Total Knee Replacement Recovery: What to Expect at One Week
Typical One-Week Milestones
- Pain Management: Transitioning from IV/oral opioids to oral NSAIDs/acetaminophen; pain scores manageable at rest.
- Mobility: Ambulating with walker/crutches for short distances (50–100 ft); may begin weaning to cane.
- Range of Motion (ROM): Active flexion ≥90°; extension near 0° (full extension critical).
- Swelling: Moderate; controlled with elevation, ice, compression (TED hose), and mobility.
- Incision: Clean, dry, approximated; staples/sutures intact; no signs of infection (erythema, purulence, dehiscence).
- Activities: Light ADLs (dressing, toileting); no driving, heavy lifting, or high-impact activity.
- Physical Therapy: Daily sessions (inpatient/outpatient): quadriceps sets, straight leg raises, heel slides, gait training.
- Follow-up: Scheduled 10–14 day post-op visit for wound check, ROM assessment, and plan advancement.
Individual recovery varies. Adherence to PT protocol and precautions (fall prevention, anticoagulation) optimizes outcomes.
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