Anyone who has had a total knee replacement knows the pain and physical work that goes into rehabilitating the knee. The physical therapy exercise program is designed to stretch muscles tightened through months and years of poor alignment and incorrect gait due to pain, and to strengthen muscles inhibited by painful surgery and weakened by disuse due to decreased activity prior to the knee replacement. Total knee replacements can often be the most rehabilitation of any of the optional surgeries. No wonder physical therapists are often called physical torturers.
Once the knee has returned to normal function, and pain and mobility are no longer issues to be reckoned with daily, life can return to normal, or even better than before the joint was replaced. Driving often resumes around 6 weeks post surgery, and many use a cane for getting around the community at that time, putting the walker into the closet. After a couple of weeks on the cane, it too can be discarded. Walking longer distances becomes easier.
When traveling after a total knee, attention will need to be given to how the knee is responding. Is there swelling that wasn’t there before the trip? Is there more stiffness? Is it harder to walk without limping? The sooner one travels following surgery, the more likely swelling and discomfort will occur. At home, the daily routine is predictable. There is housework, yard work, job, shopping, exercise routine at home or in the gym, etc. When traveling, everything changes.
There may be more sitting in one place for long periods of time, as in a car or on a plane. Movement to prevent blood clots is important after surgery, or anytime when in the same position for hours. Bathroom stops when driving or walking to the bathroom while flying will help circulation and prevent swelling. Performing a few simple exercises will help alleviate the pain of inactivity. Moving the feet and ankles in circles or pumping them up and down will help swelling in the feet and ankles. Sliding the foot forward and back as much as the car or plane seat allow will help bend and straighten the knee. Buttock squeezes can be done seated without anyone knowing, and will increase blood flow to the legs.
Sitting position should be changed frequently. Change the angle of the knee bend as much as possible. Sit with the knee out straight or almost straight if room permits. Sit with the knee bent all the way, and bent to various angles between fully bent and straight. If prone to swelling, elevate the leg if possible, perhaps resting the foot on a suitcase while waiting at the gate of the airport, or if riding in a car, sit in the backseat with the leg propped up.
If the knee is sore on arrival, try walking it out. Increasing circulation is always a good thing. Applying ice to the knee for 20 minutes will help with discomfort and also increase circulation. Try doing the bed exercises or standing exercises recommended by the physical therapist. It might be a good idea to resume them if the knee is swelling or at all painful while away from home.
Remember that traveling includes not just the plane or car trip. It includes those days and weeks away, sometimes following someone else’s schedule of walking miles while sightseeing, climbing more stairs than at home, getting in and out of the car numerous times each day, standing for hours while shopping, and maybe getting out of the routine at the gym. A change in activity level or types of activities can cause changes in how the knee is feeling and performing.
After all the hard work of rehabilitating the knee to this point, don’t let it backslide and cause problems now. Don’t go home with a swollen and painful knee that is now hard to bend and use. Vacation allows the opportunity to forget the daily routine. Just give a little thought and attention to your knee, and your knee won’t interfere with your fun and relaxation.
