The American College of Rheumatology estimates that about 790,000 knee replacements occur in the United States annually. Post-knee surgery care is vital to helping you learn how to use your new joint. The recovery process can be slow, but if done right, you can heal completely in less than a year.
Whether it was a sport-related injury or just the natural process of aging, getting a surgical knee replacement can restore functionality and relieve pain. However, the recovery process can sometimes be slow and very painful.
What any foot and ankle specialist will tell you is to take each day at a time and focus on your physical therapy. Read on as we explore the vital steps and tips you need to make a smooth recovery after your surgery.
Physical Therapy After Surgery
The next step after knee surgery is physical therapy, which should begin as soon as the next day after the procedure. Physical therapy exercises are important for alleviating pain and restoring mobility.
Early post-op physical exercises can feel uncomfortable initially. But you should keep at it and consult a physician to help you create an exercise plan that will fast-track your recovery. Some of the physical exercises you can do immediately after surgery are:
- Walking short distances
- Climbing stairs
- Straightening your knee and holding for 10 seconds
Physical therapy after a surgical knee replacement can occur in two phases: pre-op and post-op.
Before Knee Replacement
Physical therapy at least six weeks from the surgery can help improve your recovery journey. Exercising can prepare you for the therapy you will undergo immediately after surgery. It will also strengthen your leg muscles, putting you in a much better position to recover.
Physical therapy before surgery can also help you reduce weight. While working on your exercises, it’s essential to be tobacco-free as you prepare for the surgery.
After Surgery
Many patients report feeling weak after a knee replacement surgery. You may also experience swelling in the knee or lower leg. Working on physical exercises can help you become more used to using your new knee.
Some common exercises a physical therapist may assign include:
- Hamstring stretches
- Long arc squad by sitting in a chair and straightening the knee
- Heel slides
- Lifting your heels off the ground and lowering them
Physical therapy reduces the risk of suffering from any complications related to the surgery.
Prepare Your Home Environment
With post-operative hospital stays declining for knee replacement surgery, your home will serve as your recovery environment. You can prepare your home by installing grab bars in various locations, such as the bathroom.
Hire a contractor to make your home more navigable and create modifications that support your recovery. You can install some exercise tools at home if you don’t want to work out at the hospital or in a gym.
Home preparation also involves getting some comfort aids to optimize your ability to rest. For instance, get additional pillows to put beneath your legs to ensure they stay elevated. Other tips to make your home the ideal rehab destination include:
- Making the bedroom more accessible
- Installing adequate lighting to enhance visibility
- Removing trip hazards and installing safety rails
Wound Care
Proper care of the wound after the surgery is critical to preventing infection and enhancing the recovery process. You should clean the surgical incisions regularly and keep them dry. Your orthopedic surgeon will give you instructions on how to take care of the wound.
You should also monitor the surgery site for signs of infection. Consult your physician immediately if you notice the following:
- Increased swelling
- Redness
- Drainage from the wound
Further, expect some level of swelling after the surgery. You can address this by getting an ice pack and wrapping it around the knee.
Ask for Help
The next step to effective post-knee surgery care is getting the right help. Surgical knee replacement is a major medical procedure, and it may take some time for you to return to normal. Asking for help is not an admission of weakness, but vital to your recovery.
Your family and friends can help you do some home chores such as cooking, cleaning up, or running errands. As a social network, your family and friends will also provide emotional support.
Suffering a serious injury to your knee can be very traumatic. The National Library of Medicine found that perceived social support is strongly associated with recovery. So don’t feel ashamed to ask for help during your knee replacement rehab.
Pain Management After Surgical Knee Replacement
Effective pain management is key to helping you recover full use of your knee. You will receive medication after the surgery, but that may not be enough. The first option for effective pain management is ice therapy.
Ice therapy is the use of a cold pack to help reduce pain. This is the best method to implement immediately after the surgery when the knee is still swollen. The second option is to keep the affected leg elevated to enhance blood circulation.
As an athlete, it might not be normal for you to sit still and not use your legs. But numerous specialists in sports medicine, such as podiatrists or ACL surgeons, will advise you that the best way to manage pain after a key medical procedure by:
- Avoiding high-impact activities
- Using assistive devices
- Wearing compression stockings
Due to the high risk of addiction, you should limit the use of pain medication and strictly follow the physician’s prescription.
Additional Tips to Enhance Your Recovery
Knee replacement rehab does not have a set timeline. But there are a few tips you can follow to streamline the process and make it a bit less stressful:
- Take the physical therapy gradually
- Follow a healthy diet
- Adhere to all follow-up appointments
- Avoid alcohol, excessive salt, and saturated fats
Engage in regular physical exercises after your recovery to maintain the knee’s health. Whether it’s your ACL, knee, or hip, the recovery process is an opportunity to heal and rehabilitate your body to your ideal liking.
Book an Appointment with a Foot and Ankle Specialist Today
A surgical knee replacement can offer much-needed comfort from pain or help you regain the full use of your leg after an injury. However, the recovery process can be difficult, and if not done right, it can result in permanent damage.
At Elite Sports Medicine, we give you access to knee and hip replacement surgeons who can come up with an individualized recovery plan. Book an appointment with us today, and let us provide you with the best orthopedic care available.
Author: writers-amwn
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