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WHAT PHYS ICAL/RE CREA TIONAL ACT IVIT IE S MA Y I PARTICIPATE IN A FTER MY
SURGERY ?
Check with your surgeon and therapist before returning to any recreational activities. You are
encouraged to participate in low impact activities such as walking, dancing, golf, hiking,
swimming, bowling and gardening at your surgeon's discretion.
WILL I NOTICE ANYTHI NG DIFFE RENT ABOUT M Y NEW JOINT?
In many cases, patients with joint replacements think that the new joint feels completely
natural. However, we always recommend avoiding extreme position or high impact physical
activity. Some patients report intermittent swelling and warmth of the knee area for up to 1
year after surgery. Please call your surgeons office if you have any concerns regarding this.
Some patients may also note some new onset back pain after surgery, this may be related to
using different muscles once your knee replacement is done and your gait is improved. Please
call your surgeons office if you have any concerns regarding this. For hip replacements, the leg
with the new joint may be longer than it was before, possibly because of previous shortening
due to the joint disease. Because of this shortening, it is not abnormal to feel a stretching or
tightness in the leg or muscles as you get used to your new joint. If there is an actual leg length
difference, most patients get used to this feeling in time or can use a small lift in the other shoe.
Some patients have aching in the thigh on weight bearing for a few months after surgery. The
incision can remain tender and sensitive for quite some time, but will gradually improve.
