Dos and Don’ts for Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgery, also known as Knee Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that can effectively reduce pain and restore normal mobility in the arthritic knee. The procedure involves surgically removing the damaged part of the knee joint( femur, tibia, and in some cases patella) to replace the same with a metal prosthesis.

 

The knee arthroplasty procedure is often kept as a last resort if none of the other treatments works well for the patient like medications, physiotherapy, knee preservation procedures, etc. 

 

If they don’t respond to medications or physical therapy and complain about chronic pain in the knees, consulting an orthopedic surgeon regarding the same is important. He will further examine, investigate and decide about the surgery.

 

However, once the procedure is done successfully, aftercare plays a significant role in patient recovery. If you want to ensure proper healing and restoration of the normal functioning of the knee joint, following the correct recovery instructions by the surgeon is crucial.

Table Of Contents

 

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye

 

1. What Happens After Knee Replacement Surgery?
2. Dos After the Surgery
3. Things to Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery

Take Away

1. What Happens After Knee Replacement Surgery?

The knee replacement surgery is done under regional anesthesia to ensure that the patient doesn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery.

 

Once the surgery is completed successfully, the patient is wheeled into the recovery room where they are kept under observation for one to two hours. After the anesthesia wears off and the patient’s vitals are checked, they are wheeled into a hospital room where they will stay for a couple of days, as per the surgeon’s instructions.

 

Aside from the prescribed medications to manage the pain and inflammation, the surgeon will also encourage the patient to move their feet and ankle to promote seamless blood circulation. Patients may be prescribed blood-thinning medications(depending on the patient's medical condition) to prevent blood clots.

 

The surgeon will appoint a physical therapist to come in and help with the exercises that the patient needs to do during the recovery period to restore the normal functioning of the knee. The surgeon will gradually increase the level of activity through the recovery period to ensure that the patient can get back to normal life without any complications.

 

Generally, the patient is made to stand with the help of a walker the very next day and made to take a few steps under the guidance of trained physiotherapists.

 

If you are concerned about how long the initial recovery takes, it will range between 3-6 weeks, depending on the severity of the surgery and the age of the patient. The surgeon will suggest starting with low-impact activities around the house and outdoors instead of the rigorous ones to ensure that the prosthesis isn’t negatively impacted in anyways. Always consult with your surgeon to take note of the limitations before you think of doing the same.

2. Dos After the Surgery

Once you are on the road to recovery after getting the surgery done by the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi, you must follow the do's mentioned to ensure reduced risks of complications.

 

Take Doctor’s Advice Seriously

If you want to experience a speedy recovery, you must listen to your doctor’s advice and instructions. From the medications that the doctor has prescribed to the physical therapy, there is a lot that you need to be mindful of. Make a routine to ensure that you don’t forget any medicine or other suggestions that the doctor has suggested you with.

 

Get Physiotherapy Done

Not just medicines, the recovery after total Knee Replacement in Delhi, involves physical rehabilitation as well. From physiotherapy sessions to the suggested exercises, you need to make sure that you do them the right way. Indulging in physical therapy strengthens the muscles to ensure quicker recovery and mobility after the surgery.

 

Do Heat and Cold Therapy

Aside from medications and physical therapy, indulging in heat and cold therapy reduces the complaints of pain and swelling that several patients struggle with. Ice the knee and the associated area 3-4 times a day or according to your doctor’s suggestion.

 

Consume a Healthy Diet

What you eat after getting the knee replacement surgery is crucial. Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet to replenish the nutrient reserves in your body.

 

Take it Easy

Knee replacement is a severe surgery and requires a lot of rest for proper recovery. If you are constantly straining and pushing yourself more than you should, it is likely going to delay the recovery and result in complications. Instead, take some time off and focus solely on the recovery process.

3. Things to Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery

Much like the do's, there are a few things that you need to avoid for quicker recovery after total knee replacement in Delhi.

 

Avoid Putting Strain on the Knees

While getting some exercise and physical therapy is necessary, there is no point in pushing yourself beyond your capacity. Overdoing anything will inadvertently put a strain on the knees and delay the recovery process.

 

Don’t Walk Without a Walker Right After Surgery

While it is necessary that you walk and be mobile after your surgery, you need to do so using a walker. The last thing you want is to put all the pressure on the healing knee while you are walking. So, for a week or two after the surgery, avoid walking without using a walker.

 

Don’t Suppress your Pain

One of the most common post-surgical issues that patients face is the unbearable pain around the knees and the limbs, in general. If you are experiencing the same, it is advisable to take the prescribed painkillers instead of just letting it be.

 

Don’t Get Other Surgeries Done

While you are recovering from your knee replacement surgery, avoid scheduling any other surgeries in between. Even for dental work, consult your surgeon to get approval, and only then should you go ahead with the procedures.

 

Don’t Play High Impact Sports

The surgeon suggests getting back to low-impact activities like swimming, walking, grocery runs, etc. a few weeks after the surgery. However, high-impact sports like jogging, football, and other ones out of question, especially because they directly impact the recovery process and eventually take a toll on the healing process.

Takeaway

Knee Replacement Surgery is a major procedure, so it is essential that you treat it as such. If you are taking things for granted and not focusing on your recovery well, there will be future complications that will affect the functionalities of the knee and mobility, in general.

 

At J&B, you will get the best treatment and post-treatment care for your knee replacement at affordable costs and under the guidance of the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi.