The knee is replaced during knee replacement surgery when the knee is damaged due to weight-bearing or injury. A knee replacement involves implanting artificial joints or prostheses. Knee replacement surgery is commonly referred to as arthroplasty or resurfacing of the knee joint.
In order to determine if a knee replacement is the best option for you, a muscle expert will analyze the range of motion, dependability, and strength of your knee. The use of X-rays can assist in identifying the extent of the damage.
While planning knee replacement surgery, the Knee Surgery Doctor will take a variety of factors into account, including your age, weight, knee size, and overall health.
Why is knee surgery performed?
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is to gain relief from severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is common for patients who have knee replacement surgery to experience difficulties walking, climbing stairs, and hopping on and off toilet seats. Some patients also experience persistent knee pain.
After total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, recovery and rehabilitation are critical stages. You’ll get back on your feet and resume an active lifestyle during this period.
The first 12 weeks after surgery are crucial for recovery and rehabilitation. Committing to a plan and pushing yourself to do as much as possible each day will help you recover from surgery faster and boost your long-term success chances.
What care involves on the first day of care after the knee surgery?
The rehabilitation process begins as soon as you wake up following surgery.
Your physical therapist (PT) will aid you in standing and walking using an assistive device within the first 24 hours. Walkers, crutches, and canes are examples of assistive aids.
Changing the bandage, dressing, bathing, and using the toilet will be assisted by a nurse or occupational therapist at the best hospital for knee replacement.
Your physical therapist will demonstrate how to get in and out of bed and how to move around with the aid of an assistive device. For example, they may ask you to sit by the bedside, move a few steps, and then transfer to a bedside commode.
They’ll also show you how to utilize a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, which is a machine that softly movements the joint following surgery. It aids in the prevention of scar tissue formation and joint stiffness.
What are the steps to follow on the second day after the surgery?
On the second day, you might use an assistive device to walk for short amounts of time. Your activity level will gradually rise while you heal from surgery.
You could wash the day after surgery if the knee replacement doctor placed waterproof dressings. However, if they used a standard dressing, you’ll need to wait 5–7 days before showering and avoid soaking for 3–4 weeks to allow the incision to heal properly.
What happens at the end of three weeks?
You should be able to walk about more freely and experience less discomfort once you’re back at home or in a rehab center. You’ll need fewer and less potent pain relievers.
Your daily programme will include the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist. Your mobility and range of motion will improve as a result of these exercises. Reach out to the knee specialist in Coimbatore if you are looking for knee replacement surgery.
Using a CPM machine may be necessary during this period.
What is the progress between week four and week six?
You should see a significant improvement in your knee, including bending and strength if you stick to your workout and rehab routine. In addition, swelling and inflammation should have subsided as well.
The goal at this point is to use physical therapy to improve your knee strength and range of motion. For example, your PT may advise you to take longer walks and gradually reduce your use of an assistive device. Then, consult the top knee replacement surgeons to undergo the knee replacement procedure.
What steps need to be taken between weeks seven to eleven?
Physical treatment will be continued for up to 12 weeks. Rapidly enhancing your mobility and range of motion — maybe to 115 degrees — as well, boosting strength in your knee and surrounding muscles will be among your objectives.
As your knee improves, your PT will change your workouts. The following are examples of certain exercises:
- Toe and heel raise: Raise your toes and then your heels while standing.
- Standing partial knee bends: Bend your knees and move upward and downward while standing.
- Hip abductions: Raise your leg in the air while resting on your side.
- Leg balances: Stand for as long as you can on one foot at a time.
- Step-ups: Take a single step up and down, alternating which foot you begin with each time.
- On a stationary bike, bicycling.
This is a critical period in your recovery. How quickly you may return to a regular, active lifestyle and how well your knee will operate in the future depends on how dedicated you are to rehabilitation.
What should you avoid during week 12 recovery?
Continue your workouts in week 12 and avoid high-impact activities that could harm your knee or surrounding tissues, such as:
- Running
- aerobics
- Basketball
- Football
- High-intensity cycling
You should be in a lot less discomfort at this stage. Continue to communicate with your healthcare team and refrain from beginning any new activity without consulting them.
When can you leave the hospital after the knee replacement surgery?
The majority of knee replacement patients will be released once their pain has subsided and they are able to:
- To get in and out of bed and travel short distances, use a walker or crutches (usually 150 to 300 feet).
- Getting into and out of bed, as well as going up and down the stairs
- 90-degree bend in the knee
- Take the appropriate steps to avoid injuring your new knee.
The patient’s discharge criteria and the hospital’s policy may differ. Some institutions, for example, may only allow patients to bend their knees to an angle of 80 degrees. Consult the Multispeciality Hospital In Coimbatore to undergo safe and advanced knee procedures.
How long do you need to care after the knee surgery?
The majority of the people get discharged within three to five days after the surgery and after six weeks patients can get back to their normal activities at a slow pace.
After just one or two days, some patients meet the criteria for discharge. However, people with two knee replacements, certain pre-existing medical issues, uncontrolled pain, or general frailty may be detained in the hospital longer.
