• Pain blocks are wearing off

• Knees are usually more painful than hips

• Pain and swelling are expected at this stage

• Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint

If pain feels worse now than the first day or two, that is normal.

The most important rule is do not get behind on pain control.

Your pain plan works in layers:

• Baseline medications are taken on schedule, even if pain feels mild

• Muscle relaxers help with spasms when prescribed

• Narcotic medication is used only when needed for higher pain

If pain starts rising, address it early. Waiting makes it harder to catch up.

Too much rest leads to stiffness.

Too much activity leads to swelling and more pain.

General guidelines:

• About 80% of the time should be spent resting and elevating

• Elevate the leg above heart level to reduce swelling

• Gentle movement throughout the day is important

For knee replacements:

• Follow step count limits from your handout

• About 750 steps per day is typical during the first week

• Elevate the leg often

• Use ice regularly

• Ice machines can be used frequently with skin protection

• Ice packs: about 20 minutes on, 2 hours off

Swelling can extend into the thigh, knee, calf, or ankle. This is expected.

• Showering is usually allowed at post-op day 3

• No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes) for about 6 weeks

• Let soap and water run over the incision

• Do not scrub

• Pat dry, do not rub

• Home health should change your dressing around post-op day 5

• Make sure the incision is fully checked

• Photos may be taken and sent to the care team if needed

• Focus is on gentle range of motion

• Knee goal: working toward 90 degrees of bend

• Hip patients usually progress naturally with walking and exercises

• Do not push heavy activity too soon, even if you feel good

• Warmth around the joint

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Pain with movement

These are expected healing signs.

If you are unsure about anything, call or text us.

• Pain concerns

• Swelling questions

• Incision concerns

• Medication questions

Early communication helps avoid unnecessary clinic or ER visits.