Recovery After A Knee Replacement Operation

A knee prosthesis surgery is a safe procedure. Usually they have really good results. For the process to be successful, however, you must follow the guidelines for recovery as strictly as possible.

Recovery after a knee replacement surgery is not a mystery. Basically, you need to take care of the wound, take all the necessary medications and perform regular physical activity.

The patient must be aware that the recovery process depends on how well they follow these steps. You will definitely need support from your family and your home nursing. With dedication, however, you will complete the process without major problems.

A knee prosthesis operation

There are several reasons why the knees degenerate. Age is the most common factor because cartilage wears down over the years. Other factors such as obesity, high-impact sports or jobs that require physical strength are also common.

In some cases, it is severe and the patient needs knee replacement surgery. This procedure replaces the most important parts of this joint with artificial ones.

In general, these operations last between two and three hours. After the procedure, the time comes to heal. The patient will receive a bandage and the knee must be drained. The next day, the doctors will take X-rays. If everything looks good, they can start putting weight on the foot again, which formally starts the recovery process.

Recovery after a knee replacement operation

After a knee operation, you usually have to be in the hospital for two or three days. Then start the rehabilitation phase at home. During this stage, there are three important things you need to do to take care of your knee. They are:

• Wound care. The main goal is to prevent infections. To prevent them, you should change the bandage daily and take your prescribed medication. It is important to prevent the wound from getting too wet.
• Balanced diet. A balanced diet will be of great importance when it comes to recovery after a knee replacement surgery. In addition, your doctor may prescribe supplements, especially if you are deficient in any nutrients.
• Regular physical activity. This is a key element, especially during the first few weeks. In addition, your physiotherapist will tell you what exercises you need to do. The rehabilitation time depends to a large extent on how consistently and regularly you do the exercises.

Physiotherapy is important. Usually the program will help you to walk as well as give you some other specific exercises. You should also return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

Other general recommendations

There are many things to think about if you want a quick recovery. The most important are:

• Get help. The first few days you need someone who can help you with your daily activities.
• Take care of the wound. Generally, you should keep the wound bandaged until the doctors remove the stitches. This almost always happens about two weeks after the knee replacement surgery.

• Move the knee. We recommend bending the knee every 20 minutes and changing the position of the legs. Do not place pillows under the operated knee.
• Discomfort at night. If you feel uncomfortable at night, we recommend that you get up and walk a little.
• Proper footwear. Make sure you have comfortable shoes with a closed toe. This is actually important for stability so that you do not fall.
• Dress up seated. It is better to dress while sitting because you do not want to be as steady as normal.
• Keep your hands free. When you walk, it is best not to have anything in your hands. You should focus on not falling.
• Use aids. We recommend not using walking sticks, crutches or canes unless your doctor specifically asks you to.

Danger signs after a knee operation

Like all postoperative periods, knee surgery has some potential risks and complications. These are the most important danger signs you need to watch out for. If you have one or more of them, you should go to the hospital right away. They are:

• The wound bleeds a lot after the operation.
• Constant and high fever.
• Extreme pain that you can not control with painkillers.
• Significant inflammation of the knee.
• Change in skin color. Pay special attention to whether it becomes very red, bluish or black.
• Deviation in the knee. Inability to support the foot after falling.