Preparing for knee surgery involves many medical considerations, but planning what you will wear is a practical step that impacts your comfort and safety. The clothing and footwear you choose must accommodate pre-operative procedures, post-operative swelling, restricted joint mobility, and the need for fall prevention during your initial recovery. Planning ahead for these physical challenges maximizes ease and dignity during your hospital stay and makes the journey home smoother.
Clothing Choices for Hospital Arrival
The clothing worn to the surgical facility should prioritize convenience for both you and the medical staff. Opt for loose, comfortable layers that are easy to remove before your procedure. A zip-up hoodie or a button-down shirt is ideal for the upper body, as these garments do not need to be pulled over the head, which can be awkward or painful.
Avoid wearing jewelry, body piercings, or clothing with large metal components like zippers or belt buckles, as these items can interfere with pre-operative imaging or monitoring equipment. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown shortly after arrival, so the clothes you wear are primarily for comfort in the waiting and prep areas. Because hospitals are often kept cool, wearing a light jacket or cardigan can help you manage temperature fluctuations.
Accommodating the Knee During Transport Home
Selecting the right clothing for the trip home is important for your comfort and safety following the procedure. After surgery, your knee will be wrapped in bandages, likely swollen, and possibly encased in a brace, all of which demand significant space. Standard pants or even loose-fitting garments will not fit over the post-operative bulk and limited ability to bend the joint.
The most recommended garment for this phase is the breakaway or tear-away athletic pant. These feature full-length snap or zipper closures running down both sides of the legs, allowing the garment to be wrapped around the leg and fastened. This completely bypasses the requirement to bend or lift the affected leg, protecting the surgical site from strain and minimizing pain.
If tear-away pants are unavailable, choose pants that are several sizes larger than your normal fit, such as extra-baggy sweatpants or shorts. These garments must be made from soft, stretchy, and pliable materials like a cotton-spandex blend or fleece. Stiff fabrics, such as denim or non-stretch synthetics, will press uncomfortably against the incision and will not accommodate the swelling that occurs in the first few days post-surgery.
When dressing, the correct technique involves handling the garment as little as possible to avoid unnecessary movement of the knee. The most effective method is to slide the clothing onto the unaffected leg first, using the good leg to maneuver the garment up past the hip. The oversized, wide-leg opening can then be carefully guided over the bandaged, surgical leg with minimal manipulation, protecting the healing tissues.
Safe and Practical Footwear Selection
The right footwear is important for fall prevention when navigating with crutches or a walker immediately following surgery. Shoes must provide a stable, non-slip foundation to prevent falls that could compromise the surgical repair. Look for footwear with robust rubber soles that offer reliable traction on various indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Any shoe chosen should have a closed back to secure it firmly to your foot; flip-flops, backless slippers, and clogs should be avoided. The heel must be low or flat, as even a small rise can alter your gait and increase the risk of losing balance while using an assistive device. The toe box needs ample room to accommodate any swelling that may occur in your foot and ankle following the procedure.
Since bending down to tie laces will be difficult due to the knee’s limited range of motion, the selected shoes must be simple to put on. Options with Velcro straps, elastic closures, or a true slip-on design are best for ensuring ease of wear. Selecting footwear that offers good arch support and cushioning will help absorb the impact of walking, reducing the stress transmitted up to the healing knee joint.