Woohoo! You finally had your total knee replacement! What a relief; or at least it should be. Many times people think that they will have their surgery and just bounce right back like nothing ever happened. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. With any surgery, there will be a certain degree of pain and discomfort. How can you overcome the pain while you recover and beyond?
In addition to physical therapy and pain medication, the best way to fight that nagging pain and uncomfortable feeling is to utilize products that are designed specifically for people who have just had total knee replacement surgery.
If you are finding that you are dealing with considerable discomfort post-surgery, then you need to keep reading this article about items that will make your daily life less painful.
Products for Pulverizing the Pain
The following products are designed with your needs in mind. Using them will surely expedite the healing and recovery process.
Ossur Cold Rush Therapy System
- Effective, soothing, and localized treatment
- Ergonomic design
- Includes knee pad
- Stay cooler longer
Ebung Leg Elevation Pillow
- Ergonomic design
- Premium quality materials
- No sweat – cooling gel prevents overheating.
- Breathable, washable cover included
Incrediwear Knee Compression Sleeve
- Anti-inflammatory therapy
- Can wear 24/7 if needed
- Made for men or women
- Material is made with semiconductor elements that optimize circulation and oxygen for the healing process.
TOFLY Medical Thigh High Compression Stocking
- Durable material that holds up even after multiple washing cycles
- Improve blood flow and circulation
- Made for men or women
Insiders tip: Hospitals will usually provide this type of compression stocking for patients when they go home, however they raise the price considerably; fortunately, your insurance will probably pick up the tab, but check first before assuming anything.
Comfier Heated Knee Brace with Massage
- Adjustable straps
- Multiple settings
- Soft comfortable fabric
- Soothing, heated vibrating support
Sunbeam Flextemp Joint Wrap
- 5-year warranty
- Convenient design
- Moist heat option
- Multiple settings
- Stays in place
- Targeted hot and cold therapy
Linux LX6 3pc. Orthopedic Pillow Set
- 3 pillows for multiple positions
- Designed for post-operative pain and positioning
- High-quality design and materials
ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow
- Breathable, easy to clean cover
- Ergonomic design
- Lifetime warranty
- Premium high-quality materials
Voltaren Topical Pain Relief Gel
- Diclofenac sodium topical gel relieves pain quickly
- Don’t use on more than 2 joints at a time
- Made for arthritis and joint pain
- Non-greasy formula
Put Your Shoes one Easier with Velette Shoe Horn
- 16 ½ inches long
- Ergonomic handle for easy gripping
- Made from sturdy metal
RM Deluxe Sock Aid
Regain your independence back with this helpful gadget. Costs around $10.00
- Adjustable ropes for all leg lengths
- Allows you to put your socks on easily and independently
- Flexible contoured shell
Drive Medical Bath Bench
- Adjustable leg height
- Holds up to 400 pounds
- Holes in the seat for easy drainage
- Lightweight and durable
Drive Medical 2-Button Folding Walker for a Knee Replacement
- Comes with wheels and ergonomic hand grips
- Folds up for easy storage
- Lightweight durable design
Bonus Alert! Recumbents to the Rescue
If you are lucky enough to have the extra room in your home and in your budget, a recumbent bike is a fantastic way to improve your overall strength and range of motion. Using a recumbent bike after a total knee replacement puts less pressure on your hips and knees by keeping you in a semi-seated position.
There are multiple benefits of using a recumbent bike:
- Decreased pain
- Decreased weight
- Easier to mount and dismount than an upright bike
- Improved blood flow
- Increased range of motion
- Overall increased strength
Hold on to your walkers now, because here is the scary part. Recumbent bikes are not inexpensive! Having said that, they are well worth the investment if you are able to make it.
Don’t let it end up like every other treadmill or piece of home workout equipment in the world; covered in clothing and clutter.
Many people purchase these bikes with the best intentions and never use them. If you are going to spend the big bucks, use it! It won’t use itself and it definitely will not help you if it is in a corner covered in a pile of clutter.
A recumbent bike is not only good for your post-op recovery; they are a great way to stay in good overall condition!
Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series
- Adjustable fan
- Bluetooth accessible
- Offers USB charging port
- See the world on your LCD screen with the RideSocial app
- Sync with Schwinn Trainer app
- Track your heart rate and many other cool high-tech features
- And many other features
Other Tips to Speed Up Recovery After a Knee Replacement
In addition to minimizing pain with some of the recommendations listed above their are few things that you can focus on to speed up the recovery of a total knee replacement
Go to Prehab – Do Pre-Surgical Exercises
Doing exercises before surgery has been shown through extensive research to decrease pain levels, decrease the length of the hospital stay, improve overall outcomes, and improve overall satisfaction as compared to people who did not do exercises.
You can see our helpful guide on the pre-surgical exercises for a knee replacement here.
Focus on Range of Motion – Especially Knee Extension
Your knee range of motion will be severely limited after surgery. Your goal is to get it to full extension or zero degrees and for it to bend to around 125 degrees. However, get knee extension first it makes life so much easier. Once you get full knee extension recovery is smooth sailing.
Stay Active – Don’t Sit Around
Yes we know that your knee hurts and all you want to do is sit in the recliner with the knee propped for hours. This won’t cut it. Your knee will scar down in that position. It’s important to move every 45 minutes, bend your knee, walk on it, and get your muscles back. A few weeks of focus on activity will make a huge impact on the rest of your life.
Be Prepared at Home to Reduce Surgical Jitters
The more prepared you are going into the surgery, the better you are going to feel. You’ll have less worry and anxiety and recover quicker. A helpful tips to prepare:
- Meal prep and freeze them ahead of time. Trust us you won’t want to cook anything after surgery
- Plan, schedule, and very any rides to doctors appointments and grocery runs that you need
- Move tripping hazards at home including rugs, dog beds, narrow furniture, shoes, etc
- Move to a downstairs bedroom that’s close to a toilet for easier access
How We Made This List
This list was compiled based on two things; expert Physical Therapist experience and patient testimonials.
We asked real total knee patients in the clinic as they are finishing up their rehab what their favorite items were to help with pain control and recovery. We then looked at the responses, combined it with clinical judgement and took out any snake oils and unproven treatments and made this list.
Going For The Gold
It’s neck and neck to the finish line. Is your knee going to hold up? You are so close, you can almost smell the trophy waiting for you on the other side of that line. You lean in and push a little bit harder. The crowd goes wild! You did it! You won the race all because you followed your doctor and physical therapist’s recommendations and used these pain pulverizing products.
How to Stay Active After Cervical Fractures: Expert Tips and Advice
Dealing with Painful Stairs After Ankle Replacement Surgery
Walking After a Total Ankle Replacement: Tips for a Successful Recovery
Exercises While Non-Weight Bearing After Ankle Replacement: Elevation, AROM, Leg Raises, and More
Ankle Pain with Stairs: Causes and Home Treatment Options
5 Common Mistakes You’re Making After an Ankle Sprain
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for a medical appointment. Please refer to your physician before starting any exercise program.