An Overview Of Post Knee Replacement Care
Knee problems can affect every move you make while walking, sitting or even lying down. A knee replacement surgery which is also termed as knee arthroplasty can help to reduce pain and restores the lost functions of severely damaged knee joints.
However, surgery is not advised always, doctors suggest it only after trying non-surgical treatment options first, which include: OTC Medication, Corticosteroid injections, exercise and physical therapy, nutritional supplements and losing weight in some cases.
When Is A Knee Replacement Surgery Considered?
The most common cause of knee replacement surgery is to get relief from severe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis conditions. Some health conditions can also cause damage to some parts of your knee. In such cases, a knee replacement doctor would suggest surgery to regain the lost range of motion.
- Long-lasting pain which isn’t getting better
- Osteoarthritis problem that makes you difficult to walk, sleep, and go to work
- Stiff and swollen knees
- If you have had a knee injury
- Bowed legs – in our out
- Obesity
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Trauma
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Arthritis due to injury
- Wear and tear of knee joints due to overuse
Knee Replacement Surgery
To determine whether a person is ideal for knee replacement, an orthopaedic surgeon performs some physical test to evaluate the knee’s range of motion, stability & strength. X-rays to determine the amount of the damage.
The procedure involves removing away the damaged bone or cartilage or kneecap from the knee joint and then replaced them with an artificial joint called a prosthesis, which is made of metal alloys, high-grade plastics or polymers. Depending on the range of damage, total knee replacement can also be done in some cases.
Artificial knee joints are long-lasting; they can last between 15 and 25 years or a lifetime. In 9 out of 10 people, artificial knee joints work well nearly twenty years after surgery. However, your age and level of physical activity you do might affect the wellness of your artificial knee joint. For instance, artificial joints last longer in aged people and less active people.
Post Knee Replacement Care
Recovering from knee replacement surgery could be challenging if you don’t follow specific recovery tips. After your surgery, you need to know some precautions for your safety, comfort and faster recovery. The doctor will instruct you on your medicines, physiotherapy exercises, nutrition, follow-up appointment, and signs & symptoms to watch out for. You are assisted walk shortly after surgery. It takes some time to return to your previous level of activity.
After going home, you need to move carefully so that not damaging your new knee. Make sure your home ready for your return, so that you can move easily, preventing falls. Movement in the knee after knee replacement surgery is very important. You should use walker, or crutches to walk for support for some days as instructed by the doctor.
Getting Dressed: Be cautious while wearing or removing your pants. Avoid tight clothes that limit your knee movement.
Sitting: Don’t sit in the same position for a long time. Point out your feet and knees straight ahead, don’t turn in or out. The operated knee should be either stretched out or bent as instructed by your therapist.
Bathing and Showering: Be cautious while using the washroom, make comfortable arrangements to avoid unnecessary movements that damage your new knees.
Climbing heights: Avoid climbing stairs for some days, until advised by your doctors. Avoid long stairs for 2 months after surgery.
Lying Down To Rest: Lie flat on your back and don’t place heights or pillow back of the knee when lye down. It is essential to maintain your knee position straight while resting.
Driving: Avoid driving for some months. After recovery, you can drive as usual, without any discomfort.
Walking: Use crutches or walker while walking for some weeks after surgery. Your health care adviser suggests you walk without support when you gain strength.
Physiotherapy: Exercises suggested by a physiotherapist plays a crucial role during the recovery process. Certain exercises help you to gain strength, the elevation of the knee and improve the range of movement etc.
Some other precautionary tips include – when you are turning don’t pivot on your operated leg. Always point your toes straight ahead. Never jerk the operated leg because the joints placed might get damaged. Don’t lift or carry heavyweights as they may exert too much stress on your new knee.
Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery
Most of the people might recover within three months after knee replacement surgery before they go to their regular activities again. It may take nearly six months to a year to regain your full function of the knee. However, recovery from the surgery depends on age, the anatomy of the knee before surgery, and the overall health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
You no need to live with pain anymore; technology has far developed enough to treat severe knee problems. For more details or want to undergo a knee treatment, contact Dr. Ajay Tiwari, one of the best knee replacement surgeon in Hyderabad.
