Knee replacement surgery has become one of the most common surgeries, especially in the US. After the surgery, the recovery period plays a crucial role in the health and fitness of the patient. It requires close attention to some specific factors that help in the recovery of the knee joint.
Has any of your loved ones also gotten knee replacement surgery recently? Worry less, we are here with you to make sure they have a safe and sound recovery. Help your loved ones with these Tips to care for someone after a Knee Replacement Surgery that helps them safely return from the injury.
A Little Into Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is most commonly performed to reduce arthritis-related pain. Patients who tend to have difficulty walking, going up and down stairs, and getting out of chairs, often require this surgery.
It involves replacing parts of your knee that have been injured or worn out. If only one side of your knee is affected, surgeons can usually just replace that side. If you need to replace the whole joint, surgeons will reshape the ends of your thigh bone and shinbone and resurface the whole joint.
To make sure you’re getting the right type of knee replacement, a surgeon will check your knee to make sure it’s able to move, stay stable, and be strong.
They’ll also take X-rays to show how much damage has been done. The best type of knee replacement for you depends on your age and weight, how active you are, how big and small your knee is, and how healthy you are.
How to Care for Someone After Knee Replacement Surgery?
There’s no doubt that everyone wishes for a healthy recovery of their loved ones after their surgery. And helping them recover fast is not an easy task. But with the right support from you, they can get back to taking strolls, getting active, and just moving around without any hassle.
Go through the tips given below to know how you can care for them to help them have a faster recovery.
Move a Little, But Often.
Once their doctor has given the green light for them to move and walk, they will need to stay active. They may be able to walk with walking aids as soon as they leave the hospital, which is something to aim for after knee surgery.
We would recommend walking every hour, even if it’s a little. Start from just moving a few steps, whether that’s getting a drink of water or going to the toilet.
When they start feeling better with it, increase the duration of walks little by little. This would reduce the risk of blood clotting and other complications, as well as improve circulation to the knee, which helps it heal faster.
Avoid Heavy Activities
Despite the advances in surgery and prosthetics, some high-impact activities that put a lot of strain on the knee, are not usually recommended after knee replacement surgery. This includes lifting or carrying heavy items while standing or walking. They should also be prevented from taking any load on their backs, as it results in increasing stress on their knees as well.
This high impact can cause the prosthetic knee to become loose or even dislocate. Your goal in your recovery is to get the most out of your new knee and make it last as long as possible. That’s why it’s important to focus on low-impact exercises that don’t compromise your health or your surgery success.
Provide Physical Therapy
Physical therapy should be given to them after being discharged from the hospital. It should typically start within 7 days after your surgery.
A physical therapist will help them learn how to do knee-strengthening exercises to increase their range of motion and reduce scar tissue. Not just the knee, but you should also consider getting or doing routine foot care at your home.
They will also help them in using an assistive walking device like a walker or cane, till they can walk unaided.
Gradually as you improve your knee strength by refraining from heavy activities, with the help of our expert team, we get you back to exercising pain-free for any physical need.
Give Proper Nutrition
It’s super essential to eat right during the recovery period. Eating healthy meals and snacks can help them get back on their feet quickly and make them feel better.
Without proper nutrition, they’ll tend to get tired easily, and the recovery will slow down.
So make sure to provide them with a calcium-rich diet, even if they don’t feel hungry.
Foods that are high in vitamin C can help them absorb iron from plants like spinach. Vitamin D, an important nutrition for the strength of bones, would also be beneficial during this period.
Other than these, you should also keep track of their medications and make sure they don’t miss any. Stay alert to the increasing swelling and pain in the joint.
Moreover, you should observe for any deformity in the growth of bones while recovering. Book regular appointments for checkups and keep in touch with their surgeon to ask for advice.
Conclusion
For the majority of people, knee replacement surgery offers a range of benefits, including reduced pain, enhanced mobility, and a greater quality of life.
Generally, knee replacements are expected to remain in place for a minimum of 15 to 20 years after the procedure.
After recovery, they may engage in a variety of low-impact activities such as exercise, swimming, golf, or cycling. However, one should keep in mind that activities with a higher impact, such as running, or activities that involve jumping, need to be avoided. It is recommended to consult with their doctor to determine the best way to remain active after a knee replacement.
After everything, we wish you all the best and hope for a happy and safe recovery of your loved one!
