How Soon Can You Drive After The Knee Replacement?

Most patients may be able to get back to driving between two to six weeks after surgery. Depending on your specific outcome and recovery state, your surgeon can suggest a strategy for you to start driving again. A successful knee replacement depends on you protecting your knee after surgery.

When Can Patients Safely Drive After Knee Replacement

Patients usually want to get back to their normal activities as soon as and as safely as they possibly can after undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Resuming activities is a crucial part of regaining social and recreational independence, and driving is one of those activities.

Total knee replacements will rise sharply globally as a result of population longevity and the corresponding rise in age-related degenerative diseases like arthritis.

3-D printed patient-specific instrumented (PSI) guides/blocks that are custom made for the patient involve a smaller incision with minimal soft tissue disruption and improved accuracy in Knee replacement (reference below). This also promotes enhanced recovery after knee replacement surgery where patients mobilise early. Increased postoperative comfort and motion are both achieved, as well as a quick recovery.

According to studies, patients who are unable to drive face significant challenges. In the case of older people, this obstacle may lead to reduced mobility, loneliness, and an increased risk of depression. For social and financial reasons, it is critical to get back to work as soon as possible after a joint replacement, according to recent studies.

Driving After Total Left Knee Replacement

You might be able to resume driving a week or two after surgery if you are scheduled for a left knee arthroplasty.

If your car has a standard transmission, you’ll have to wait a little longer because your left leg won’t be strong enough to use the clutch for a few more weeks. Even if you have an automatic, you must wait to drive until you are no longer taking narcotics. Narcotics impair your mental capacity and reaction time, making it unsafe to drive while under the influence.

Driving After Total Right Knee Replacement

Typically, it takes at least four weeks after surgery for a right knee replacement before it is advised to resume driving. You might need to wait six to eight weeks before getting behind the wheel after TKA, depending on how your recovery goes.

However, if you are still taking narcotic medication after right knee surgery, never get behind the wheel as with a left knee arthroplasty.

When Will It Be Safe for You to Drive?

Only your orthopedic surgeon will be able to provide you with an exact return date to driving. After TKA surgery, you can inquire at your follow-up appointments when it will be safe for you to drive.

Additionally, you might want to request a disabled parking placard if you use a walker or other assistive device, find it difficult to walk long distances after knee arthroplasty, or if you have any of these conditions.

Advice on Driving After Total Knee Replacement

As soon as your orthopedic surgeon gives you the all-clear, drive carefully. Following a total knee replacement, your ability to drive as you did before the procedure may be affected for a number of months due to slower reaction times and reduced braking power.

Allow someone else to take the wheel if you feel any pain while driving or have trouble braking. You should give your joint more time to heal.

What Not to Do After Knee Replacement

Don’ts After Knee Replacement Surgery in Boynton Beach, Fl

You want a secure recovery period following a knee replacement devoid of discomfort and accidents. In addition, you want your knee prosthesis, which consists of the metal and plastic replacement components that were mounted by your orthopedic surgeon in Boynton Beach, to continue to be stable, fracture-free, and fully functional for its anticipated lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Therefore, be sure to carefully adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your knee doctor. Additionally, pay attention to the cautions and ambulation training your physical therapist outlines as soon as you enter the rehab phase of your recovery (within a day or two of your knee surgery). You’ll resume normal activity more quickly and benefit from long-term safer, more comfortable movement.

Here are some advice for Boynton Beach, Florida patients having knee arthroplasty.

Don’t Sit for Long Periods of Time.

While you should rest after surgery, your therapist will encourage you to exercise to build muscle, enhance balance, and prevent risky blood clots after surgery.

As your physical therapist will demonstrate, make sure to sit with your operated knee straight and the leg in the proper position. Use your assistive devices to stand up and walk for no more than 45 minutes at a time while you sit. Select a straight-backed, cozy, and supportive chair or couch rather than one with an excessively soft back.

Don’t Smoke.

The healing process is hampered by smoking, which deprives the extremities of vital oxygen. Ask your PCP about monitored smoking cessation programs before your knee surgery. Cutting back on your consumption will help your recovery even if you don’t completely stop.

Don’t Sit in a Low Bathtub.

There’s a chance you’ll trip or have trouble safely exiting the tub. As much as possible, take advantage of walk-in showers and shower chairs.

The Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal reports that about 17% of total knee patients suffer avoidable falls in the post-operative period, and one-third of the incidents are related to slipping. Have someone assist you with getting dressed and bathing so that you can be safe in advance.

Don’t Run Or Jump.

Weight-bearing joints are subjected to undue strain during any activity involving arduous running, jumping, or twisting. So refrain from engaging in any similar activities such as jogging, basketball, skiing, and so forth until your Boynton Beach knee surgeon gives you the all-clear. Instead, consider exercising low-impactly by cycling, walking, or swimming.

Don’t Kneel If You Experience Discomfort.

The majority of people simply aren’t at ease applying pressure to their new knees, despite research showing no negative effects on artificial knees when patients kneel after full recovery. While doing so is unlikely to harm or shorten the life of your prosthesis, you might feel unsteady on your knees or find it extremely difficult to maintain a kneeling position.

Don’t Jeopardize Your Recovery.

Naturally, you’ll want to resume normalcy as soon as possible. However, stop your activity, rest, elevate your leg, and ice your operated knee if it feels warm and painful or if it swells. You’ll get better results if you strive for slow, steady improvement in your recovery.