Knee Surgery Recovery: Safely Putting on Pants, Essential Tools, and Techniques

How to put on pants after knee surgery?

After knee surgery, safely putting on pants requires careful, controlled movements, prioritizing the protection of the surgical knee by minimizing excessive bending, twisting, or weight-bearing, often with the aid of adaptive tools or assistance.

Understanding Post-Surgical Limitations

Immediately following knee surgery, the joint is vulnerable and your mobility is significantly restricted. Key limitations typically include:

• Pain and Swelling: These naturally limit range of motion and tolerance for movement.
• Reduced Range of Motion (ROM): Surgical repair or replacement will temporarily restrict how much your knee can bend (flexion) or straighten (extension). Exceeding these limits can damage the repair.
• Weight-Bearing Restrictions: Depending on the surgery, you may have partial or non-weight-bearing restrictions, meaning you cannot put full or any weight on the surgical leg.
• Muscle Weakness and Imbalance: Surrounding muscles may be weak or inhibited due to pain and disuse, affecting stability.
• Risk of Re-injury: Improper movements can lead to re-tearing sutures, dislocating prosthetics, or causing further soft tissue damage, necessitating additional surgery.

Always adhere strictly to the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and physical therapist regarding weight-bearing status, knee range of motion limits, and activity precautions.

Essential Preparation and Tools

Before attempting to put on pants, ensure you have the following:

• Loose-Fitting Clothing: Opt for pants with wide legs, elastic waistbands, or drawstrings. Examples include sweatpants, track pants, or pajama bottoms. Avoid jeans, tight leggings, or anything with buttons, zippers, or restrictive fabric.
• Adaptive Equipment:
  • Reacher/Grabber: Invaluable for picking up items or manipulating clothing without bending.
  • Dressing Stick: A long stick with a hook at one end, useful for pushing or pulling clothing.
  • Long-Handled Shoehorn: While not directly for pants, it's essential for footwear.
• Stable Support: A sturdy chair with armrests, the edge of a bed, or a couch can provide a safe, seated position. Avoid unstable surfaces.
• Clear Environment: Ensure there are no obstacles on the floor that could cause a trip.
• Pre-Planning: Lay out your chosen pants within easy reach.

Step-by-Step Guide: Donning Pants Safely

The safest methods prioritize the surgical leg and minimize strain.

Method 1: Seated Position (Most Recommended)

This method reduces the risk of falls and provides stability.

1. Choose Your Seat: Sit on a stable chair with armrests, or the edge of a bed, ensuring your feet can reach the floor or a stable surface.
2. Position the Pants: Hold the pants by the waistband.
3. Address the Surgical Leg First: Gently guide the pants over your foot and up your ankle on the surgical leg. Use a reacher or dressing stick if necessary to pull the fabric up without excessively bending your knee or hip.
4. Address the Non-Surgical Leg: Once the surgical leg is partially in, carefully guide the pants over the foot and up the ankle of your non-surgical leg.
5. Pull Up to the Knees: Gently pull the pants up over both knees, being mindful not to bend the surgical knee beyond its prescribed range of motion. Use the reacher to assist.
6. Stand Cautiously (if allowed): If cleared for weight-bearing, use your arms to push up from the chair's armrests. As you slowly rise, pull the pants up over your hips and waist. Distribute your weight evenly, or favor your non-surgical leg if partial weight-bearing. Do not twist your torso.
7. Adjust: Once standing (or remaining seated if weight-bearing is restricted), adjust the waistband for comfort.

Method 2: Lying Down (If Standing is Difficult or Contraindicated)

This method is suitable if standing is not yet safe or if you have strict non-weight-bearing restrictions.

1. Lie Down: Lie flat on your back on a bed.
2. Position the Pants: Hold the pants open by the waistband.
3. Address the Surgical Leg First: Carefully guide the pants over the foot and up the ankle of your surgical leg. Use a reacher or dressing stick to assist, avoiding excessive knee flexion.
4. Address the Non-Surgical Leg: Once the surgical leg is partially in, gently guide the pants over the foot and up the ankle of your non-surgical leg.
5. Pull Up to Hips: Once both feet are in, gently pull the pants up towards your hips. You may need to slightly lift your hips (a pelvic tilt) by bending your non-surgical knee and pushing through your heel, or by rolling gently from side to side (within pain limits) to work the pants up.
6. Adjust: Once the pants are fully on, adjust for comfort.

Key Biomechanical and Safety Considerations

• Avoid Excessive Knee Flexion/Extension: Your surgeon will provide specific ROM limits. Do not force your knee beyond these. For example, after ACL reconstruction, excessive flexion may be restricted; after total knee arthroplasty, excessive flexion or hyperextension may be cautioned.
• No Twisting at the Knee or Torso: Twisting motions put significant stress on the knee joint and surrounding soft tissues. Always pivot with your feet, or move your entire body as a unit.
• Adhere to Weight-Bearing Status: Strictly follow your surgeon's instructions (e.g., non-weight-bearing, partial weight-bearing, weight-bearing as tolerated). Use crutches, a walker, or cane as prescribed.
• Maintain Core Engagement: Engaging your abdominal muscles can help stabilize your trunk and reduce strain on your back and lower body.
• Breathe: Avoid holding your breath during any movement, as this can increase blood pressure and muscle tension.
• Listen to Your Body: Pain is a warning sign. If you feel sharp pain, stop immediately and reassess. A mild discomfort is different from acute pain.
• Don't Hesitate to Ask for Assistance: Especially in the early stages, having a caregiver or family member assist can prevent injury and make the process much easier.

Clothing Selection for Optimal Recovery

The right clothing can significantly ease the dressing process and support recovery:

• Elastic Waistbands: Provide flexibility and accommodate any post-surgical swelling.
• Wide Leg Openings: Allow for easy passage over the foot and knee brace (if worn) without forcing or straining.
• Soft, Non-Restrictive Fabrics: Materials like cotton, jersey, or fleece are gentle on the skin and won't constrict circulation.
• Avoid:
  • Tight-fitting clothing: Restricts circulation and makes movement difficult.
  • Zippers, buttons, or complex fasteners: Require fine motor skills and bending that may be challenging.
  • Heavy fabrics: Can be cumbersome to manipulate.

Progression and When to Seek Help

As your recovery progresses and your pain subsides, you will gradually regain more range of motion and strength. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to improve mobility and function, which will naturally make dressing easier.

Contact your medical professional or physical therapist if you experience:

• Increased or sudden sharp pain during dressing.
• New or worsening swelling, redness, or warmth around the incision.
• Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot.
• Inability to dress yourself due to pain or severe limitations.
• Any signs of infection (fever, chills).

Safely navigating daily activities like dressing is a critical part of your rehabilitation. By understanding your limitations, using appropriate techniques and tools, and adhering to medical advice, you can protect your surgical knee and promote a successful recovery.