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Once you're discharged from the hospital, you'll be told to rest and elevate your leg for the first few days or so in order to help decrease swelling and inflammation, which also reduces pain. While sitting on the sofa or a chair, prop your leg up with some pillows, but try not to hyperextend your knee and risk straining it keep some flexion in the joint while resting. Consider putting a pillow under your knee at night while you sleep on your back to elevate the extremity. Total bed rest is not a good idea post-surgery because some movement (even in surrounding joints such as the hip and ankle) is needed to stimulate blood flow and healing. Wearing compression stockings can be another effective method for reducing achy pain and swelling, and preventing blood clot formation. Start wearing them day and night, then after a few weeks, switch to just while you sleep. There are two types of knee replacements: total knee replacements and partial knee replacements. Recovery from a total replacement takes longer generally three to five days in the hospital and a recovery period lasting from one to three months. While your knee is still in the acute phase (significant inflammation and pain), apply ice to it. The application of ice is an effective treatment for essentially all acute musculoskeletal injuries. Cold therapy should be applied to the area around the incision in order to reduce the swelling and pain, particularly in the muscles. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes every two to three hours for a couple of days, then reduce the frequency as the pain and swelling subside. Compressing the ice against your knee with a bandage or elastic support will also help control the inflammation, but don't tie it too tight because complete restriction of blood flow could cause more damage to your knee joint and lower leg. Always wrap ice or frozen gel packs in a thin towel in order to prevent frostbite on your skin. If you don't have any ice or gel packs, then use a frozen bag of veggies from your freezer. For the first few weeks post-surgery, try to use your crutches (which are typically supplied by the hospital) while walking around so as to not inflame your knee. Some knee mobility after a few days post-op is a good idea, but total weight bearing while walking should be postponed for a week or two until the muscles surrounding the knee have started to heal and gain their back strength. You should be able to resume most normal activities of daily living (including walking and bending) within 3-6 weeks following knee replacement surgery. Some pain with walking and other knee movements, particularly at night, is common for several weeks after you've had knee surgery. If your right knee was replaced, then don't try to drive a car until you're fully recovered, which may take a few months. Your orthopedist will clear you when it is safe for you to drive. You'll likely receive pain medication (either orally or intravenously) while in the hospital and then given strong prescription drugs to take home. These medications may include strong opioids, such as morphine, fentanyl or oxycodone, which may have to be taken for a few weeks. Medication is an important part of managing your pain, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully and be aware that abuse of pain medications can lead to dependency. Alternatively, you may be given prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or painkillers such as Tylenol #3. After a few weeks, you may be able to wean yourself to weaker over-the-counter offerings. Be careful not to take any medications on an empty stomach, as they can irritate the lining of your stomach and increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Pain-relieving creams containing capsaicin, menthol and/or salicylate may be of benefit also. Your doctor may also prescribe short-term antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. After the inflammation and pain in and around your knee has largely subsided, then consider applying some moist heat. The application of heat causes mild dilatation of blood vessels and helps to alleviate any stiffness. Microwaved herbal bags work well and are often infused with aromatherapy (such as lavender) that has relaxing properties. With the permission of your doctor, soak your leg in a warm Epsom salt bath, which can significantly reduce pain and swelling, especially within muscles. The magnesium in the salt helps the muscles relax. However, avoid soaking the wound in water until it has completely sealed and dried.
Rest and elevate your leg. Apply ice to your knee initially. Use crutches to move around. Take your medications as advised. Consider moist heat after the acute stage.