Pain, weakness, and loss of function in the joints are some of the most life-altering effects of old age. The wear and tear, and loss of mobility in the joints, especially knees, takes a toll on the quality of life. If the knee joint has been severely weakened and damaged, conservative treatments like medication, exercises, and physiotherapy may not prove to be effective. In cases of severe damage, knee replacement surgery is often required. If you’re considering a surgical knee replacement, it is better that you know the process of the surgery and the phase of recovery. Knowing about the procedure and rehabilitation greatly helps in avoiding complications, and in a safe recovery. The aforementioned are some suggestions and recommendations by certified, experienced orthopedic surgeons which will help you get the most out of your knee replacement surgery and enjoy maximum mobility and movement of the knee joints.
Precautions orthopedic specialists recommend you take after a knee replacement surgery
To ensure you get maximum benefits from your knee replacement surgery and regain healthy knee functioning, you must take proper care and precautions during the first few days at home. Your orthopedic surgeon will let you know what you should expect at home following the surgery. You will be encouraged to walk the next day after the surgery. Do not drink alcohol, drive a car or two-wheeler, or use any machinery for the first 24 hours after the surgery as you may still be under the effect of the anesthesia administered during your surgery and it may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon will suggest specific instructions depending on your health condition and medical needs. You should follow these basic general instructions and precautions after your surgery-
- Do not sit with your leg crossed as it may put a strain on the knee and avoid sitting in low sofas or chairs.
- While sleeping or lying in bed, do not sleep with your operated leg down as it may put pressure or weight on it.
- While walking or climbing up, do not go first with the operated knee. If you have had a total knee replacement and are operated on both knees, be very careful while walking or using the stairs. When going down the stairs, lead with the surgical leg and take one step at a time.
- Take your pain killers and other medications as advised. You should take your pain medications with food. For the first 48 hours after your knee surgery, take the pain-relieving medication only if necessary.
- Keep your dressing dry and clean to prevent infections.
- Use ice packs to manage pain and minimize swelling. Make sure that the ice bag does not make the dressing wet or leak into it.
- Do your prescribed exercises regularly, as directed by your orthopedic doctor. Your orthopedic doctor and physiotherapist will help you develop an exercise program to promote healing.
- Ask your surgeon before resuming regular activities such as jogging, golfing, swimming, and bicycling.
- Begin physiotherapy as soon as you can after your surgery. Physiotherapy in the first week after knee replacement is very helpful in regaining joint motion and will also prevent stiffness. The physiotherapist will also suggest strengthening exercises in the later weeks for a successful outcome.
Your orthopedic surgeon will provide you with specific tips, recommendations, and a personalized post-recovery plan, specially catered for your needs and requirements. Ensure that you take your prescribed medication on time every day and do any exercises recommended by the doctor. You should also realize the importance of physiotherapy after a knee replacement and take it extremely seriously.
Your orthopedic surgeon will work closely with you prior to their joint replacement surgery to ensure they are in the best physical state for the surgery. This will also help you prepare for the surgery which in turn will improve the recovery period. Meet an exceedingly skilled and trusted orthopedic surgeon for your knee replacement.
Physical Activity restrictions after knee replacement
Your joint won’t be able to support your body right after the knee replacement surgery. Trying to put your full body weight on the operated knee may result in dislocation, injury, or damage to the knee. To avoid any such complications, your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you through the rehabilitation process. As time passes, the replaced joint regains mobility, stability, and strength, and you will be able to resume your normal lifestyle.
Following are some tips and recommendations that will help you complete the rehabilitation phase smoothly.
- Make sure you don’t cross or twist your legs. Also, don’t fold your operated leg while sitting.
- Don’t sit in low chairs, as your knees may fold while doing so. Sit in high chairs so that your treated knee is comfortable.
- Don’t stand or sit for extended periods to avoid excessive strain on your knee.
- Don’t sleep on the side which has undergone surgery. Sleeping on the side of the operated knee can physically damage the knee.
- Climb the stairs carefully. Never try to climb more than one stair at a time.
What can you do after knee replacement?
- Use your healthy leg while going up or down the stairs. Don’t use the leg which has undergone surgery as this might cause pain and damage to the tender tissues.
- Try to sleep on your back or the side of your healthy leg. Sleeping on your stomach or the side of the operated leg can result in pressure and jerks to the knee.
- Keep your leg straight while sleeping, the front side facing up. Don’t put a pillow between your thighs or knees while sleeping.
- Don’t contract or relax your knee hastily. Bend your knee slowly and repeatedly as a part of rehabilitation.
- Keep yourself physically active. Take small, slow walks to adjust your operated knee.
- Use your arms rather than legs while getting in or out of a chair.
- While walking or climbing stairs, lead with the nonsurgical leg to save the operated leg from pressure. Take one step at a time for a few days after the surgery and gradually increase our pace after a week or so.
- Use hot fomentation bottles or ice packs to relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Go through the full physiotherapy course as instructed by your orthopedic surgeon or physician. It will be difficult in the initial week, but the exercises and physiotherapy will help the operated knee to gain mobility and strength.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet to provide your body the nutrition to heal.
Exercises to Avoid After Knee Replacement
Exercising helps the recovery process along and is necessary for proper healing of the operated joint. However, some exercises could harm the operated knee rather than help it heal. Such exercises should be steered clear of until you get a green signal from your physiotherapist and orthopedic surgeon. Some of these exercises are listed as follows.
- Jogging- Running and jogging puts pressure on the knees and jerks them repeatedly. Excessive strain can damage or even dislocate the operated knee.
- Weight lifting and training- Carrying heavyweights in weight training will put pressure on the newly operated tender knee and inhibit the recovery process. In worse cases, weight training can deteriorate the condition of the knee and lead to physical damage.
- Hiking or mountain climbing- Adventure sports like hiking require you to climb up a slope. The uneven ground, steep and elevated slope, and rough terrain put strain on the knees.
- Rollerblading, skating, or skateboarding- Sports like these carry a high risk of accidents and falling on concrete. Therefore, it is best to avoid these until you have recovered fully.
Avoid participating in contact sports or activities that may lead to a sudden injury, twisting, or jerking of the knee, such as hockey, football, basketball, skiing, gymnastics, before, or rugby. Low-impact activities such as walks, cycling, golf, and swimming should be taken up to remain active and moving after knee replacement surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will also suggest exercises to do at home to encourage healing. You should eat a healthy diet, remain hydrated and take your medications on time.
Final Words
If your orthopedic doctor has recommended knee replacement surgery, you will have to get the surgery now or later. Delaying the surgery will not benefit you in any way but may increase complications and can also cause a significant impact on your life. By diligently considering the suggestions of your orthopedic surgeon, and by following their instructions post-surgery, you can ensure a successful surgery and a hassle-free recovery. In case you have any doubts or queries about knee replacement surgery, notify our orthopedic surgeon at the first instance.
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