When the time comes to make a decision on knee replacement, it’s a big decision and you want to research the options. You need to understand not only the surgery itself but also the steps to take after the surgery while you are at home recovering. Even though knee replacement patients have a low risk of dislocation, you will want to take the necessary precautions to protect your new knee.
Treat the Swelling
After your knee surgery, there will be swelling. Do not be alarmed. The swelling may cause some discomfort when performing your range of motion exercises that your physician will prescribe. Know these exercises are imperative to a speedy recovery and to reduce the swelling.
The swelling can be treated by apply cold packs for 20-30 minute intervals several times per day. It is good to have several ice packs to rotate throughout the day. Keep the affected leg elevated while icing. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain and to reduce the swelling.
Don’t Sit in Pain
Treat the pain. There is no need to be the hero after your surgery. If you are in pain, take the pain medication prescribed to you. Talk to your physician about post-surgical pain as well as any concerns you may have with prescribed medications. A pain management plan can be made that will work for you.
Safety Aids
A walker or cane will help ensure that you will not fall and damage the newly inserted knee. After the surgery, your physician may require you to purchase safety and mobility aids. Even if you feel you do not need the walker or cane, it is a good visual aid to let strangers in a public area know not to bump, jostle or startle.
As the recovery progresses, you can decrease the use of these aids however in the beginning aids are highly recommended for a crowd to give you your space as to not fall if you become unstable quickly.
Plan Ahead
Remember that you will be sore after your surgery. You will be tired and prone to falling. Plan ahead to maximize your rest time. Make as few trips in and out of the car as possible. Minimize the number of trips up and down the steps for items forgotten. Place items that you need often nearby like the remote, phone and phone charger.
Discuss your Rehab with Physiotherapist
It is important after surgery to follow your physician’s instructions. The physician will refer you to a physiotherapist for the rehabilitation of your new knee. The physiotherapist will personalize a knee program to help you reach your goals.
Physiotherapy is essential to the successful recovery of your knee surgery. You will be required to work hard and even push through some pain and frustration. The end result of a healthy knee is well worth the hard work and effort.
Remember long term care
Once you start recovering you will feel better and have less pain with movements. It is important to keep with your recommended physiotherapy treatment. You need to maintain strong muscles around the knee joint. Keep the surgery site clean and free of infections but also keep any cuts received after the surgery clean so the infection won’t spread to your artificial knee.
Most importantly, follow up with your surgeon regularly. Once you are pain-free it is hard to make the yearly follow up with the surgeon, yet this is an important step in your long term recovery. The appointments are to check the hardware in your knee so your physician may detect a problem before the pain is felt.
Knee surgery can be a big life event. Know that you are in the best hands while having the procedure. You can’t give up after the surgery. Take these precautions to ensure you have a healthy and active lifestyle.
