Recovering at home

How will I feel at home?
Moving around your home will be difficult for some time. You will need help with activities for about 1 to 2 weeks.

It's normal to have pain. Some pain may continue for 2 to 3 months, but will get better with time.

Slowly increase your activities. If you overdo activity, you’ll feel more pain temporarily.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded for the first few days after surgery. It's important to drink a glass of water every hour while you are awake. It is also important to change positions slowly. When sitting up at the edge of the bed, do so slowly, place your feet on the floor and wait at least 2 minutes before attempting to stand up. This gives your blood pressure a chance to normalize and lowers the risk that you could pass out.

 

What will my incision look like?
It's normal to have swelling, bruising, or a change in skin color anywhere on your leg. Your incision may feel numb, and you may hear clicking noises from your joint.

 

How should I change my dressing?
Your Surgeon or Physician Assistant will remove the dressing at your first post-surgery visit. Please keep your original dressing clean and dry, as it is created to minimize risk of infection. Only if the dressing becomes saturated, you may remove it and place a new dressing over your wound. If it comes off accidentally, or comes loose, please cover it with a new dressing until your first post-surgery visit.

 

When can I shower?
Your dressing placed during surgery is water-resistant. You may shower after the nerve catheter is removed. Do not immerse the dressing in water; shower lightly and pat the dressing dry. If the dressing edges are elevated or not sealed, do not shower or get the dressing wet. This may compromise your incision and increase risk of infection.

 

How can I reduce pain and swelling?

  • Ice and elevate your leg.
  • Lie flat and elevate your leg above your heart by putting your calf on a stack of pillows or cushions. You should be in this position as much as possible when you are not active during daytime hours.
  • Ice your joint for 20 minutes, especially after exercise and every 2 hours while awake. Note: it is important not to ice for longer than 20 minutes each time, to avoid skin damage.
  • First line pain treatments are Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen).
  • Opioids may or may not be needed for post-op pain control.
  • The goal of opioids is not to relieve all pain, but to help you to do your daily activities.
  • If opioids are prescribed, it may be for only 4-7 days, or up to 14 days (do not expect the need for opioids longer than 2 weeks).
  • Understand that there are multiple side effects including nausea, vomiting, constipation, risk of dependence, addiction, and potential for overdose.
  • Your surgeon's office is responsible for prescribing narcotics if needed, up to and generally no longer than 6 weeks. Opioid prescribing more than 6 weeks post op has been linked to long term opioid misuse/abuse and addiction potential.
  • In the case where refills are needed, please call the Orthopedic clinic at least 48 hours in advance.
  • References:
    www.opioidprescribing.info
  • Do ankle pumps. Lie on your back with your legs straight. Bend your toes toward you, then point your toes away from you. Repeat 20 times every hour with both feet.
  • Limit walking to just around your house for 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Use a walker each time you walk. Your Physical Therapist will tell you when you can walk without it.

 

How can I gain motion in my joint?

  • Begin moving on the day of surgery, with the help of your care team.
  • Do your exercises at least 3 times a day. Move your joint often