People who undergo knee replacement surgery may have the biggest question about recovery. The fact about the knee replacement surgery is that different patients have different levels of pain after undergoing knee replacement surgery. Although patients can follow certain tips to recover quicker and also in a healthy way.
What is meant by knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a procedure performed to replace the injured or damaged knee joint with a prosthetic joint to restore movement. There are two major types of knee replacement surgery, total knee replacement and partial knee replacement.
In total knee replacement the whole joint is replaced, and in the partial knee replacement only the damaged parts are removed and replaced. In case you are experiencing problems with your knee, visit the best ortho hospital, to get expert care and treatment.
Who needs to undergo knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is mostly performed on individuals with severe joint issues like arthritis. Where the symptoms do not get better with non-surgical treatments. In a few cases when a person suffers a major injury, knee replacement surgery may be recommended.
Signs like,
- Severe joint pain
- Mobility issues
- Stiffness in the joint can also be managed.
What are the tips to follow to manage the pain after knee replacement surgery?
The recovery time for knee replacement surgery is different in different people, few people may recover early while few may take longer than expected. Although there are various tips for recovery after knee replacement surgery.
Ensure to rest your knee straight:
Even though it may not be very comfortable, it is important to keep your knee straight after the knee replacement surgery. Reduce the amount of time you spend standing, but initially it will be helpful if you don’t stand immediately for long hours.
In case you want to move around, take help of a wheelchair or even crutches. Maintain a straight front leg with no bend in the joint while seated and lying down. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to start bending and moving the joint, so make sure you allow it plenty of time to recover.
Wear your knee brace to support the knee:
Your surgeon might provide you with a knee brace following surgery. Don it! maintain your knee brace on as much as you can to maintain your knee straight and avoid any unneeded strain. Keep in mind that the brace is a crucial piece of medical gear that will accelerate your recuperation and protect and stabilize your knee.
Perform the exercises under guidance:
It’s crucial that you only engage in workouts and activities after surgery that have been authorized by your doctor. The specific activities that are recommended for you will vary depending on the difficulty of your procedure, your general physical health, and the length of time since your procedure. Your doctor might recommend the following exercises:
- Slow leg presses
- Low impact swimming
- Slow walking
Before trying any exercises or even simple walking get a consultation from your doctor to avoid any complications or accidents.
Pain management medications:
After the knee replacement surgery, you may be recommended certain medications, to help calm the knee replacement pain. Taking these medications as per recommendations helps calm to a great extent. But it is important to complete the course of medication to have a healthy recovery after knee replacement surgery.
Take the needed rest:
Total knee replacement surgery has a significant physical impact, thus it cannot be a reality to stand on your own feet immediately within 4 to 5 days after knee replacement surgery. Consider the fact that your knee joints have been injured over time; your rehabilitation and repair will not happen quickly.
All of this is related to discomfort, edema, and excessive activity, which all call for rest. Swelling and discomfort are brought on by being on your feet.
Apply ice packs:
For pain treatment following knee replacement surgery, ice application is essential. Ice can help reduce pain when used with drugs, or it can be used on its own when the pain is not as severe. An ice block with a compression pack gently placed around the knee is advised by an orthopedic expert.
Keep moving even if it is minimal:
To prevent your joint from becoming stiff, avoid remaining in one place for more than 45 minutes. You can try walking while you’re still in the hospital with your doctor’s consent to gain a feel for the new joint. Walking or exercise in general helps the affected area’s blood flow. Increased blood flow can lessen discomfort and hasten the healing process.
Begin physical therapy:
Frequently, you will be introduced to the exercises recommended by your doctor for the first time at a routine physical therapy appointment. This enables you to try the exercise while being watched by an expert physiotherapist who can keep an eye on your knee and make sure that it doesn’t agitate it or cause any other issues. You must make an effort to attend each and every physical therapy appointment if you want to make a full recovery. Your best chance for a quick recovery is to do this.
But it is important to discuss it with your ortho doctor before trying any of the recovery tips of knee replacement surgery. And also follow the recommendations of your doctor.
Important Takeaway:
There are various strategies to lessen pain and suffering after your knee replacement, even though soreness, swelling, and bruising are common side effects of the healing process. This includes using prescription medication as well as non-medical approaches like exercising, massaging the affected area, using ice, practicing mindfulness, and according to treatment guidelines. Reach out to the best knee replacement surgeon if you are looking to undergo treatment for knee issues.