If you’ve had a total knee replacement and are wondering if travel can still be part of your life, the good news is that it absolutely can! Since my right knee replacement at the end of July 2024, I’ve found plenty of ways to explore the world while staying (mostly) comfortable, safe and healthy. In this post, I’ll share tips for traveling by car or van, cruise ship, and airplane, plus advice for navigating airports. Remember, I’m a blogger and travel advisor, not a physician. Always consult your doctor before planning any travel after knee replacement surgery.
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Preparing for travel after knee replacement
Before heading out on any adventure, talk to your healthcare provider about your plans. Ask about any restrictions, tips for preventing blood clots, and whether you’ll need additional medications. Depending on your stage of recovery, your doctor might recommend wearing compression stockings or taking a blood thinner during long trips. Make sure you have all necessary prescriptions and medical supplies packed before you travel after knee replacement.
You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance just in case you’re not able to make the trip.
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Traveling by car or minivan
Road trips can be a great way to travel after a knee replacement because you have more control over your schedule. We typically drive our Chrysler Pacific minivan on road trips, and I have found it quite comfortable and accessible after my TKR. My first trip in the minivan was just five days after surgery. We drove more than 420 miles from Minnesota back to our home in Nebraska. While that trip was not easy and bathroom breaks were challenging, it was manageable. By week six post-TKR, when we returned to Minnesota, it was much better.
Here are a few tips for taking a roadtrip after knee replacement:
- Plan regular stops: Stop every 1-2 hours to get out, stretch, and walk around. This helps prevent stiffness and reduces the risk of blood clots. Rest areas are a great place to do a few exercises, as they typically have a park bench and level sidewalks. In addition, look for handicap accessible bathroom stalls that have grab bars and raised seats that make it easier on your knee.
- Bring an ice pack: If your knee swells during the trip, an ice pack can help reduce discomfort. Consider using a portable cooler to keep it cold or refill an icepack at gas stations along the way. Our minivan has an electrical outlet in the back, so I took my Polar ice cooler with us and plugged it in. I sat in the far back bench seat with my leg elevated on a cooler to ice. It worked great.
- Bring a collapsable step stool: I tucked our collapsable footstool like this one in the back of the van for road trips. Before I could make the big step up into the back of the van, I used the step stool for easier entry. Just be sure to hold onto a grab bar in the van and have someone near you to help watch where you’re stepping and in case you need assistance.
- Wear slip-on shoes: In the first few days after my knee replacement, I had a difficult time bending my leg and foot with my large HOKA tennis shoes on. Instead, I opted for a slip-on shoe that I could easily remove just before and after entering or exiting the car. It gave me a bit more room and I didn’t have to bend my knee quite as much. However, these don’t always make great walking shoes, so be especially careful when not in the car.
- Keep moving that knee: I purchased a mini skateboard that I use regularly under my home office desk to keep my knee moving. While I would NEVER attempt to actually “ride” a skateboard after TKR, it is a great way to keep your knee bending back and forth, even in the car.
- Adjust your seat: Use a cushion or lumbar support to make the seat more comfortable. Recline slightly to reduce pressure on your knee.
- Elevate when possible: If you’re a passenger, bring a small pillow or travel footrest to prop up your leg and improve circulation. I purchased a second gel footrest like the one I have under the desk in my home office and used it on the passenger side of the car.
- Wear compression socks: Wearing compression socks on road trips can help improve blood circulation, reduce leg swelling, and prevent discomfort during long periods of sitting. They also lower the risk of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), making them a smart choice for extended travel.
Cruising is my favorite way to travel after knee replacement
Cruises are a fantastic way to travel without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.The ship (which is basically a resort hotel) carries you from one destination to another and has everything you need for your recovery! My first cruise with my new-and-improved knee was just six weeks post surgery. I had considered canceling and am so glad I did not. After several weeks cooped up at home, a cruise vacation was just what I needed. The sunshine, time on the beach, and not having to cook (or clean up) any meals certainly lifted my spirits.
Here’s how to make cruising even easier on your new knee:
- Choose the right cabin: Unless you’re trying to get in more steps each day, book a cabin close to elevators. Some ships also offer accessible rooms with more space and grab bars so ask your travel agent if one is available. Don’t have a travel agent? My husband, Steve, and I are travel advisors with Dream Vacations and would be happy to help you. Just give us a call at 402.575.9624 or email us at s.teget@dreamvacations.com.
