Managing Pain and Swelling After Total Knee Replacement: Top 5 Tips

In this episode of the Total Knee Success Podcast, host Michelle discusses two common challenges faced after total knee replacement: pain and swelling. She shares five proven tips to manage these issues effectively, including the use of cold packs, leg elevation, compression stockings, balancing rest with gentle movement, and ensuring quality sleep. Michelle also highlights the importance of tracking progress and recognizing when to reach out to your care team for help. Upcoming episodes will focus on retraining your walk and advanced sleep strategies.

00:00 Introduction to Post-Surgery Challenges

00:45 Tip 1: Effective Use of Cold Packs

03:32 Tip 2: Elevate Your Leg Above Your Heart

06:07 Tip 3: Benefits of Compression Stockings

08:23 Tip 4: Balancing Rest and Gentle Movement

10:27 Tip 5: Importance of Sleep and Rest

13:22 Red Flags and When to Seek Help

14:17 Summary and Upcoming Episodes

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty), Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. AAOS; 2021.
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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

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, physical 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 recovery and that patients have found helpful.