One week post TKR

During my PT, I was told to sit upright with back straight and knee up just higher than my seat.  It is painful, but necessary to get the range of motion back.  Sit this way for 10 minutes at a time 2 times an hour.  I was told to keep the knee absolutely as straight as possible, and to make it stay that way, place a full ice pack or something of equal weight on the knee.  Ice pack is the best because it also helps with pain and swelling.  It is HARD!!! But it does help you get back that straight extension you want when the PT is over.  Good luck.

It's strange how this seems to vary . . I was always ticked off in the hospital if I sat with the leg straight, and they wanted me to sit with it as bent as possible. . which was very uncomfortable, I must say!  of course, when I was in bed it was straight. . .and when sitting out in the chair as bent as possible. . .  Once I got home I alternated . . sometimes it was up on a nice soft pouffe, and sometimes bent . . . I did use a pillow between legs when sleeping . .from the hip down to the foot so when I was on my back it was straight. . but I don't seem to stay on my back for long at night!

I had some VERY thick, soft sock which I wore in bed, and that avoided the pain on the heel . . it was very effective!

Hi, my physio and nursing team were absolutely adamant - keep your feet up and leg straight as much as possible, no matter how uncomfortable, but do something with your knee every hour, ie swing legs 10 times, massage, stand up, etc, etc. Rest Ice Elevate and don't forget water and meds.

Physios should give you advice on this. I think the main thing is not to sit with it in the same position for any length of time.

Sarah