Can You Use the Stairs After Knee Replacement Surgery?
After successful knee replacement surgery, a patient should be able to return gradually to normal activities, including climbing stairs, says Mayo Clinic. He should experience significantly less pain than before surgery when engaging in stair climbing and other activities.
Navigating stairs may be one of the exercises a patient performs in the hospital after surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Until the patient has regained strength, it is important that he take care when climbing stairs by using the handrail for support. The patient should go up and down one stair at a time, and should step up using the leg with the non-operated, good knee and step down with the leg with the operated, bad knee. Within about four to six weeks, the patient should be able to resume most of his regular activities, notes Mayo Clinic.
