Recovery Time After Knee Replacement
You are in severe pain and stiffness in your knee after an accident or sports-related injury, fracture, tumor, or just with normal joint wear and tear. You are unable to sleep peacefully due to pain. Maybe your knee hurts when you are trying to walk or climb the stairs. Then it’s time to get help.
First, you should schedule an appointment with your physician, and they refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon (bones doctor). On the basis of the examination or an x-ray at the doctor’s office, the orthopaedic surgeon (haddi ke doctor) informs you that you have end-stage knee arthritis or joint inflammation.
A Short Difference Between Total Knee Replacement And Partial Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement or partial knee replacement is a surgical procedure performed by an orthopaedic surgeon (bones doctor) to replace the damaged bone surfaces and cartilage, or the cushion between joints. Your orthopedic doctor (haddi ke doctor) can also refer you to these procedures like total knee arthroplasty and uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty.
During a partial knee replacement, only one side of the knee joint is replaced. During a total knee replacement, both sides are replaced.
Your doctor will help you to determine which version is appropriate for you based on your symptoms.
Who is eligible for Knee Replacement Surgery?
People who have moderate to severe pain and stiffness, chronic inflammation, limited mobility, and swelling are the people for knee replacement surgery. Other patients who do not respond to conservative management such as lubricating injections or steroids, anti-inflammatories, or physical therapy may also be the reasons for a knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery is very common for people who are between 50 to 80 years old.
Take proper care after knee replacement, including physical activities, you can do those things you love doing, with a recovery time of usually two to three months.
What will happen during a knee replacement surgery?
On the day of your knee replacement surgery, anesthesia has been given to a patient to numb their body and to make sure they don’t feel any pain. There are generally two types of anesthesia: one is to put you to sleep during your surgery, and the other is to numb you from the waist down.
Your orthopedic doctor will do the following things:
- Remove damaged cartilage.
- Insert prosthetic knee
- Insert a plastic spacer
- Reshape your kneecap.
General Recovery Time After A Knee Replacement Surgery
Everyone has a general question about how long it will take to feel normal after knee replacement surgery. And the answer is it depends! It depends because every person’s recovery journey is different. Here are some general explanations of what to expect.
Depending on your orthopaedic surgeon (bones doctor), you will go home with a bandage and stitches, glue, staples, or take strips over the surgical incision. At your first appointment, your orthopedic doctor (haddi ke doctor) will give you some other instructions on how to care for your wound. If you have staples or stitches, your orthopedic doctor (haddi ke doctor) will remove them usually within 10 to 21 days after your surgery.
You will get a typical scar at the incision site after knee replacement surgery, which is totally normal. Your therapist will help you how to perform scar tissue mobilization to decrease its appearance and make sure the tissue is properly moving after the incision site will fully heals at the six to eight-week mark.
It is very important to keep an eye on your incision site for any signs of infection. Also monitor your legs, if they have any signs of blood clotting, it is also known as deep venous thrombosis. Your physical therapist will guide you on the things to look out for at your prehab appointment.
You may also require an assistive device to get around like a cane, crutches, or a walker for at least two to three weeks after your knee replacement surgery due to pain and stiffness. Most people are able to walk on their own about 4 to 8 weeks after surgery.
During your prehab appointments, your therapist will instruct you on the correct use of your assistive device. Following up with a therapist after the knee replacement surgery, normally within the first week it is important to make sure you get back to walking normally after surgery.
Pain, stiffness, and swelling are very common problems that everyone faces after knee replacement surgery. You may face difficulties in finding a comfortable sleeping position or sleeping throughout the night. It is normal for swelling to last for 3 to 6 months. In your early rehab appointments, you will learn how to manage the swelling and how to find a comfortable position for sleeping.
Exercises To Do For A Better And Fast Recovery
During your care period, your therapist will teach you exercises that target your specific limitations. Nearly everyone has the same goal at the beginning of the therapy.
It is difficult to get the knee moving right after surgery, but it is important. Booking a physical therapist as soon as possible so that they can help you with knee movement and feel more comfortable over time.
There are two common types of exercises that every orthopaedic surgeon (bones doctor) prescribes at the onset of your care are quad set and heel slides. This will work on straightening and bending, which is very important for your full recovery.
- Quad sets will work on strengthening the quadriceps muscles. This is responsible for straightening the knee, and plays a vital role in your single-leg balance, squatting, and stair climbing. These exercises are performed by lying on your back, sitting with legs outstretched in front of you, or standing with or without a towel roll under your ankle or knee. Repeat this process according to your needs.
- Heel Slides will work on bending the knees, It is essential to restore normal mobility for stairs and squatting. It also helps you to decrease swelling in the knee. Perform these exercises, lying on your back or sitting and with or without a strap or towel. Hold it for time and repetitions will vary depending on your needs.