in an ottoman or bed with your thigh in a supported position. Place your feet in the ground. Bend your knee as much as you can until your feet are on the floor. Then, bend your upper body forward to intensify the workout. Please keep it for 10 seconds before you complete straightening your knee. Repeat until your knee is exhausted 3-4 times per day.

8. Walking

Walking is among the most vital exercises you can engage in to speed the recovery process following knee surgery. In the beginning, you'll use crutches or a walker to practice walking. Move your support to the front, and move your operated leg forward with one step. Be sure to place your heel first and then flatten your foot. Be patient and take small steps. Maintain an even pattern for each step, and do not move away from your operating knee.

9. Stair Stepping

If you've gained some muscle and flexibility, it is possible to use stairs to help you increase your endurance. Be sure to hold the handrail in place and use a crutch cane on the opposite hand. In the beginning, you'll do one step at a by putting both feet on the same stairway before going up the next. Be sure to lead with your strong leg and then down using the leg you are operating. In time, you'll move foot-over-foot going through the steps.