You may wonder how much walking is recommended after a total knee replacement.
The response depends on a few factors, such as how active you were before surgery and how well you’re healing. In general, it’s recommended that you start slowly and gradually increasing your activity level.
Here’s what you need to know about post-operative walking guidelines after a knee replacement.
Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
After your total knee replacement surgery, your doctor will probably tell you to start walking as soon as possible. However, you may question, “How much walking is recommended after a knee replacement?”
The good news is that you can start with very short walks and gradually increase the distance as you get stronger. In most cases, doctors recommend walking for at least 30 minutes daily. But you must listen to your body and take it slow if you feel pain or discomfort.
What Is a Knee Replacement?
A knee replacement is surgery that supplants a damaged knee with an artificial joint. It’s a common procedure that can improve your quality of life.
After the surgery, you’ll need to take it easy for a while. You’ll seemingly be in a lot of pain, and you won’t be able to do much walking. But how much is too much? And when can you start walking again?
Here’s what you need to know: typically, you’ll be required to walk around a lot in the days following your surgery. It will help revive the blood flowing and reduce the risk of DVT. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Too much walking can do more damage and delay your recovery.
Just take it easy and listen to your doctor’s instructions. They’ll let you know when you’re ready to start walking again.
The Importance of Walking After Surgery
After surgery, getting up and walking as soon as possible is important. Walking will help with your recovery.
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how much walking is recommended after a total knee replacement. You’ll want to start slowly by taking short walks around your home. As you progress, you can gradually increase the distance and intensity of your walks.
Walking is essential to rehabilitation, so stick to your doctor’s orders and keep up the good work!
The Recommendations- Exercises after knee replacement surgery
Your doctor will possibly recommend that you start walking immediately after your surgery. However, you may be able to start walking on the same day as your surgery.
Walking is a great way to get your blood flowing and help your body heal. But you don’t want to overdo it. Start easy and build up your strength gradually.
Most doctors recommend walking for at least 20 minutes per day but don’t walk any further than what is comfortable for you. Stop walking and take a break if you experience any pain or discomfort.
Walking for Exercise
After your total knee replacement surgery, your doctor will tell you to walk as much as possible. Walking is a great technique to get exercise, and it will also help your recovery.
But how much walking do you need to do each day? Again, that’s going to differ from person to person. Some people might only need to walk for 10 or 15 minutes each day, while others might need to walk for an hour or more.
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on how much walking is right for you. But regardless of how much walking you do, make sure you take it easy at first. You don’t want to overreach it and end up hurting yourself.
Limitations post-knee replacement
So, how much walking is recommended after a total knee replacement? You want to take it easy initially and gradually increase your activity level. How fast you progress depends on how well you’re healing and how much pain you’re experiencing.
Most people are encouraged to walk shortly after surgery, but you may need to wait a day or two. After that, you can gradually add the distance and pace as tolerated. Aim to walk at least 30 minutes per day. If you’re up to it, you can start incorporating light strength training exercises a few weeks after surgery.
Conclusion
You’ve just had surgery to replace your knee. Now what?
The amount of walking you need after a total knee replacement will depend on your doctor’s instructions. However, you will likely be instructed to walk as much as you can as soon as possible after surgery.
How much walking is recommended after a total knee replacement? Walking is one of the preferred exercises for recovering from surgery. Talk to your doctor about how much walking is right for you.