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What do I do if I need a refill of my pain medication?
Call our office. Please get in touch with us well before you run out to give our staff and Dr. Eccles enough time. Several
factors, including insurance rules, can slow this process. Please plan ahead, especially around a holiday or weekend.

Why does my knee click?
Your new knee replacement is a mechanical device made of metal and plastic. Clicking can be normal and expected. This
happens because the metal and plastic surfaces contact each other as your ligaments stretch. Your natural joint surfaces
before surgery would separate and contact each other, but they were covered with a softer covering called cartilage
which doesn’t make any noise. Over time, most of the clicking you feel will either go away as the scar tissue matures, or
you won’t notice it as much.

How soon can I travel after surgery?
This is up to you and your comfort level. Generally, we would recommend waiting 6 weeks. The main concern for sitting
for an extended period during the early recovery period is developing a blood clot in your legs. Standing up, walking
around, and pumping your ankles are essential activities to keep the blood moving throughout your leg and prevent
stiffness when you do travel by car or plane.

How much should I be walking or doing?
Dr. Eccles recommends getting up and walking short distances every hour you are awake during the first few weeks. The
key is frequency and has nothing to do with speed or distance. You can overdo it during the first couple weeks if you walk
too much. Some recommendations show that 1000 steps per day the first week after surgery should be the limit. Walk on
firm, level surfaces for the first two weeks. Gradually increase your distance as you are able. Sometimes increased activity
will cause your operative joint area to have swelling and pain. Control this with rest, elevation, and ice. Listen to your
body as it will tell you if you are doing too much.

How long will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery?
Most healthy patients should meet all criteria to go home on the same day of surgery with up-to-date techniques that we
use. Very few patients require an overnight stay for monitoring.

How soon will I walk after surgery?
Within an hour or two after surgery. The postoperative nursing or physical therapy team will instruct you on how to walk
safely.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
All knee replacement patients will need to work with physical therapists after surgery. On average, this is for around 6
weeks.

How long will my knee stay warm?
Six to 12 months! Your knee will feel warmer than your other knee. This is a very normal part of your body’s healing
process.

Can I kneel on my new knee after the incision is healed?
Short answer is yes however you may not feel like you ever want to kneel on it. Kneeling does not damage the knee
replacement; however, it is very common for the incisional area to be sensitive for a long time. You can always use a
gardening pad, pillow, or knee pads until you feel more comfortable. You aren’t going to damage the knee replacement
by kneeling, but it may never feel like before surgery.

How long will my new joint last?
This depends on many factors, but a modern-day implant should last 20 years or more.

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