30 | CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic • Keep both feet flat on the floor. • Avoid sitting on low surfaces, such as church pews, restaurant booths, soft chairs and couches. ; Do not bend forward at the hip more than 90 degrees. This may require you to raise the level of your bed, chair or toilet seat. ; Do not sit for long periods of time. ; Do not cross your legs or ankles. When standing up: • Scoot to the edge of the bed or chair before trying to rise. • Place your operated leg in front of you, push yourself up to standing with your arms. • Use your walker and grab bars to help. (Use accessible toilets in public restrooms.) Caring for yourself: • Use a dressing stick to put underwear and pants over the operative leg first. • Keep knees apart while sitting on the toilet. Wipe without twisting. ; Do not bend forward to reach for objects or lift your operated leg to reach your feet. Sexual activity: • It is generally safe to resume sexual intercourse 4-6 weeks after surgery, but be sure to keep your hip joint and leg in proper alignment. • Avoid movement that bends the hip joint past 90 degrees and/or in or out from its normal position. • Both men and women tend to find being on the bottom most comfortable after hip surgery. Other acceptable positions include being on top, lying on your side with the operated leg on top, and standing. Knee replacement precautions After knee replacement surgery, you will have specific precautions to follow while you heal. General precautions: • Walking is one of the better kinds of physical therapy and is good for muscle strengthening. However, walking does not replace the exercise program you were taught; continue to do your physical therapy exercises. • You are encouraged to bend your knee throughout your recovery. • If you have a brace or splint, wear it as directed by your doctor, nurse and/or physical therapist. • Bear weight and walk on your leg as much as is comfortable. • You may use ice for pain and swelling. Do not use ice for longer than 15-20 minutes per hour.
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