Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement

Getting a knee replacement is an important step to help you move better, feel confident, and live without pain. However, your journey does not end after the surgery because recovery is an essential part of the knee replacement surgery.

In this article, we will discuss the five most common mistakes patients make after knee replacement surgery and also share a plan to help avoid these issues.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is performed when your knee bones and cartilage are severely damaged by arthritis or injury. Usually, the replacement parts are made of plastic and metal and last for a long time. However, other treatment options like medications, injections, and therapy are not enough to relieve pain, they may be eligible for knee replacement surgery.

There are two types of knee replacement:

• Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Total knee replacement surgery helps replace the whole damaged knee joint with a prosthesis. The prosthesis includes metal components for the femur and tibia and a plastic spacer in between to help smooth movement.

• Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

This type of surgery is performed when only one part of your knee is affected by arthritis and damage. In PKR only the damaged portion of your knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant while protecting healthy bone and ligament.

Reasons for Knee Replacement

This procedure is suggested when other treatments have failed to give relief from knee pain and mobility. Here are some reasons that might be required for knee replacement:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Post-traumatic Arthritis
• Avascular Necrosis
• Knee Deformities.

Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement

If you have severe knee osteoarthritis, you may have knee pain and trouble moving. Knee replacement surgery can help relieve your pain and improve your mobility. This surgery may also help you to live a better life.

However, knee replacement surgery will not solve these problems immediately. What you do during the recovery process will mostly impact the outcome of the procedure.

Here are the top 5 common mistakes people make in the initial recovery period after knee replacements, such a

• Avoiding Physical Therapy

Due to the postoperative pain, you may need to avoid all movement. But avoiding rehabilitation exercises can make the pain worse and harm the recovery process.

Physical therapy is necessary for a successful recovery from knee replacement surgery. It helps to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint to prevent future injury. Physical therapy also helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue that can affect joint mobility in the future. Additionally, physical therapy helps to: 

1. Relieve joint pain
2. Reduce swelling
3. Improve motion and flexibility
4. Increase blood circulation and promote faster healing
5. Enhance stability to prevent falls.

• Skipping Medication

After knee replacement, your surgeon will prescribe medicines for pain relief in the recovery period. These will include pain relievers such as acetaminophen and medicine for short-term relief of severe pain. They will also show you other ways to manage pain without drugs, like using an ice pack on your knee.

Additionally, your doctor may also prescribe medicines such as anti-nausea medicine and medicines that help treat constipation.

But it is important to take the following medications suggested by your orthopedic surgeon:

1. You should take antibiotics for infection prevention.
2. Also taking an anticoagulant medication to reduce the risk of blood clots after surgery, such as aspirin, warfarin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis). 
3. You need to take your blood thinner as prescribed to prevent the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, and even death.

• Neglecting Proper Wound Care

After knee replacement, it is important to follow the wound care instructions given by your orthopedic surgeon to avoid infection and wound healing. Some guidelines are as follows:

1. Keep your incisions clean and dry. 
2. Change the dressing only if your surgeon prescribes it.
3. Wash your hands properly before touching the dressing.
4. You should wipe your incisions in one direction with a clean gauze soaked in saline.
5. Before replacing the dressing, dry the incisions with clean gauze.
6. You must follow up appointment to have the stitches taken out, and this is done 10-14 days after knee replacement surgery.
7. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when you can shower. 

• Doing too Much too Soon

It is important to keep moving after major surgery like a knee replacement. Your body needs extra energy to heal wounds, so you may feel very tired.

Here are some activities you will need after a knee replacement:

1. Driving after a knee replacement
2. Going back to work
3. Engaging in high-risk activities.

• Don’t sit with your Legs Crossed

After surgery, you do not sit cross-legged too soon because it can put extra pressure on your knee joint. So, when you sit down, keep your knees and feet straight ahead.

• Don’t sit in Low Chairs

You will be recommended to not sit on a low chair because it can make it hard to get up again without putting stress on your knee. If possible, you should sit on chairs with back support until you are fully recovered.

• Don’t sit in the Same Position for Long Periods

You don’t have to sit still in the same position because it can increase the hardness of your knees. However, try to keep moving and go for a short walk. Also, you should try to stretch regularly.

Knee Replacement Exercises to Avoid

Gentle exercise can help you, but be careful not to push yourself too hard, and also avoid certain sports, exercises, and activities.

• High-Impact Sports

Avoid high-impact activities and sports like football, skiing, and heavy lifting during your knee replacement recovery. These activities have a high risk of falling, which can damage your new joint. 

• Activities with a High Risk of Falling

During your recovery, avoid climbing as well as walking under them because if you falling from a ladder while you are recovering can cause serious harm.

• Activities that put pressure on your Knee

You should avoid lifting heavy shopping bags and doing too much on the golf course while you recover, and also focus on rehabilitation to prevent injuries and unnecessary pain.

What to Do After a Knee Replacement

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Many things help you to do yourself achieve a full recovery. Here are some important points that will help you get back on your feet.

• Prioritise Rehabilitation and Recovery

Your priority is to get back to your favorite activities, which means you should do your regular exercise, follow medical advice, and focus on your strength and mobility.

• Keep up Regular, Gentle Exercise

After knee surgery, low-level exercises such as swimming, walking, cycling, and gentle strength training can be very beneficial in your healing.

• Take time for Rest

Rest is a very important part of your recovery, you feel more tired in the first six weeks at home. You should maintain a healthy balance during rehabilitation.

• Improve your Overall Health

You should maintain a balanced diet that contains all the vitamins, minerals, and proteins you need for recovery and will help your body to heal fast.

• Use Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling

After your surgery, you may want to try using ice packs and heat packs in the days or weeks because it can help ease pain and swelling. Apply the cold pack for around 20 minutes until the swelling goes down.

Tips for Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

Here are some tips for ensuring a smooth knee replacement recovery at home:

• You should gently move your knee regularly.
• Avoid doing any high-risk activities in the weeks following knee replacement surgery.
• For proper alignment, sleep with a pillow under your operated knee.
• You must follow your prescribed pain relief plan.
• You can use a supportive pillow and chair to minimize knee pressure.
• If you notice abnormal signs, then see your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

After knee surgery, follow your doctor’s advice and pay attention to how your body feels. This approach will help your new knee recover well. Remember, recovery is not a race; it is a slow and steady journey. 

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