What to Expect After Your Knee Replacement Surgery

A healthy and strong knee is vital for mobility and performing many other tasks. But like other parts and joints of the body, the knees too will experience issues like pains, injuries, etc. These can severely impact the knee and make it difficult for the person to perform even mundane tasks like walking, climbing stairs, sitting in a chair, or, getting out of it. In many cases, the pain can be overcome through medication and exercise. But if the pain is severe and medication is having no effect, the patient will be advised to undergo a knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement is very beneficial. Besides mitigating the pain, it will also help the patient lead a normal life. But it is important to undergo knee replacement surgery from reputed hospitals like BLK-Max that have highly capable doctors and state-of-the-art medical infrastructure.

When should knee replacement surgery be done?

• To relieve knee pain, doctors will suggest treatments like physical therapy, reducing weight, acupuncture, and medications.
• When other forms of treatment are ineffective, the surgeon will suggest a knee replacement operation. Through X-rays, the doctor will determine the damage to the knee and the type of surgery that is required.
• Knee replacement is usually undertaken when the knee joint is damaged and is beyond repair.
• People suffering from knee pains find it difficult to walk and suffer from pains even when they are sleeping or resting.
• Some conditions that can cause knee pains include gout, hemophilia, knee injury, knee deformity, unusual bone growth, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Risks associated with knee replacement

Knee replacement is very beneficial as it can help the patient lead a normal life. But there are certain risks involved.

• Since the old and worn-out knee will be removed and an artificial joint put in its place, the patient might experience blood clots, especially in the lungs or veins.
• Stroke, heart attack, nerve damage, and infections are some other risks.
• Caregivers should be very cautious and need to keep a watch for certain signs like high fever, chills, increasing redness, or swelling in the knee. Immediately bring these issues to the notice of the doctor so that proper treatment can be given to the patient.

Recovery from knee surgery

Knee joint replacement surgery is a painful procedure. But anesthesia is administered to ensure that there is no discomfort to the patient and the operation is conducted smoothly.

• After the operation, the patient will be advised to stay in the hospital for a few days so that their condition can be monitored.
• A part of the recovery process is to start walking as quickly as possible. The therapist will help and guide you in this task. You will also have to take the aid of a walking stick.
• After a few days, the doctor will check whether you are eating and drinking, if you can use the bathroom on your own, can do light exercise without support, and perform other such tasks.
• If the doctor finds you are on the path to recovery, they may allow you to go home. If there are still some complications, you will have to spend a few more days at the hospital.
• When you are discharged from the hospital and return home, you will need someone to help you with your everyday tasks like your family members or a caregiver.
• You will have to walk with a crutch and will be advised not to climb stairs. So, always use the lift or try to move to the ground floor.
• You can also make your home more secure by installing handrails, safety bars in the bathroom, and by removing rugs and carpets so that you do not slip and damage your knee.
• You will be advised by your doctor when to take a bath, but knee replacement patients can usually take a shower some 48 hours after the surgery.
• If you have a sedentary job, you can rejoin the office after one and a half months, but those whose jobs demand physical activity should take a rest for around three months.

Check out the Total Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery Tips

Pain after the surgery

It is normal to experience pain after knee replacement. Some people experience stiffness in the knee. But there are ways to reduce stiffness and pain. Regularly taking medication and applying an ice pack over the affected area will relieve you of the pain.

Exercise

It is also necessary to not skip exercise. Since it is a new knee, it will initially be difficult for you to kneel, jump, run, etc. However, exercise will enhance flexibility, increase endurance, and build bone mass. Exercising for around 30 minutes every day will strengthen your bones and help you return to your regular life.

Things to consider after knee surgery

Post-surgery, it is necessary to take precautions to avoid damage to the knee.

• You should walk every day.
• In case of swelling, raise your leg for some time twice a day.
• Get proper training and support from a physiotherapist so that you do not damage your knee while walking.
• Do not put heavy objects on your knee and never sit cross-legged. The more you care for your knee, the faster it will heal.

The bottom line Knee pain can be discomforting. There are numerous alternatives to knee replacement surgery. Keep moving your joints to lessen stiffness, lose weight, physical therapy, injections, medications, etc. But if these alternatives do not work, the best way to get rid of pain is by undergoing knee replacement surgery. Remember that it will be an artificial knee and may not be as effective as a natural knee. Nevertheless, it will provide you with a comfortable life and help you perform numerous everyday tasks. With proper care, a replacement knee can last more than 15 years. So, if you are suffering from knee pains and looking for an effective solution, you should undergo a knee transplant from a reputed hospital like BLK-Max.