A Guide to Managing Total Knee Replacement
Here is a guide to help patients safely navigate the days that follow knee replacement surgery.
People recovering from knee replacement surgery expect their lives to return to normal. While this is generally true, it may take some time to regain full mobility. Actively participating in the recovery process will go a long way in ensuring a successful outcome. However, patients should be careful not to overexert themselves. This could result in injury and prolong the healing. The guide below will help patients safely navigate the days that follow knee replacement surgery.
Hospital stay
Knee replacement is a procedure that might require hospital admission after surgery. This overnight stay is primarily for observation purposes. The patient may wear compression boots to minimize swelling and prevent blood clots. These boots help improve blood flow to the affected leg.
Pain management
As is to be expected, recovery from surgery is a painful process. The doctor will devise a plan to manage the pain and administer the appropriate medication. The discomfort should not last more than a few days. If it extends beyond this period, it’s essential to notify the doctor so they can check to see if everything is okay.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an integral component in recovering from knee replacement surgery. Gently exercising the affected joint will lead to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
It’s best to consult a certified physical therapist to avoid self-injury. They will recommend the best exercises to perform and advise on how often they should be practiced. For example, trying leg workouts without the guidance of an expert could lead to more extensive injuries.
Home recovery
The potential for a good post-surgery outcome largely depends on following the doctor’s instructions. Doing so will ensure that any recommended activities, like walking, are carried out within safe parameters. In addition, it’s essential to have help in the days following the hospital stay. Having someone assist with getting from one place to another will reduce the chances of overexertion.
Wound care
One of the essential components of recovery after a surgical procedure is taking care of the surgical site. There’ll probably be sutures that need to be cleaned and dressed regularly. In addition, the operation site will have to be kept as sterile as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
Before leaving the hospital, a healthcare professional will instruct on proper wound care and provide clean gauze that should last until the wound has sufficiently healed.
Contact a physical therapist
After knee replacement surgery, rehabilitation plays a significant role in recovery. A trained professional will ensure the best post-surgical outcomes by reducing the risk of injury. They will also be able to spot any potential problems with the healing process, alerting the doctor before the situation worsens.
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