Did you undergo your knee replacement surgery? Are you looking for some tips for faster recovery after knee replacement surgery? If yes, you will be glad to know that you have just landed on the right page.
We understand that recovering from a knee replacement surgery can be challenging, especially when you have little help around you. Thus, we have developed a practical guide where we will explore five valuable tips for patients who have recently undergone knee replacement surgery.
So whether you are scheduled for surgery or your loved one is through the recovery procedure, these tips will guide you toward a faster and more successful recovery. Let’s embark on this path towards regaining mobility and reclaiming an active lifestyle.
What is knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is done to relieve the pain and restore the function of the knee that is severely damaged by arthritis. The process includes replacing the structure of the damaged knee joint with metal parts. It is a highly standard procedure, and most people can manage pain effectively. The surgery offers you a good quality of life, and you can perform your day-to-day activities like before.
The most common causes of knee replacement surgery are:
- Osteoarthritis: It is the breakdown of joint cartilage. Damage to cartilage and bones limits the movement and causes a lot of pain.
- Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that result from a knee injury may also lead to degeneration of the knee joint.
- In addition, fractures, torn cartilage, and torn ligaments may lead to irreversible damage to the knee joint.
- If medical treatments do not relieve pain, knee replacement surgery is the last resort.
The average knee replacement recovery time is approximately six weeks, but it can take 12 months to regain complete movement. The road to recovery is long, but some steps will help you heal faster.
Knee Replacement Recovery: Speed Up Your Healing Journey
Tip 1: Follow the recommendations of your physician
We advise you always to follow your surgeon’s advice and instructions. Your surgeon is an experienced medical expert who knows about healing time for knee replacement. If they prescribe you medication and recommend rest, follow everything as prescribed.
If you fail to do so, your recovery time will increase, and above all, you will not be able to achieve the desired outcomes of the surgery.
Tip 2: Walk as soon as possible
The knee replacement recovery process is a challenging task. But getting back on your feet as soon as possible can help you recover quickly. Walking will prevent difficulties like blood clotting, increase blood circulation, and keep joints flexible and agile. You do not have to wait to be home to walk after the surgery. Most patients can start walking while they are recovering in the hospital. Walking will help you to transport vital nutrients to your knee to help you recover and heal. You can use a walker to walk initially after the surgery, but most patients can walk on their own eight weeks after the surgery.
Tip 3: Eat Healthy Food
While healthy foods are always a good idea, taking fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious items is essential, especially for recovery after knee replacement surgery. Your body needs vitamins, calcium and minerals during this time, and the best way to get them is to eat wholesome foods while recovering after knee replacement surgery. Remember to take food high in iron. It helps carry oxygenated blood throughout the body and supports the healing process.
Foods rich in iron are:
- Fish and shellfish
- Red meat
- Legumes
- Tofu
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds
- Quinoa
Tip 4: Physical Therapy is a must
Physical therapy is an essential aspect of the knee replacement recovery process. A physical therapist at your home or hospital will help you with exercises to speed up your healing process. Even if you feel better after the surgery and can walk without any support, we suggest you continue with the physical therapy. Therapy will provide strength to your leg muscles and restore your knee movement.
However, please do not engage in rigorous physical activities without your doctor’s approval, as it can extend your recovery time.
Tip 5: Do not become sedentary
We know exercising will hurt a lot, but please do your best to persist. Remember, you must strike a correct balance between staying active and not pushing your knees too hard. There will be days when you will feel pain, and then there will be days when you will feel a lot fitter. We recommend you practice light external cases to keep your lifestyle active, as becoming sedentary will do you no good.
Your life after a knee replacement surgery can change completely, and thus, you need the best doctor and the best hospital in India to get the surgery done. If you want the same, Cross Border Care can help you.
To know more about our services, please visit our website https://crossborderscare.com/ or write to us at info@crossborderscare.com
March 23, 2024