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When you feel like you can and should transition to a cane, it should go in the opposite hand of the operative leg. Place
the cane on the ground every time you plant your operative leg.

You typically will be able to go up and down stairs immediately after surgery and can use
your walking aids to help you. Remember “Up with the good, down with the bad” for
what leg needs to go first when doing stairs.
• When going up stairs, step up with the nonoperative leg and then bring your
operative leg up to the same step.
• When going down stairs, start with your operative leg and then bring your
nonoperative leg to the same step.

RETURN TO WORK
This varies with each person based on what type of work they do. People with active, physically demanding jobs will be
off work longer than those with less active jobs. It is best to discuss this with Dr. Eccles or his staff before your surgery so
you can plan your time off from your workplace. Typically, you will be given a recommendation for 8 weeks off.

WHEN CAN I DRIVE?
To resume driving safely, it is essential to meet these guidelines:
• You must be off narcotic pain medication during the day or when you are driving.
• You must be able to walk comfortably and safely enough without having to use a walker.
• Practice in a safe location first, like an empty parking lot. Ensure there is no hesitancy between the gas and
brake before you get out on the open road. You must be able to depress the brake pedal quickly and firmly.

Typically, this can happen 2 to 6 weeks after surgery depending on
the joint that was replaced and the side of the surgery. Hips are
faster than knees, and left sides are faster than right-sided surgery.

• Left knee or Left hip patients – usually around 2 weeks
• Right hip patients – using around 3-4 weeks
• Right knee patients – usually around 4-6 weeks

RETURN TO GOLF, PICKLEBALL, AND OTHER SPORTS

Patients can return to play any time from 6 to 12 weeks after joint replacement. For golf, start on the putting green and
work up to using a driver again. Be careful with lateral and twisting movements early on. You will notice that your joint
may swell and require you to limit how long you play early on.

EXERCISE
Many people find it hard to make healthy changes to their lifestyle while dealing with the pain of arthritis. Exercising to
improve heart and lung health or achieve weight loss for general health is vital to maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
An excellent time to begin making these changes is after total joint replacement surgery. While Dr. Eccles doesn’t
necessarily have any restrictions on what you can and can’t do, low-impact exercises, such as water aerobics, stationary
bicycling, or using elliptical machines, are excellent aerobic exercises and are ideal for preserving the total joint implants.
It is best to avoid any heavy lifting or higher impact activities for a few months.

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