Regaining the ability to navigate stairs after knee replacement surgery is a significant milestone in the recovery process. This skill allows for greater independence and mobility within one’s home and community. While the prospect of stair climbing can initially seem challenging, it represents an important step towards restoring function and improving the overall quality of life following surgery. Patients should approach rehabilitation with patience and consistently follow the guidance provided by their medical team.
Getting Ready for Stairs
Before attempting to climb stairs, receive clearance from your surgeon or physical therapist, as individuals recover at different rates. Most patients can begin practicing stair climbing within a few days to a few weeks after surgery, often starting with guidance from a physical therapist. Safety is important, so always use a sturdy handrail and ensure the staircase is well-lit and free of obstacles. Wearing supportive, non-slip footwear is also advised to maintain stability.
Physical therapists recommend exercises to build strength and flexibility before stair climbing. Exercises often include quadriceps sets, which involve tightening the thigh muscles, and heel slides to improve knee flexion. Straight leg raises help strengthen the muscles that support the knee, while activities like stationary cycling enhance overall leg strength and range of motion. These exercises contribute to the muscle power required to safely manage the forces placed on the knee during stair use, which can be up to three times one’s body weight.
Going Up Stairs
When ascending stairs after a knee replacement, a specific technique is recommended to minimize strain on the operated knee. Position yourself facing the stairs, holding a handrail. The common advice is to lead with your “good” leg—the leg that did not undergo surgery.
Step up onto the first step with your unoperated leg, allowing it to bear most of your body weight. Bring your operated leg up to the same step, ensuring controlled movement and maintaining balance with the handrail. Repeat this sequence one step at a time, focusing on deliberate, stable movements, until you reach the top. This method allows the stronger leg to perform the lifting, reducing stress on the recovering joint.
Going Down Stairs
Descending stairs requires a different approach to protect the healing knee and maintain balance. Again, face the stairs and securely grasp a handrail. For going down, lead with your “bad” leg, meaning the operated leg.
Place your operated leg onto the step below, allowing your unoperated leg to control the descent by slowly bending at the knee. Once your operated foot is firmly on the lower step, bring your unoperated leg down to meet it, maintaining a slow, controlled pace. This technique ensures the stronger, unoperated leg manages the controlled lowering of your body, which can be more challenging than ascending stairs. Taking each step individually helps prevent undue pressure on the new joint and supports stability.
Addressing Difficulties
It is common to experience mild discomfort, stiffness, or fatigue when first learning to navigate stairs after knee replacement surgery. Listening to your body and taking frequent breaks can help manage these sensations. It is important not to push through sharp or increasing pain, as gradual progression is important for a successful recovery. Regular, consistent practice within comfortable limits will help build strength and confidence over time.
However, certain symptoms require immediate attention from your physical therapist or surgeon. These include persistent or increasing pain that does not improve with rest, significant swelling, or a feeling of instability in the knee. Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or drainage from the surgical site, or symptoms of a blood clot like intensifying calf pain, also require prompt medical evaluation. Early intervention for these concerns helps ensure a smoother, more effective recovery.