My mother just had a total knee replacement. I see they have plastic wraps on her legs to prevent blood clots. How does she walk with those things on?

Your mother may be wearing a device called a pneumatic compression pump. These are placed on the legs to help blood keep from pooling and forming blood clots. The pump contracts on and off giving the leg a mini-massage.

These devices are taken off when the patient exercises or walks. However, it’s very important that they are put back on when the patient returns to bed. The compression pump only works when it’s used. Don’t hesitate to ask the nurse or physical therapist how to put them on your mother.