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After Knee Replacement: Keeping Your Knee Healthy

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.
Take small steps to move your 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.

Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 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.
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