Things you might need for your knee replacement recovery

Below is a list of helpful products you might consider getting before your knee surgery.

Recovering from a knee replacement can be easier when you have the right tools and supplies. Plan ahead and consider getting some of these helpful products from Amazon before your knee surgery.

Dr. Kurtz’s favorite products are denoted with a “ *** ”

Durable Medical Equipment

  1. Shower Chair

  2. Elevated Commode

  3. Large Elevated Commode

  4. Quad Cane

  5. Rolling Walker

  6. Reacher Kit

Exercise Equipment

  1. Pedal Exerciser

  2. Foam Roller

  3. Knee Extension Bar

  4. Knee Extension Pillow ***

  5. Cold Therapy ***

Durable Medical Equipment (DME)

The bathroom can be a dangerous place after a knee replacement. Some bathrooms may be small and not allow a walker to easily maneuver around the bathroom. Some commodes may be low to the ground making it difficult to get off the commode. Some bathrooms do not have railings or handles to help patients safely get up from their commode. In some situations, it may be safer to place a bedside commode in the bedroom and avoid small bathrooms until your strength has returned. Elderly patients, high fall-risk patients, and patients who have a small, unsafe bathroom may want to consider getting some of these items before they have surgery.

Shower Chair

A shower chair can help prevent falls in the shower or bath. Some elderly patients may benefit from having a safe place to sit while they clean up.

Elevated Commode.

Elevated commodes can be placed by your bedside or over an existing commode. It is helpful if your current commode is small or does not have railings and handles to help you get up.

Elevated Commode with a Side Bench

This elevated commode has side bench for more stability for our larger patients

Quad Cane

A Quad Cane can be helpful when learning to walk again. This cane stands up on its own without you having to prop it up against something.

Walker

This walker is a standard rolling walker. You may want to ask your friends if they have a walker that you can borrow for a few days.

Reacher Kit

This kit has many helpful tools including a Leg Lifter, 19 and 32 inch Rotating Reacher Grabber, Long Handle Shoe Horn, Sock Aid, Dressing Stick, and Bath Sponge.

Exercise Equipment

Pedal Exerciser

This pedal bike sits in front of your chair and can help you get the flexion you need in your knee replacement.

Foam Roller

Foam rollers can help relax tight muscles.

Knee Extension Exercise

This brace helps patients get their knee fully straight or achieve maximum extension.

Knee Extension Pillow

This pillow is great for elevating your knee after surgery. The wedge design keeps your toes pointed up so gravity can help straighten your knee replacement. Other pillows will let your leg externally rotate so you don’t get as much extension.

Cold Therapy System

This cold therapy unit has a special pad designed for knee joints. Cold Therapy can help reduce pain and swelling for the first month after surgery.

 

Garments

Post Surgery Compression Stocking

These compression stockings can help reduce swelling after a knee replacement.

Post Surgery Tear Away Shorts.

These shorts allow patients to get easily get their shorts on and off without having to put their leg in a painful position.

Tear Away Pants

These easy on and easy off pants make getting dressed a snap.

Dressing Supplies and Tools

Having some dressings supplies on hand just in case you need to change your dressing after surgery is always a smart idea.

Water Proof Dressing

These waterproof dressings are 4x10 inches and safe to use in the shower. The dressing and water proof covering are all in one dressing.

Island Dressing

This 4 x 10 inch island dressing is a great option to cover your post op knee incision. Just peel off the backing and apply to one piece dressing to your incision. These dressings come in a box of 25.

Water Proof Covering

This 8x12 inch Tegaderm is great for covering your post op incisional dressing while you shower. After you shower, you can remove the Tegaderm and leave your incisional dressing clean and dry.

Over the Counter Pain Medications

Voltaren Gel

Topical anti-inflammatory cream can help decrease the pain and swelling after a knee replacement. Apply the gel to the side of your knee but not directly on the incision.

Lidocaine Patches

You can apply a lidocaine patch to the areas of your knee that hurt the most. These patches will numb that area so you hopefully hurt less.

Aleve.

Aleve or any NSAID can help with orthopedic post operative pain. Patients with kidney problems, gastric ulcers, uncontrolled blood pressure, or who are on blood thinners should not take NSAIDs.

Laxatives

Most laxatives do not require a prescription and can be purchased at a grocery store or on Amazon. If you develop constipation after your surgery, drink plenty of fluids, move around as much as possible, take one of these laxatives, and limit your narcotics. If you are prone to developing constipation, please start taking one of these laxatives 3 days before your surgery.

Docusate Stool Softener

Docusate is the most common stool softener.

 

Milk of Mag

Milk of Mag is a gentle laxative that is a little stronger than Docusate. Try taking Milk of Mag if you need more help than Docusate can provide.

Mag Citrate

Mag Citrate is the most effective laxative on this list but also the most likely to cause GI discomfort and bloating. Use Mag Citrate if the other more gentle laxatives have failed.

 

Fleets Enema

A Fleets enema is a last resort in constipation treatment.

 
 

Over the Counter Sleep Aids

Melatonin

Melatonin is a gentle sleep aid.

Disclaimer: Dr. Kurtz participates in Amazon’s associates program. All proceedings from the Amazon Associates program are donated to the Faith Family Medical Center. The cost of these products does not change if you buy them from our site or from Amazon’s website directly.