Top 5 mistakes after knee replacement surgery may offer relief to the extreme, it’s crucial to manage the healing process with care, ensuring that the knee heals properly. A knee replacement procedure is an important step in recovering mobility and lessening discomfort. However, being aware of the most common mistakes that could delay your recovery is crucial. Check out below:
Mistake 1: Doing too Much too Early in Your Recovery
While it’s important to take part in rehabilitation exercises, doing too much too fast can hinder the healing process. Exercising excessively can result in chronic swelling, which could restrict knee mobility and hinder physical therapy. It is essential to find the right balance between movement and relaxation.
Following the exercise regimen recommended by your doctor or trusted therapists is crucial for a quick recovery. It is crucial to listen to your body and stay away from overextending yourself.
Mistake 2: A lot of weight-bearing immediately after surgery
Following the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement, the majority of people will utilize crutches, a walker, or other assistive devices.
Many surgeons suggest weight bearing and getting up and about as quickly as possible following surgery. In the initial few days following surgery, this may require the help of an aide, such as a physical therapist or nurse.
Avoid using the staircase until you’ve been authorized to do so by your doctor or physical therapist. When climbing the stairs, take on the leg that didn’t undergo surgery. Then, when you go down, the first step is using the leg that had surgery.
Mistake 3: Returning to work too soon
After knee replacements, you must ensure that you get the most recovery possible. If you’re working and it requires you to return to work immediately, try to keep your working hours light with proper rest for your knees. Recovering from knee replacement surgery is a delicate process. Focus on recovering safely. So, ensure that you allow your body to heal before going back to work. You deserve some time off!
Mistake 4: Not Taking Proper Medication
A proper medication management strategy is the most important aspect to consider during the postoperative period following the knee joint replacement procedure. The purpose of post-surgery medicine is to lessen swelling, pain, and the possibility of infection. It is essential to adhere to the dosage and timetable for oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. To manage your pain effectively, get regular doses of painkillers, especially in the first week following surgery.
Mistake 5: Not Doing Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation (Prehab)
There are two primary motives for prehab. First, you will be able to strengthen your muscles in preparation to deal with surgery better. Following surgery, there is always a time of less activity. During this, muscle strength and bulk will be reduced.
Other Common Mistakes You Must Avoid
Ignoring Pain Or Swelling:
After a knee replacement, typically, you will experience swelling and discomfort. However, these negative effects will diminish gradually as the healing process progresses. In rare instances, persistent swelling or pain may be an indication of an issue that is more serious and requires treatment, like the formation of a blood clot or implant failure.
If you do not recognize these indicators, you could require additional attention that could delay the recovery process. To avoid making this mistake, make sure you notify your surgeon or physiotherapist of any swelling or pain; they might suggest methods to relieve pain, like cryotherapy or icing the affected region.
Using The Incorrect Pillow:
It is essential to sit with your knees straight following the knee replacement surgery. The act of kneeling while resting can cause a range of problems, including quad weakness and limping. While it might appear cozy, it’s best to avoid comfort rather than compromise the efficacy of the knee replacement.
Sitting for a long time:
Longer periods of sitting following the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement surgery may increase the chance of developing blood clots, particularly within the first two weeks following surgery. The long hours of sitting hinder the flow of fluid through the lower leg and cause the swelling to get worse.
For 7-10 days after the knee replacement, do not sit more than 45-60 minutes. If you must sit for longer than 45 minutes and the leg is swollen, putting it on the chair or similar will help reduce swelling.
Tips To Follow Post top 5 mistakes after knee replacement Surgery
Refuse The Urge To Be Sedentary
Apart from the prescribed workout routines, your therapist will require you to walk. Take yourself up from the recliner and take at least three walks per day after your therapist has given you the green light.
Suppose your caregiver, friend, or family member is willing to accompany you on your walks. In that case, their encouragement and chat will make walking more enjoyable. Perform ankle pumping and ankle rolls even when sitting in a chair.
Ice Religiously
Ice your knee following exercise as well as after walking. Should your knee feel great after exercising and you don’t feel any pain or swelling, you can ice your knee regardless.
Also, if in a position of reading, sitting, or watching TV, make sure to ice during your exercise. The more you apply ice early on, the quicker swelling will reduce.
Elevate Even When You Feel Good
Elevation and ice are the key to the recovery process. You can give an ice massage to the surgery part during any time of the day. Also, maintain your leg’s elevation with an incline pillow, even if the recliner raises your knee a bit.
Nutrition for Recovery
Nutritional health is often overlooked when it comes to recovery. The body requires essential nutritional elements to help heal and build tissues. A balanced diet is high in minerals, vitamins, and protein. Keep yourself hydrated to aid healing and avoid complications. Lastly, ask a nutritionist for individualized nutritional advice.
Conclusion
Recovery after knee replacement is a process that requires patience, commitment, and a keen eye on your health. Try to avoid these top 5 mistakes after knee replacement and follow the advice of your surgeon. Have the smoothest and most successful recovery and reap the benefits to the fullest. Also, everyone’s recovery process is different so see your doctor for proper guidance and recovery that your body needs.