According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 700,000 total knee replacement surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year. While knee surgery offers profound relief from joint damage and osteoarthritis, recovery requires preparation. Setting up a safe, accessible home environment before discharge is critical to prevent falls, manage pain, and support long-term healing.
Prepare Before Discharge
Before coming home, arrange for a loved one or caregiver to assist you during the early days of recovery after knee surgery. Ensure you have loose-fitting clothing that accommodates post-surgical swelling. Most importantly, prepare your living spaces in advance so you can navigate safely with a walker, crutches, or cane.
Room-by-Room Setup Guide
When a patient comes home after knee surgery, ensuring each room they use is accessible and easy to navigate is essential for safety.
The Bedroom
Because you will spend significant time resting here, prioritize accessibility and comfort:
-
Leg Elevation & Bed Height: Use a contour pillow to elevate your leg above your heart to reduce swelling. Ensure your feet rest flat on the floor when sitting on the edge of the bed; use bed risers if the mattress is too low. A bed mobility rail makes getting in and out of bed safer.
-
Keep Mobility Aids Nearby: Always store your walker, crutches, or cane next to the bed for nighttime bathroom visits.
-
Reachers & Grabbers: Keep a reacher tool bedside to retrieve fallen items without bending or losing your balance.
The Bathroom
The bathroom poses the highest risk for post-knee-surgery slips and falls. Prepare it with these essential bathroom modification tools.
-
Raised Toilet Seat: Standard toilets are often too low after knee surgery. Install a raised toilet seat or a freestanding commode frame over the existing toilet.
-
Shower Chairs and Handheld Showerheads: A durable shower bench allows you to bathe safely while seated. Pair it with a handheld showerhead to avoid twisting or stretching.
-
Floor Safety & Lighting: Remove loose throw rugs. Ensure bathmats have non-slip rubber backing and install motion-sensor nightlights along the path to the bathroom.
Living Areas & Pathways
Keep high-traffic zones like the living room, kitchen, and hallways clear and functional:
-
Clear Walkways: Remove cords, clutter, and rug hazards to ensure wide clearance for walkers or wheelchairs.
-
Create a Central Recovery Station: Set up a comfortable chair with essential items within arm's reach: medications, phone, chargers, water, reading material, and remotes.
-
Walker Accessories: Attach a walker basket or tote bag to easily transport items from room to room while keeping both hands on your mobility device.
-
Non-Slip Matting: Line kitchen or side-table surfaces with non-slip grip mats to prevent items from being accidentally knocked over.
Pain and Swelling Management
Managing inflammation during the first two weeks of knee surgery recovery is crucial for a smooth outcome:
-
R.I.C.E. Protocol: Rest, apply ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, and elevate your leg. Targeted cold therapy pads or wraps, such as the Polar Knee Wrap or the Cold Comfort Knee Wrap, are designed to provide optimal, hands-free relief.
-
Stay Ahead of Pain: Take prescribed pain medication exactly as directed, especially prior to scheduled physical therapy sessions.
-
Gentle Movement: Perform prescribed home exercises—such as ankle pumps and leg raises—to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
How Caregivers Can Help Without Overstepping
To help a patient recover at home after knee surgery, the goal should be to help them return to independent mobility. Doing too much can actually deter recovery.
Stand by but don’t take over:
-
Allow your patient to complete tasks they can do safely by themselves such as dressing. Daily living aids such as long shoe horns and other tools can help.
-
Rather than lifting or pulling the patient, stand close by with mobility assistance such as a walker. The goal is to prevent a fall while helping the patient use mobility tools more independently.
-
Respect the patient’s choices by asking how they would like to be helped.
-
For elderly patients who may require more assistance after knee surgery:
-
Track medications and make sure the patient gets pain and other medications on time.
-
Manage appointments and make sure the patient keeps them, such as doctor and physical therapy sessions.
-
Address pain and swelling with ice packs and elevation, especially in the early stages.
-
Check on the surgery wound each day to ensure healthy healing.
When to Call the Surgeon
While most of today’s knee surgery recovery goes smoothly, it’s important to be aware of signs that warrant a call to the surgical team:
-
Signs of Infection: Persistent body temperature exceeding 101.50F or higher; the incision is red and warmth is spreading; severe swelling and pus coming from the wound; pain has become more severe.
-
Signs of Blood Clots: Sudden or worsening pain in calf, ankle or foot; localized swelling; areas are hot to the touch.
-
Medication and Mechanical Issues: Uncontrollable pain; severe nausea and vomiting; knee instability (knee feels like it’s buckling); inability to urinate or have a bowel movement after three days.
Honest Medical Has Knee Surgery Recovery Aids and Information
The Honest Medical website offers a variety of mobility assistance products and aids for daily living that can help patients, caregivers and loved ones during the important recovery phase after knee surgery. In addition, the Honest Medical blog, Honest Ideas, offers insights into a variety of relevant topics:
-
Home Caregiver Essentials: The Must-Have Supplies to Keep On Hand
-
Live Actively, Age Gracefully: Essential Orthopedic Aids for At-Home Care
-
Exploring the Best Mobility Aids for Seniors: Enhancing Their Independence
Learn more by speaking to an Honest Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323. We’re here to provide you with product knowledge, support, and expertise to ensure you get the right products for your unique needs and budget. Check out our dozens of other published articles on caregiving and more!
