Today's wear and tear lifestyle impact a large population worldwide, making them prone to knee arthritis. Most adults may develop knee arthritis at some portion of their lives because of the rigorous treatment to their bodies. Pain, stiffness, strains, and restricted mobility often result in knee arthritis. To cure knee arthritis, you must undergo knee replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore function when your knee has been damaged by arthritis or physical injury. The recovery process can be long, but you can take several steps to heal and improve the recovery speed after knee replacement surgery. Six months is the average recovery time for knee replacement surgery, but it can take even 12 months to fully return to normal physical activities.
What does knee replacement surgery involve?
When conservative options are not enough to cure arthritis, a surgeon may suggest you undergo knee replacement surgery called arthroplasty. This process includes replacing the structure of the damaged knee joint with metal and plastic parts. It is done to restore the normal function of the injured knee and relieve chronic pain. Knee replacement is a high-standard procedure that is deemed to be successful. Most people who have undergone knee replacement surgery have experienced a drastic improvement in pain. Knee replacement surgery offers you a good quality of life and allows you to perform daily physical activities like before. However, recovering from the surgery is sometimes a long road. If you have a scheduled knee surgery around the corner, then these do's, and don'ts may help you recover better post knee replacement surgery.
1. Effective pain management
People tend to believe that severe pain after knee replacement surgery was something you just had to push and go through. Adequately managing pain helps lower discomfort levels and fastens up your recovery. Because the pain is subjective, it's vital to describe its exact location and intensity. Your doctor needs to know whether the pain is regular or intermittent and whether it's sharp, tingling, or causing a burning sensation. Though it's expected to feel a certain amount of discomfort after knee replacement surgery, a good pain management program can reduce your level of pain and help boost the speed of your recovery significantly.
2. Adequate recovery time after knee surgery
Healing doesn't happen quickly, so allow your body all the time it requires to stabilize itself and get back to a normal lifestyle. The first 12 weeks post knee replacement surgery is very crucial for your healing. Recovering fully from a knee replacement surgery can take up to 6 to 12 months before you become fit and healthy enough to perform physical activities for the first two weeks trying to protect the knee joint from entire weight-bearing forces by using a walker to walk. It helps you carry a percentage of your body weight through your arms instead of on your surgical knee, making the recovery process swifter.
3. Walk as soon as possible
Getting cured of knee joint replacement surgery isn't an easy task, but getting back on your feet as directed by the doctor can help you recover quickly. Walking prevents difficulties like blood clots, increases blood circulation, and keeps your joints limber. You don't have to wait until returning home to walk after surgery. Most patients can start walking while they are still recovering in the hospital. Walking helps transport vital nutrients to your knee to help you recover and heal. You can use a walker for the first few weeks; after that, most patients can walk on their own after four to eight weeks of knee replacement surgery.
4. Get physical therapy at home or at the clinic
Physical therapy is an essential aspect of treating the knee after the replacement surgery. A physical therapist at home and at the clinic will help you with exercises to help your knee heal. Even if you're feeling fit and healthy, it's suggested to continue physical therapy as it can fasten up your process of recovery. Physical therapy helps provide strength to your leg, help you walk, and restore the earlier knee joint movement.
5. Do not become sedentary
Even though it pains while exercising, please do your best and persist with it. Remember to balance staying active and not pushing yourself too hard at times. There will be many days while recovering; some days you can feel the pain while others you will feel fitter. Every day you should check that your exercises are getting a little easier to perform. It is recommended to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate exercises for you.
Conclusion
To perform knee replacement surgery, you need to consult a team of medical experts who can help you assess your medical condition and perform knee replacement surgery. Your life after knee replacement surgery often changes, and our orthopedic surgeon in Pune at Polaris Healthcare will help you recover fully after knee replacement surgery. To learn more and book your appointment for knee replacement surgery, contact us at polarishealthcare.in/book-online
About The Author: Dr. Surendra Patil
Dr. Surendra Patil, MBBS, Diploma in Orthopaedics, DNB - Orthopedics Surgery, is a dynamic surgeon with skilled hands well versed in various surgical procedures in orthopedics and exceptionally well-read in his chosen expertise. He is proficient in Arthroscopic Surgeries, Adult Joint Reconstruction Surgery, Accidents & Emergencies, Joint Replacement, Healthcare Management, and Healthcare in general. He is an experienced Medical Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & healthcare industry.