Driving is a common concern for many patients and is an important part of knee replacement recovery to get back to normal activities. Most people, in general, can drive around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, but there is no one timeline that works for everyone. Your orthopedic surgeon will advise when it is safe for you to drive, and this will depend upon your recovery.
Why Can’t You Drive After Knee Replacement?
You need good knee movement, muscle strength, coordination and quick reactions to drive. Immediately after surgery, pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility can make it challenging to operate the pedals safely.
Pain medicines can also affect your alertness and reaction time. For this reason, you should not drive when taking medications that cause sleepiness or slow your reactions.
What Makes You Eligible to Drive?
There are a number of things that will affect your return to driving, such as:
- How well you can bend and move your knee
- Whether you can easily get in and out of the car
- Your leg power and control
- Your ability to slam the brake pedal hard and fast
- Whether your movement is affected by pain or swelling
- Your response times and level of alertness
- The kind of operation and the leg on which it was performed
- If you are still on sedating pain medication
Your surgeon may also look at how you are doing at follow-up visits before allowing you to drive.
Signs You’re Ready To Drive
If you can sit comfortably in the driver’s seat, work the pedals without too much pain, and quickly move your leg when you need to, you may be getting closer to driving. You should also be able to perform an emergency braking movement with confidence and without hesitation.
It’s a good idea to discuss your readiness with your orthopedic surgeon before you get back on the road.
Tips For Getting Back On The Road Safely
Once you are approved to drive, start slowly. Take a short drive in a quiet area during daylight. Avoid heavy traffic and long journeys at first.
Ensure you can easily get in and out of the vehicle. Position the seat so there is enough room for your operated leg to move. Wear your seat belt and do not drive if you are feeling tired, dizzy, distracted or taking medication that affects your alertness.
If you have increased pain or swelling after driving, reduce your activity and consult your healthcare team.
When To Talk To Your Orthopedic Surgeon
If you are unsure if your knee is strong enough, flexible enough, or controlled enough to drive, ask your surgeon before getting behind the wheel. How long will it take to get better? That depends on your health, the surgery, your rehabilitation and your individual situation. If you are planning for knee replacement surgery in indore, it is important to discuss your expected recovery and return-to-driving plan with your orthopedic specialist before surgery.
FAQs
1. Can you drive 2 weeks after knee replacement?
Two weeks is usually early for most patients. Wait to drive until you have enough strength, movement, reaction time and medical clearance.
2. Does the operated leg interfere with driving?
Yes. Your operated leg can influence your ability to use the pedals, particularly when you need to brake or accelerate quickly.
3. Can I drive if I am on pain medicine?
Do not drive while taking these drugs if you experience drowsiness, dizziness or slower reactions. If you are not sure ask your doctor.
4. Can I drive an automatic car after knee replacement surgery?
An automatic car may mean less leg movement but you still need to have enough control of the pedals and safe reaction time.
5. What if I’m afraid to drive again?
When clear, start slow. A brief drive in a quiet area will help you to get comfortable before returning to normal driving.