Your knee is an important load-bearing joint in your body. This means it’s constantly under a lot of weight and pressure. That’s why weight management plays an important role in ensuring a successful procedure and the best long-term results from surgery. Keep your knees healthy before and after knee surgery with proper weight management.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure done by qualified orthopedic surgeons to replace all or some of the knee joint with an artificial joint. It is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed in the United States.
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend this surgery to treat a variety of conditions affecting the knee joint, including different types of arthritis. During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the damaged knee and implant an artificial joint made from metal and plastic. With your new joint, you can enjoy improved quality of life with less pain and better function.
What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery
After surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, you will learn how to walk with crutches or a walker and how to perform exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few months of knee replacement surgery. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery. This includes taking your medication as prescribed, doing your physical therapy exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The Role of Weight Management in Recovery
Like any surgery, you’ll need to give your body a chance to rest and recover before getting back to your best form. Your recovery journey will include various strategies to make sure you’re healing well.
One such strategy is managing your weight to ensure that you’re eating healthy. Additionally, excess weight puts extra stress on the knee joint, which can lead to faster wear and tear of the implant. It can also make it more difficult to recover from surgery and increase the risk of complications.
It’s important to consider weight management even before your surgical procedure. This can impact the success of the surgery itself and the results of your knee replacement. Your doctor will recommend a target weight loss goal based on your individual health and fitness level.
The Long-Term Impact of Weight Management on Surgical Results
Maintaining a healthy weight after knee replacement surgery can help to improve your long-term outcome in a number of ways, including:
- Improved pain relief: Excess weight can put extra stress on the knee joint, which can lead to pain. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce pain and improve overall function.
- Increased range of motion: Managing your weight can help improve your range of motion and make it easier to perform everyday activities.
- Increased implant life expectancy: Knee implants typically last for 15-20 years. However, excess weight can lead to faster wear and tear of the implant, which may require revision surgery sooner than expected. Managing your weight can help extend the life expectancy of your implant and reduce the need for revision surgery.
- Improved quality of life: People who maintain a healthy weight are better able to participate in more activities and enjoy their lives more fully.
- Reduced risk of complications: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of complications after knee replacement surgery, including wound infections and blood clots.
Strategies For Healthy Weight Management for Surgery
Maintaining a healthy weight is important before, during, and after knee replacement surgery. It can have a positive impact on the results of the procedure. Enjoy better outcomes and improved quality of life with proper weight management.
Here are some strategies for healthy weight management:
- Healthy Eating: This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated and unhealthy fats.
- Physical Activity: By being physically active, you can continuously improve your body’s abilities. Gradually increase your activity level and work with a physical therapist. They can help you develop a safe and effective exercise program that will help you recover from surgery and manage your weight. The physical therapist can also teach you how to exercise without further harming your knee before surgery.
- Consult Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals and how to achieve them safely. Ask your doctor for a referral to a healthcare professional who can help you create a personalized weight management plan.
Knee Replacement Surgery in Boynton Beach, FL
Managing weight is essential for long-term success and the best results after knee replacement surgery. By following a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can improve your pain relief, function, and quality of life, and reduce your risk of complications. If you have any questions or concerns about knee replacement surgery and weight management, talk to your doctor. They can create a personalized plan that meets your needs.
Having trouble with your knees? Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches, our healthcare team provides collaborative care from diagnosis to surgery and full recovery. We specialize in many orthopedic conditions and offer a wide range of treatments, including knee replacement surgery. Our staff are happy to answer any questions. Just call us at (561) 733-5888 or book a consultation with our specialists using our online appointment form.
