Knee replacement surgery is major surgery, but it can be a life-changer for people who suffer from severe knee pain and disability. It involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone in the joint with artificial components.
After knee replacement surgery, it is important to take care of your new knee to ensure a successful recovery and long-term durability. In this article, we will discuss the long-term care that is necessary to maintain a healthy new knee after replacement surgery.
Stay Active
Physical activity is essential for keeping your new knee healthy. Start with gentle exercises, such as walking, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you heal.
Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to give you specific exercises that are safe for you to do after knee replacement surgery.
However, some general exercises that are often recommended include:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Strength training
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Stretching
Limit High-Impact Activities
High-impact activities, such as running and jumping, can put stress on your new knee and increase your risk of complications. Instead, focus on low-impact activities, such as swimming, biking, and yoga.
Strengthen Your Muscles
Strong muscles around your knee can help to support the joint and prevent further damage. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that you can do to strengthen your knee muscles.
Manage Your Weight
If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can put less stress on your new knee. Aim to lose weight gradually and safely.
Take Care of Your Incision
Your incision will need to heal completely before you can start putting weight on your new knee. Follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care.
Manage Your Pain
Pain can interfere with your recovery and make it difficult to stay active. Talk to your doctor about pain management options, such as medication, physical therapy, compression, and ice therapy.
Get Regular Checkups
Your doctor will need to monitor your new knee regularly to make sure it is healing properly. They will also check for any signs of complications, such as infection or loosening of the implant.
What to Expect During Follow-Up Appointments
Your follow-up appointments will typically be scheduled at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. However, your doctor may recommend more frequent follow-up appointments if you have any concerns.
Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:
- Use a cane or walker for support, especially when you first start walking after surgery.
- Elevate your leg when you are sitting or lying down to help reduce swelling.
- Apply ice to your knee for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
- Get enough rest.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your new knee lasts for many years to come.
When to Get Immediate Medical Attention
After knee replacement surgery, it is important to recognize the signs of complications. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor right away:
- High fever
- Swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision site
- Pain that is increasing or not relieved by medication
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Swelling of the entire leg
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble urinating
These symptoms could be signs of a serious complication, such as infection, blood clot, or nerve damage. You want to get proper medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Remember that everyone’s recovery from knee replacement surgery is different. Some people may recover faster than others. If you have any concerns about your recovery, talk to your doctor. With proper care and attention, your new knee can give you many years of pain-free mobility.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Boynton Beach, FL
Knee replacement surgery is a major surgery that can provide relief from pain and restore function to a damaged knee joint. However, it is important to take care of your new knee to ensure a successful recovery and long-term durability. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any complications. By following these tips, you can help ensure a successful recovery and long-term durability of your new knee.
Do you need knee replacement surgery in Boynton Beach, FL? You can depend on Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our highly trained and skilled orthopedic surgeons will give you nothing short of the best care. Call our friendly staff today at (561) 733-5888, Ext. 9, so we can assist you. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation for knee surgery in Boynton Beach using our convenient online request form.
We look forward to helping you recover safely and effectively following knee replacement!