- Use mobility aids: If walking long distances is still a challenge, bring a cane, walker, or even rent a scooter for the trip. Many cruise lines work seamlessly with rental agencies. I rented an electric scooter when I cruised just six weeks after my TKR. I typically walked on my own during the day, but used the scooter in the evenings when we were going from dinner to a show and my leg was more fatigued.
- Plan excursions wisely: Look for excursions that are low-impact or involve reasonable amounts of walking. Consider tours with bus or boat rides instead of strenuous hikes. Or, simply relax at a nice beach. Just be sure to apply sunscreen and stay in shaded areas to protect your scar from the sun.
- Enjoy the ship: Instead of booking an excursion, take advantage of the less-crowded ship and stay onboard. There are dozens of things to see and do around the ship, so check out the daily schedule and plan ahead. Need some ideas on what to do? We wrote a blog post more than 50 things to do onboard.
- Take advantage of onboard amenities: Most cruise ships have fitness centers, pools, walking tracks, and hot tubs that can be great for gentle exercise or soothing sore joints. Be sure to consult your doctor about when it’s OK to use a pool or hot tub. I enjoyed using the recumbent bike on my first cruise after knee replacement. (With that view, who wouldn’t?) Cruise ships also have medical staff onboard, if needed. Just know that that there may be an additional fee for their services.
Need help booking a cruise vacation? My husband, Steve, and I are Dream Vacations travel advisors and would love to help you plan your next cruise. Just email us here: s.teget@dreamvacations.com.
Flying after total knee replacement
Flying after knee replacement can be intimidating, but with a little preparation, it’s entirely doable:
- Request assistance: When booking your flight, ask for assistance with boarding or a wheelchair if needed. This can make airport navigation much easier. Be sure to listen for announcements in the boarding area. Don’t hesitate to board when they call for those who need extra time getting to their seat. After all, you might. Typically, your travel companion(s) can accompany you, as well.
- Choose your seat carefully: An aisle seat gives you more room to stretch your leg–just be sure to watch for traffic in the aisle. Some airlines allow you to pre-select seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. If it’s in the budget, Business or First Class seats will offer the most space and comfort.
- Keep moving: During the flight, get up and walk around every hour to promote circulation. If you’re unable to stand, do seated exercises like ankle rolls and leg lifts.
- Take an empty ice bag: Each time I flew after my knee replacement, I took a portable ice bag. After getting through TSA, I had it filled at one of the not-so-busy restaurants. Of course, offering a $5 tip helped that process along. Airline attendants were also happy to empty the water from it or refill it as needed.
- Wear compression socks: Wearing compression socks on road trips can help improve blood circulation, reduce leg swelling, and prevent discomfort during long periods of sitting. They also lower the risk of developing blood clots.
- Pack strategically: Keep essential items like medications, a water bottle, and snacks in your carry-on for easy access. Store those items under the seat, and not in the overhead compartment.
Knee surgery travel tips for navigating airports
Airports can be busy and overwhelming, but these tips can help you breeze through:
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time to navigate security, especially if you’re using mobility aids or requesting assistance.
- Inform TSA: Let TSA agents know about your knee replacement before going through security. Some metal implants may set off alarms, so be prepared for additional screening.
- Use airport lounges: If you have a long layover, consider purchasing a day pass for an airport lounge. These often have more comfortable seating and quieter environments.
- Stay hydrated: Air travel can be dehydrating, which isn’t ideal for recovery. Drink plenty of water to keep your joints happy.
- Get up and walk: With open spaces and smooth floors, airports can be a great place to walk and stretch your knee as you wait for your flight. Just be sure to stay near the gate, as it may take more time than usual to return.
Enjoying your journey
Remember, the key to successful post-knee replacement travel is planning and communication. Talk to your doctor about your travel plans, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. After all, with a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can conquer any adventure with your new knee! Oh, one more thing. Don’t forget to do your post-op exercises! Stretching, heel slides, walking, and leg lifts can (and should) still be done – even when you’re on vacation.
Now, enough talk, time to get back out there! Where will your next adventure take you? Share your travel tips and favorite destinations in the comments below! Wherever you’re headed, I hope you have an incredible time exploring this beautiful world. If you’d like help planning your next cruise, all-inclusive, or land-based vacation, we’d love to be of assistance. Just fill out THIS FORM and let us know how we can help. Travel well – Ann and Steve Teget
