Men, Stop Doing This After Knee Surgery—It’s Wrecking Your Recovery
Although I haven’t experienced it myself, knee replacement surgery is fairly common among men, especially as they enter their 60s. While this surgery can help you restore mobility and reduce pain, a lot of it depends on how you handle yourself during recovery. There are a number of mistakes men make after a knee replacement that wind up derailing any and all progress. So, if you’re going to undergo this surgery any time soon, you’d do your best to avoid these common mistakes.
1. Skipping Physical Therapy Sessions
Physical therapy is a huge part of your recovery after having knee replacement surgery. By skipping these sessions, you are doing yourself a huge disservice. Attending physical therapy will help you rebuild strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your knee. Not to mention, your therapist can warn you about things you definitely shouldn’t be doing yet to avoid a new injury. They’ll also suggest some exercises you can do at home to speed your recovery along. If you skip these appointments, it can lead to stiffness and limited movement, prolonging your recovery period.
2. Pushing Too Hard, Too Soon
There is a lot of pressure on men and we often feel the need to bounce back quickly from things, including something as serious as knee replacement surgery. If you overexert yourself, it can lead to inflammation, pain, and even damage to the surgical site. Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, or heavy lifting until your doctor gives you the okay. It’s best to just follow the gradual exercise plan and physical therapy plan. These are in place to promote steady healing.
3. Neglecting to Elevate and Ice the Knee
Proper post-surgery care includes elevating and icing the knee to reduce swelling and pain. However, many men neglect these simple but effective steps, thinking they’re unnecessary. Elevating the leg above heart level helps fluid drain away from the knee, minimizing inflammation. Icing the knee for 15–20 minutes every few hours can significantly reduce pain and speed up healing.
4. Avoiding Assistive Devices
Too many men ditch assistive devices like crutches, canes, or walkers prematurely, often out of pride or impatience. These tools are designed to minimize stress on the healing knee and help you move safely. Using them incorrectly or abandoning them too soon can lead to falls, muscle strain, and uneven gait patterns. Doctors recommend a gradual transition to walking unaided based on individual progress.
5. Not Managing Weight Properly
Weight management plays a crucial role in knee replacement recovery. Excess weight puts additional strain on the healing joint, potentially causing pain and slowing down progress. Many men underestimate the impact of diet and continue eating calorie-dense foods without considering their knee’s capacity to bear extra weight. A balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports tissue repair and keeps inflammation in check.
6. Ignoring Post-Surgery Instructions
Men often skim through or outright ignore post-surgery instructions, assuming they know better. However, these guidelines are designed to protect the surgical site and facilitate proper healing. Instructions about when to shower, how to dress the incision, and activity restrictions are all crucial. Failing to follow them can lead to infections, wound complications, or prolonged recovery times.
7. Sleeping in the Wrong Position
Sleeping position plays a surprising role in knee recovery, yet many men overlook its importance. Resting with the knee bent can cause stiffness and limit range of motion. Experts recommend keeping the leg straight and slightly elevated while sleeping to promote proper blood flow and prevent swelling. Using a pillow to support the knee can also help maintain a comfortable and safe position.
8. Being Inconsistent with Medications
Pain management is vital after knee replacement, but some men either skip doses or stop taking medications too soon. Inconsistent use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to discomfort, making it harder to stick to physical therapy routines. Following the prescribed schedule helps keep pain levels manageable, ensuring you can move and exercise without agony. Additionally, antibiotics and blood thinners are crucial for preventing infections and clots.
9. Returning to Work Too Early
Men often underestimate the recovery timeline and rush back to work before their knee is ready. Even a desk job can strain the knee, especially if it involves long periods of sitting or getting up frequently. Doctors typically recommend at least six weeks of rest, depending on the type of surgery and job demands. Returning prematurely can cause swelling, pain, and even damage to the new joint.
10. Neglecting Mental Health
Physical recovery isn’t the only challenge after knee replacement—mental health matters too. Frustration, anxiety, and even depression are common when mobility is limited and progress feels slow. Men often suppress these feelings, avoiding discussions about mental well-being. Incorporating stress-relief practices like meditation, breathing exercises, or talking to a counselor can make the recovery journey more manageable.
Make Recovery a Priority, Not a Race
Recovering from a knee replacement is tough, there’s no doubt about that. However, you need to keep in mind the things you need to do to fully recover from the surgery. You must do what’s best for your body at the end of the day. Avoiding these common mistakes men make after a knee replacement can not only help you speed up the healing process, but it can also help you improve the overall outcome of the procedure. With the right approach post-op, you will be back to your active lifestyle in no time.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.