The past few years have seen an upsurge in knee replacement surgeries. It is suggested by the doctors only when no medications, no walking support, or any treatment can heal the knee pain of a patient. Sometimes knee inflammation and swelling, which is not improving for a long time, is also the cause of knee replacement surgery. Even knee deformity can also lead to this surgery. This joint replacement surgery will relieve pain, correct deformations in the leg to some extent, and you can again get back to normal activities.
The most significant cause of knee pain is arthritis. Arthritis is of many types, but the ones that cause knee pain are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
The Knee replacement surgery will surely reduce your pain to a great extent, but at the same time, you may miss out on doing many things that you could do before developing arthritis.
You have to take a lot of precautions not for some days or weeks but the rest of your life also! Most of the surgeons will advise not doing substantial impact activities like running, jogging, or playing any sport!
12 PRECAUTIONS POST KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
- Falling
This is the most basic yet critical precaution. Don’t fall! The implants are still porous, and it will take at least eight weeks for the bones to grow and attach to the implants. You must always maintain balance while walking.
It is better to have walking support with you. Falling will increase your pain and damage the implant and lead to a fracture in the arm or hip! Thus, more delay in the recovery.
To prevent falling, you must prepare your house too! Let’s see how you can do that.
- Safe Floors
Does your house have rugs or carpets? If yes, then remove them. Clear all the paths at home and remove all those objects that might make the floor slippery. Walk around in the house with a walker for the first one month.
Sit or sleep near that side where it is easy to access the lights, and medication is easily reached. The less you move in the initial days, less are the chances of falling!
- Bath Safely
The best way to avoid an accident is to have an elevated toilet seat. The legs attached to a raised toilet seat will get locked, and it will be easier for the patient to use the toilet much more comfortably.
You have to be extra-precaution while going to the bathroom, especially while taking a bath. It would be good if there is someone to help you with all these chores. But still, it is advised not to take a shower for the first 12 days.
- Infection
For the next 3 to 6 months, you will surely have mild swelling and redness around the knee. During regular checkups, the therapist will check the incision for infection and temperature too!
There are two types of incision which can develop during this tenure: Superficial Knee Incision and Deep Knee incision. Superficial Knee infection will heal automatically with time and take medications on time while deep knee infections can require follow-up surgery.
- Avoid Long Periods of Inactivity
The advice of taking rest doesn’t mean sleeping or sitting all the time. Putting some weight on your surgical knee will help speed up the recovery. The therapist will surely assign you some physical exercises which must be done regularly. The pain at this time will surely make you depressed about the condition, but your motivation to reviver will make the process much faster.
- Help With Medical Appointments
Don’t ever miss the appointments. Keep a calendar and note down all the dates. For the first 4-6 weeks, you won’t be able to drive. Therefore, you might ask your loved ones to encourage you to the doctor, or you can hire a driver as well! Any issues, you can undoubtedly contact the healthcare team.
- Rehab is Very Important
Motivation is the key to recovery. The exercises recommended by the doctor/therapist must be done regularly. But due to pain, you will feel like leaving the things and getting to bed! But only medicines can’t heal you. The rehab will help you recover more quickly
- Keep a list of Questions for Medical Professionals
Don’t shy about asking questions. Keep everything open, whatever you feel etc. Hiding something from the doctor will be a loss for you! You can note down all those questions on a piece of paper or notepad of your smartphone.
- Watch for changes
People should tell you about the changes in your body. You might not witness those changes, but an outside perspective will help you get those changes. If there is any significant change, you can undoubtedly contact a medical professional.
- Keep up with paperwork
During this whole surgery process and later, you will gather a lot of bills and reports. You can make separate folders and store them safely for future reference. If you have any insurance, then these bills and statements matter a lot.
- Provide Emotional Support
Along with the physical changes, people undergo a lot of mental differences. There is regular demotivation, pain, and anger. A better state of mind can help in better recovery.
- Take Care of Yourself
Take time for yourself; enjoy life. Take breaks, call your friends, and ask them to visit you, follow your hobby. During this whole time, you have to take care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from friends or family.
Closing Comments:
Thus after knee replacement surgery, the patient has to take a lot of precautions. Proper exercise, medication on time and not missing out any appointment is the key to early recovery. But if you are facing any kind of problem or unsatisfied with the therapy, you can contact Narad Hospital.
Narad Hospital has a specialization in knee replacement surgeries. We have the best doctors, modern machines, highly-skilled staff, and secure appointment options. Our therapy sessions have cured thousands of patients. Patients come here with pain but go out with a smile on their face.
