Recovering from Total Knee Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know
While total knee replacement sounds like something of the future, it’s actually a pretty common procedure that many people in the United States get every day. Total knee replacement surgery can be the answer for people who suffer from chronic knee pain that hasn’t been cured by other treatments and medications, who have severely injured their knee in an accident, or who suffer from arthritis or other diseases that can negatively affect their knees.
With today’s technology and medical practices, total knee replacement surgery is a very safe procedure to undergo. Your doctor will ensure you are comfortable before, during, and after the procedure so you make a full recovery. They will also give you medication and instructions on what to do to ensure your knee heals properly. Recovering from this surgery can be an uphill process, but will be worth it in the end. Here are four things you should know about recovering from knee surgery.
1. You’re Encouraged to Walk During the First Day of Recovery
Of course, you won’t be able to walk completely on your own, but since the recovery process begins right away, you’re encouraged to get up and move around, usually just around the house and with the assistance of a walker. It’s important to walk because it helps your body adjust to the new knee and to having, technically, a foreign object in your body. As you continue walking, it’ll become easier and easier to do throughout the recovery process.
2. You’ll Need to Attend Physical Therapy
A physical therapist will be able to help you rehabilitate after such a major surgery. They’ll ensure you’re healing properly, are able to use your knee like before (with time and patience, of course), and that you don’t do anything that could possibly injure it or prevent it from healing properly. You’ll have appointments with your physical therapist regularly to ensure everything is going smoothly.
3. Your Doctor Will Prescribe Medications For You
These medications can include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and more that’ll help you through the recovery process. It’s important to take these medications so you can feel better, heal properly, and avoid painful infections.
4. You’ll Stay in Regular Contact With Your Orthopaedic Surgeon
Your doctor will want to stay in contact with you to ensure you are healing properly. He or she will ask you questions like if you have unusual pain, swelling, or other signs of serious issues and complications. These regular conversations will keep you on the right track to healing safely.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery from Sun City Orthopaedic
If you have issues with your knee and believe you are a good candidate for total knee replacement surgery, schedule an appointment with us today! We’re happy to help you get on the right track to feeling better.