1. How much exercise should I do?
Mild or moderate exercise is beneficial. Thirty minutes, three times daily, should be devoted to those exercises you can do on your own.

2. When can I drive?
Driving is an individual matter. Some people regain their coordination and reflexes quickly and others take several weeks. Your doctor will let you know when you can drive.

3. When can I take a bath?
For total knee replacement patients, you can safely immerse your knee in water three weeks after surgery, after your staples have been removed. For total hip replacement patients, it may be a minimum of three months before you can take a bath because you must maintain your precautions. Check with your doctor first.

4. Should I put lotion on my incision?
No!

5. When should I go up and down stairs?
It is important that you make the rehabilitation and nursing staff aware of any stairs you will need to climb to get into your home. They will instruct you in the proper technique prior to discharge from the hospital. Once at home, the therapist will instruct you further on walking stairs. The pace at which you regain agility on the stairs depends on individual traits and is hard to predict.

6. What kind of shoes should I wear?
A well fitting, flat, closed-toe shoe, such as tennis shoes, is safest. High heels should be avoided for the first three months for total knee and total hip replacement patients, and should be avoided until your doctor says it is okay to wear them.

7. Should I use a heating pad or ice packs?
Ice can be used to help relieve pain, but can be harmful if left on too long (more than 20 minutes). The use of heat is NOT recommended.

8. How long should I continue taking my medications after surgery?
Blood thinning medications should be taken unless you are instructed not to by your physician. All pain medications may be taken as directed for pain. If you have any questions about your medications, consult your doctor.

9. When can I increase my activities?
All patients are anxious to return to activities such as driving, dancing or playing golf. You must first get clearance by your doctor before beginning any activity that hasn't already been discussed.

10. How long will my knee feel hot?
You may feel warmth for 6 to 12 months after surgery. The heat is the body's indicator that healing is occurring.