“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
— Mary Anne RadmacherEven if today feels tough, remember—each time you try again, your knee (and your confidence) get stronger.
In Episode 1 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we explore two common post-total knee replacement issues: pain and swelling. We share five effective tips to manage these, such as applying cold packs, elevating the leg, wearing compression stockings, balancing rest with gentle activity, and ensuring good sleep. We also highlight the importance of monitoring progress and recognizing when to contact your healthcare team for support. Future episodes will focus on gait retraining and advanced sleep strategies.
Recommended Tools
This DONJOY ICEMAN CLASSIC3 COLD THERAPY UNIT is a frequently recommended option for patients recovering from knee replacement. Known for its quality, DonJoy specializes in rehabilitation products designed to aid post-surgical recovery. This particular cold therapy device delivers prolonged cold therapy, especially beneficial during the first few weeks following surgery. It is equipped with a universal pad suitable for the knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle. Its versatility makes it useful for future injuries as well, which is a bonus given its higher price. Other ICE THERAPY ITEMS HERE.
These FEYHAY Copper Compression Socks come in sets of three pairs and provide 15 to 20 mmHg of compression. I wear them regularly to work since I’m on my feet all day, and I haven’t had a knee replacement—they just feel good. Check them out; the price is right too.
The LightEase Memory Foam Leg Support is a great option. It’s ideal for elevating one or both legs (larger size) and supports the entire back of your legs. It features memory foam, dual handles, and a hypoallergenic removable cover. This product has over 10,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. You’ll likely find it useful for leg elevation for various reasons long after you’ve healed from your knee replacement.
Medical Disclaimer The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, nutritionist, dietician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or care. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast is not affiliated with Michelle’s clinic or teaching roles.
Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a product link in my show notes or at TotalKneeSuccess.com and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the podcast and allow me to keep creating free, evidence-based content. I only share products that are commonly recommended for knee replacement and that patients have found helpful.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty), Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. AAOS; 2021.
- American Physical Therapy Association. Clinical practice guideline: Physical therapist management of total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2020;100(9):1603-1631. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaa099
- Kehlet H, Dahl JB. Anaesthesia, surgery, and challenges in postoperative recovery. Lancet. 2003;362(9399):1921-1928. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14966-5
- Smith TO, Chester R, Clark A, Donell ST. Cross-sectional study into peri-operative practices surrounding total knee replacement surgery in the UK. Knee. 2012;19(5):365-369. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2011.06.010
- Mont MA, Beaver WB, Dysart SH, Barrington JW, Del Gaizo DJ. Local infiltration analgesia in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(1):90-95. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2017.08.017
- Wylde V, Rooker J, Halliday L, Blom A. Acute postoperative pain at rest after hip and knee arthroplasty: severity, sensory qualities and impact. Musculoskeletal Care. 2011;9(4):201-209. doi:10.1002/msc.204