Are you looking for total knee replacement in Boynton Beach? Total knee replacement or total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure for a severely damaged knee. Unlike partial knee replacement, in which your surgeon only repairs a damaged part of the knee, total knee replacement gives you an entirely new joint.
After a total knee replacement, patients may experience discomfort while recovering. Pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising are common symptoms as your body recovers and adjusts to the new joint. Fortunately, there are several options you can try for pain management after undergoing total knee replacement.
Follow Proper Knee Alignment
After the operation, your doctor will give detailed instructions on how to position your knee. Generally, try to keep your recovering knee straight while seated or sleeping, without bending. It might be uncomfortable at first, but maintaining proper knee alignment can speed up the healing process.
Keep Moving
Refrain from staying in the same position for more than 45 minutes to keep your joint from getting stiff. With your doctor’s approval, you can try walking even while you’re still in the hospital to get a feel for your new joint. Walking or physical activity, in general, promotes blood flow to the injured area. Improved blood flow can reduce pain and accelerate healing.
Once you get home, try to take walks every one to two hours. When walking, stick to straight and paved routes, and avoid going up or down flights of stairs.
Try Icing
It’s common to experience some swelling and bruising in the operated knee. If this happens, apply ice to your knee for about 20 minutes. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to prevent damaging the skin or body tissue. The cold temperature numbs the affected area, reducing swelling and inflammation. You can also apply ice on the knee before and after walking.
Consider Elevation, Compression, Medication
Your doctor may prescribe some painkillers to help you control the pain and swelling. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions, and only take the medicines as prescribed. Do not take extra doses.
You may also be asked to wear a special type of compression stocking for the first few weeks after surgery. These stockings can prevent swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots in the operated leg. You can wear these stockings throughout the day and take them off at night.
If you experience pain or swelling in the operated leg, elevation might also help. Lie down and raise your leg above heart level. You can also try putting pillows underneath the knee.
Start Physical Therapy
While it might be tempting to rest the knee after surgery, movement and physical therapy remain some of the most effective ways to reduce pain and maximize the benefits of your new joint sooner.
During your hospital stay, your physical therapist will start by teaching you how to move the joint safely. They will also create a personalized exercise plan that you can perform at the hospital or at home. It might be uncomfortable at first, but keeping the joint immobilized for a prolonged period can impede healing. Sticking to your exercise plan can help you build strength and regain function in the knee as quickly as possible.
Attend Follow-Up Checkups
Make sure to attend scheduled follow-up appointments. During the appointment, your doctor may tweak your exercise plan or adjust medication depending on your progress. You can also share which interventions you feel are effective. If you’re responsive to the exercise plan, your healthcare provider may ramp up the intensity or frequency of the exercises. You can also ask whether it’s safe to resume your normal activities and lifestyle.
Recovery From Total Knee Replacement in Boynton Beach
Pain, soreness, and inflammation are not uncommon during recovery from knee replacement. That’s why it pays to work with a competent provider who can help you manage the pain and get back to the life you love sooner.
If you’re looking for pain management options after total knee replacement in Boynton Beach, look no further than Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our expert team of pain specialists will work with you to address the underlying source of your pain. We may recommend a varied range of treatment options to relieve pain and restore function, depending on your needs.
To schedule an appointment with our post-op knee specialists, call us today at (561) 733-5888. Alternatively, you can fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
