We have put together a simple list of measures you can take prior to your knee replacement surgery, as well as a list of what to do and what not to do after your replacement knee surgery. If you know there are things you can do to positively affect the outcome of your surgery, you should know them. More than 700,000 knee replacements were performed in the U.S. In 2017, and the number continues to rise.
Pre-Surgery Prep List
Renovate Your Residence.
Relocate your bedroom to the initial level, eliminate any needless barriers from your path, and ensure that vital belongings are conveniently within reach. Implementing several adjustments can facilitate your movement around your residence while you are recuperating.
Obtain a Cane or Walker.
You will need some support while walking after your surgery to avoid other accidents such as slips, falls, and using a walker or cane immediately in the weeks and days following your surgery, to ensure adequate recovery support.
Seek assistance from your loved ones or acquaintances.
Although you will be able to get around after surgery, you may need to assist friends or family for several weeks with tasks such as cooking, shopping, and bathing.
Seek advice from your physician.
Consult with your physical therapist and surgeon to fully understand the protocols and timing of your process recovery, so you can maximize the outcome that you are prepared for.
After-Surgery To-Do List
DO:.
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
It is crucial for you to follow your surgeon’s instructions for optimal recovery. Precautions and recommendations may include exercises to avoid additional injury or infection and wound care instructions.
2. Elevate Your Knee
To prevent swelling, it is crucial to elevate your entire leg, including the ankle, as high as possible above the level of your heart after undergoing knee replacement surgery.
3. Ice Up
After total knee replacement surgery, swelling can last for several months. To reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, it is recommended to use ice packs for approximately 10-20 minutes, three to four times a day.
4. Care for your Wound
A bandage can help prevent dirt and discomfort on the wound. The wound should not remain moist until it is completely sealed and dried. Stitches or staples will be used to close your knee wound.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Following a surgical procedure, certain individuals may encounter a decrease in their desire for food. The process of your wound healing and your knee regaining its muscular vigor is facilitated by adhering to a well-rounded diet and maintaining a generally wholesome way of living.
6. Follow Your Exercise Plan
Following a surgical procedure, the initial weeks hold utmost importance in your fitness regimen. Your activity program should comprise exercises that can be performed independently at home as well as exercises that involve your physical therapist. Assisting you in recovering mobility, power, and stability, appropriate physical activity, when executed accurately, will enable you to resume the activities that bring you pleasure.
List of things not to do after surgery.
DON’T:.
1. Avoid engaging in contact sports and strenuous exercises.
Steer clear of sports that entail rotating and yanking the knee or high-impact workouts that put strain on the knee, such as:
2. Avoid Prolonged Sitting.
The chance of developing blood clots and increased swelling after surgery rises when sitting for long periods. It is advised that you avoid sitting for more than an hour at a stretch, unless you elevate your leg.
3. Refrain from excessively utilizing stairs.
After your knee is replaced, it is important to restrict the use of stairs to only those that are necessary around the home. Your therapist will collaborate with you to ensure your safety on the stairs before you are discharged.
4. Avoid walking without a cane or walker.
To maximize your recovery and minimize the risk of any additional injury or falling, you should support yourself while walking without a walker or cane.
5. Avoid operating a vehicle when under the influence of medication.
Driving while under the influence of pain medication is highly hazardous. Although you may continue taking medication after your surgery, it is crucial to refrain from driving immediately.
6. Do not disregard severe pain.
If you experience excessive swelling or pain that cannot be managed at home, you should contact your doctor immediately.
EmergeOrtho–Blue Ridge Region, with the assistance of Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better, will assist you in preparing for knee surgery beforehand. Make an appointment today if you are contemplating knee replacement surgery. Our team of certified surgeons with specialized training in knee replacement will ensure your care. In order to facilitate a speedy and secure return to an active lifestyle, we have compiled a list of activities to avoid and activities to engage in after knee replacement.