Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure for people who have chronic knee pain or limited mobility as a result of arthritis, injury, or other conditions. While surgery can significantly improve one’s quality of life, the recovery process can be difficult and requires close attention and adherence to post-operative guidelines.
In this blog, we will go over the do’s and don’ts post-procedure and help you understand the must-haves after knee surgery. We will provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to optimize your recovery and get back to your daily activities as soon as possible, from managing pain and swelling to gradually increasing your activity levels.
Following surgery, it is critical that you only engage in exercises and activities that have been approved by your doctor. The specific knee replacement exercises that are recommended for you will be determined by the complexity of your surgery, your overall physical health, and the amount of time since your surgery.
The following exercises may be approved by the doctor:
Our knee surgeon will assign you a qualified physical therapist who may guide you regarding suitable knee activities. A certified physical therapy expert will guide you with the exercises and will monitor your knee to ensure that no agitation or other problems arise as a result of the exercises. Regular physical therapy sessions are critical to your recovery, so make every effort to attend every session. This is your best bet for a quick recovery.
While it may not be easy, it is critical that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after surgery. Keep your leg straight out in front of you when seated or lying down, with no bend in the joint. It’s critical to give the joint enough time to heal; your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to start bending and moving the joint.
Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, plays a crucial role in post-knee surgery recovery. By reducing inflammation, minimizing pain, and promoting faster healing, cryotherapy provides a non-invasive and effective method for patients to regain mobility and comfort after knee surgery.
Even if your pain and swelling are under control after surgery, avoid high-impact sports and activities that require frequent twisting for a smoother knee surgery recovery.
Walking, hydrotherapy, and cycling are exercises that our surgeon recommends because they help you stay fit and rebuild your muscles without causing too much impact.
Our bodies use pain to alert us when something is wrong. Our doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication to help you manage your pain. Remember to take these medications if you are in pain. As your pain subsides, you can gradually reduce these.
If you notice any changes in your incision, particularly increased redness or discharge, these could be signs of infection, and we recommend that you consult your surgeon for further guidance.
Prolonged sitting or standing can aggravate knee swelling and stiffness. Take breaks and move around to avoid these problems.
Always follow all of your surgeon’s instructions and advice. Your surgeon is a medical expert who understands what recovery entails. If they prescribe medication, recommend rest, or give you other instructions, comply with them diligently.
Every individual recovers differently. Hence, our surgeon will produce a tailor-made program based on your surgery and health history.
Go for a walk several times a day once you’ve been cleared to put weight on your leg and walk. Walking improves circulation, which reduces swelling and ensures that the tissue in the knee receives enough oxygen and nutrients.
Even if you can’t go for a long walk or walk without assistance, even a small amount of movement will help your repaired knee. Several short walks will increase circulation enough to make a difference, and even if you use a cane or walker, you’ll be moving your legs. At this point, the goal is not to put a lot of weight on the leg in order to build muscle but rather to simply move it.
While eating healthy foods is always a good idea, fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods are especially important after surgery. During this time, your body requires minerals and vegetables, and the best way to get them is naturally through nutritious foods.
Sleep is beneficial to your body in a variety of ways. Researchers have discovered that a lot of restoration and strengthening occurs during sleep and that it aids in physical recovery.
Adequate sleep after surgery is often as simple as allowing yourself to close your eyes when you’re tired. People don’t want to sleep as much as they should for a variety of reasons, even when they’re told to.
Our surgeon may recommend gentle scar massage once the incision is fully closed and healed. This can help improve knee replacement scar flexibility and reduce the risk of adhesions. Over-the-counter or prescription scar creams or gels may be recommended by your surgeon to improve scar appearance. These should be used as directed.
Protect the scar from direct sunlight for at least six months to prevent hyperpigmentation or darkening of the scar. Use sunscreen or cover the scar with clothing when going out in the sun.
The knee replacement surgery aims at reducing your pain and increasing your knee mobility, but keep in mind that this can take time. After surgery, we will get you up and walking quickly, and your physiotherapist will walk you through a series of exercises to improve as well as enhance the strength and mobility in and around your knee.
You may be able to do high-impact exercises later once the surgeon is happy for you to do that.
Recovery after knee surgery is crucial and it’s important to have the right information and support during this time. By consulting with Dr Omar Sabri, a renowned knee surgeon, you can gain valuable insight on what are the must-haves for proper post-surgery care. With his expertise and guidance, you will be able to navigate through your recovery journey smoothly and get back on your feet in no time.
Don’t let knee surgery hold you back; schedule a consultation with Dr Omar today!
