After getting a knee replacement, you are embarking on a fresh start with improved mobility. It is a significant change, and caring for your new knee goes beyond just listening to your doctor. You will want to shape an environment that aids healing.
Your recovery progress plays a crucial role in your joint's functionality. As you move ahead, keep these essential dos and don'ts in mind to gradually reintegrate into your regular activities after your joint replacement surgery in Chennai.
Early Post Operative Care: Dos After Knee Replacement
The road to recovery following your knee replacement surgery in Chennai begins with taking careful steps and following your surgeon's guidance. How you take care of your knee after the operation has a big impact on healing.
In the early stages of care, it's important to start moving as soon as it is safe to do so. Begin with light activities like walking with assistance to help improve blood circulation. Maintaining a positive attitude and striving for steady progress during this time is also crucial.
Let us dive into how to handle your daily routines safely after the operation.
Getting Dressed Safely After Knee Replacement
Dressing after your operation should not stress your new knee. Keep these suggestions in mind to avoid strain:
- Sit on a chair or your bed when pulling on pants.
- Use tools like reacher, shoehorn, elastic laces, and sock aid to minimise bending low.
- Dress the operated leg first and undress it last.
With these steps, you will manage your care routines with ease. Now, let us look at how to prepare your home to help your recovery.
How to Make Your Home Convenient For Post-Surgical Recovery
Making your home safe for recovery is vital after surgery.
- Remove things you could trip on and create clear pathways.
- Rearrange your sleeping space to the ground floor to avoid stairs, (if possible.)
- Keep important items like your phone and medications close to limit your movement.
With your home set up for healing, remember that getting back to moving and strength with the right exercises is a big part of getting better.
Mobility and Exercise Guidelines Post-Knee Replacement
Sticking to a planned set of movements and exercises is key after your knee surgery. You will need support like walkers or crutches at first. Make sure to use them right to avoid falls and give your knee the help it needs. Your care team might suggest moving to a cane as you get stronger. Do not rush this change to prevent harm.
Walking is good for you. It improves blood circulation, which in turn helps healing, eases stiffness, and smooths knee movements. It is a big help in regaining your knees function.
Adding certain exercises and therapy will further help your knee get better, giving it more strength and movement.
Safe Walking Practices with Mobility Aids Post Surgery
Safe walking is a must after your surgery.
- Wear shoes with a good grip to stop slips and support your steps.
- Take short steps, especially when turning, to stay balanced and care for your knee.
- When using stairs, go up with your stronger leg and down with the operated one to distribute the weight.
These steps will help you get stronger and move better, building a solid base for recovery.
Physical Therapy Exercises After Knee Replacement
Therapy exercises like ankle moves and quad strengthening can prevent blood clots and stiffness post-surgery. Ankle moves work muscles in your lower leg, helping blood flow. Quad exercises build up support and steadiness. Keep up with your therapy plan to strengthen your knee and make it more able to do daily tasks. As you work on these moves, also pay attention to pain management.
Managing Pain and Swelling After Knee Replacement
Handling pain and swelling is a big part of getting better after your knee replacement. Take meds as your doctor says to ease pain and bring down swelling. Icing can help too. Put ice on your knee a few times a day, especially after working out, to reduce blood flow, swelling, and pain. Always cover the ice to protect your skin. By following these steps, you are on the path to returning to your daily life.
Pain Management: Medication and Natural Remedies
It is key to manage pain well for a smooth recovery. Listen to your surgeon when taking pain medications. These drugs are for comfort and to bring down swelling, helping you heal. To avoid constipation from the medications, eat fibre-rich foods and drink lots of water. While medications and diet are important, adding elevation and icing can also help you get better.
Elevation and Icing Techniques for Knee Recovery
Post-surgical swelling is quite common and can be managed with simple like:
- Lifting your leg above your heart.
- Propping your leg up with pillows or a wedge while you rest.
- Using ice compression on your knee to lessen pain and swelling.
Cover the ice or use a cold pack, putting it on your knee briefly throughout the day. These steps are part of the journey to greater mobility and strength.
Lifestyle Modifications to Protect Your New Knee
After getting your new knee, making changes to your lifestyle to care for it is important.
- Stay away from moves that twist or put a lot of force on your knee joint.
- Choose low-impact workouts like swimming, biking, and walking. They are good for your heart and easy on your knees.
- Maintain an ideal weight by eating the right foods that promote healing without increasing your weight.
As you make these changes, watch how your body reacts to make sure your recovery keeps going well.
Also read : Optimising Your Diet After Knee Replacement
How to Recognise Complications After Knee Replacement
Being watchful about how you heal after knee surgery is crucial. Spotting problems early is important for a good recovery. Look out for signs such as:
- Infection
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pus or liquid oozing from the incision site
- High-grade fever
Identifying and treating issues early can really change how well you recover.
Embracing Your New Knee: A Guide to Lasting Success
Your commitment to post-surgical care is key to the success of your knee replacement. Following the dos and don'ts closely will help your knee stay healthy in the long run.
Sri Balaji Hospital is here to support you during this phase of recovery. We are one of the best ortho hospitals in Chennai, with top-notch facilities and a caring medical team ready to help you regain full movement and strength.
Contact our multispeciality hospital for personalised medical care and entrust your health to the hands of experts. Your knee deserves the best, and at Sri Balaji Hospital, we are dedicated to providing just that.
