Home

Site Map

Links

News


Advanced Search

HomeReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationPhysical therapy Rehabilitation options Returning to ordinary daily activities Long-term patient limitations Conclusion

Print Complete Article
View article with questions

Knee Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Last updated Thursday, February 10, 2005

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy

Daily active self directed exercise and regular supervised physical therapy is essential to achieve and maintain good range of motion and restore muscle strength and mobility in the first 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Rehabilitation options

Physical therapy begins with the inpatient rehabilitation described above. After returning home, physical therapy can continue with the therapist coming to the patients home or in the therapists office as needed. If the patient is unable to travel outside the home, therapy at home can usually be arranged.

This therapy normally lasts 6-8 weeks and should be continued until the patient has a satisfactory range of motion and muscular strength is restored.

Returning to ordinary daily activities

Patients normally walk unaided by 6 weeks and can comfortably do normal activities at 3 months.

Long-term patient limitations

Patients are normally encouraged to remain active. Walking, recreational biking, and swimming or water aerobics are encouraged. Downhill skiing, running and contact sports are discouraged.

Surgery for Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

How useful was this page or article?

This article is rated 0.42 out of 5 stars (43 ratings).