4 Common Mistakes to Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery can be life-changing, helping patients return to activities they love with less pain and better mobility. But recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. Making the wrong choices during those first few weeks can slow healing or even cause complications.

Dr. Couch, one of our fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons at San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists, shares four common mistakes patients should avoid after a total knee replacement.

#1: Skipping Physical Therapy

Because knee replacement surgery involves a challenging recovery, it’s natural to feel tempted to avoid movement. But avoiding physical therapy is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Without proper movement, scar tissue can build up and lead to post-operative stiffness, a difficult problem to treat.

Tip: Stick with your therapy schedule, even when it’s uncomfortable. Each session helps restore motion, strength, and long-term function.

#2: too much Too Soon

While some patients do too little, others push themselves too hard. Running a marathon, or even doing high-impact activities, just weeks after surgery can lead to swelling, increased pain, and even risk damaging the soft tissues that were repaired during surgery.

Tip: Follow your surgeon’s activity guidelines. Early on, focus on controlled movement and low-impact exercise to promote healing.

#3: Not Having a Recovery Plan at Home

Recovering from knee surgery requires more than just rest. For the first few weeks, you’ll likely have difficulty walking, standing, or doing everyday tasks. Patients who don’t plan for help from friends, family, or other resources often struggle unnecessarily.

Tip: Before surgery, prepare your home by setting up a safe recovery space, arranging transportation, and making sure you have support for meals, chores, and mobility.

#4: Ignoring Safety Precautions

It may sound obvious, but putting yourself in risky situations can jeopardize your recovery. Activities like using a hot tub too soon, walking on uneven ground, or skipping wound care instructions can increase your risk of infection, falls, or injury.

Tip: Avoid environments that can expose your incision to bacteria or put you at risk of falling. Always wait until your surgeon clears you before returning to higher-risk activities.

A successful knee replacement doesn’t end in the operating room, it depends on what you do afterward. By avoiding these four common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother recovery and better long-term results.

At San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists, our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from surgery to full recovery.

start your journey to a Smoother Recovery

If you’re recovering from a total knee replacement, avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference. From staying consistent with therapy to following safety guidelines, our board-certified orthopaedic team at San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists is here to support your healing every step of the way.

Book an appointment today to learn more about your recovery options and take the next step toward pain-free living.