If you’ve just had knee surgery, you might notice your bathroom trips getting stranger. Constipation is a common side‑effect, and it can make an already tough recovery feel even worse. The good news? You can control it with a few simple steps. Below we explain why it happens and what you can do right now.
First, the pain meds you’re likely taking – especially opioids – slow down your gut. Opioids bind to receptors in the intestines, reducing the muscle contractions that push stool forward. Second, being less active after surgery means your body’s natural “wiggle” that helps move waste around is weaker. Third, the stress of surgery can throw off the hormones that regulate digestion. All three factors combine to make stool dry, hard, and hard to pass.
Start with fluid. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and add a cup of warm water with lemon each morning. Fluid softens stool and stimulates the gut.
Load up on fiber. Fresh fruits like papaya, apples (with skin), and berries are easy to chew and high in soluble fiber. Vegetables such as carrots, beans, and leafy greens add bulk. If whole foods feel heavy, a simple fiber supplement (psyllium husk) in water works too.
Move when you can. Even short, gentle walks around the house or a few minutes of leg lifts help jump‑start intestinal muscles. Your surgeon will give you a timeline – follow it, but don’t wait until you’re completely immobile.
Talk to your doctor about pain meds. If opioids are the main culprit, ask whether a lower dose, a non‑opioid alternative, or a scheduled laxative can be added. Many doctors recommend a stool softener (like docusate) or a mild stimulant laxative (like senna) for the first few days post‑op.
Watch the signs that need a doctor’s eye. If you’re unable to have a bowel movement for more than three days, experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or notice blood in the stool, call your surgeon or go to the emergency department. These could signal a blockage that needs urgent care.
Make a bathroom routine. Set a regular time each day, preferably after a meal, when your gut is naturally more active. Sit relaxed, keep a footstool under your knees to angle your colon, and give yourself enough time – no rushing.
Lastly, keep the bigger picture in mind. Regular bowel movements reduce the risk of pressure on your surgical knee, lower infection chances, and help you stay comfortable while you rehabilitate. By staying hydrated, eating fiber, moving safely, and adjusting medication when needed, you’ll keep your poop on track and your knee recovery smoother.
Wondering when you’ll poop after knee surgery? Find out why constipation happens, what you can do to get things moving, and what’s totally normal.
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