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Arthroplasty or joint replacement refers to a surgical procedure wherein a damaged part or the entire joint is replaced with artificial parts to restore functioning or relieve persistent joint pain. Knee replacement is a common joint replacement surgery that is done in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, knee deformities, or severe knee injuries. Depending on the severity and post-thorough evaluation of all the medical reports an orthopaedic surgeon will recommend partial or total knee replacement.
At Manipal Hospitals, we have the foremost orthopedic doctor in Gurgaon who has performed successful knee replacement surgeries and have guided patients in their rehab journey.
The journey till the time of surgery depends totally upon the orthopaedic surgeon, but post-surgery care demands the support of the entire family and guidance from the orthopaedic surgeons. Through this blog, let's find out the key points that need to be focused on during the recovery phase.
Top 10 Points to Focus on During the Recovery Phase After A Joint Replacement Surgery
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Regular Exercise
Physical activity immediately after the surgery might be painful, but one must start that gradually and under supervision. Recommended exercises along with performing day-to-day activities are the only way to recover faster. Do not go for strenuous exercises as they can cause damage and pain.
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Using a Walker
Using a walker is recommended for a couple of weeks after the surgery as it keeps the pressure off the knees and enables you to walk comfortably. This way you can avoid swelling and pain in and around the knees.
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Stick to the Recommended Diet
Your orthopaedic surgeon and your dietician will advise you to have more fruits and vegetables so that your body has enough nutrients to heal faster. You are also advised to refrain from consuming alcohol during this period as it's better to keep toxins-free when it's recovering from a major surgery like a knee replacement.
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Take Rest
Taking proper rest, and limiting movement in the initial days only to very important tasks can help. Your knee needs proper rest and the body needs time to accommodate this new change, hence you must resume the daily chores gradually.
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Take Care of the Wound
It is important to keep the incision site infection-free while changing the dressing as it may delay healing if gets infected. Swelling, itching, inflammation and redness can be signs of infection which need to be treated immediately.
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Weight Management
Knees bear the body weight and post-surgery it is essential to keep the weight under control too avoid strain on the knees. Limited activity and resting may cause weight gain, but it's equally important to keep a check on it.
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Do Not Skip the Follow-Up Consultations
It is important to stay connected to your surgeon even after the surgery. Do not skip the follow-up consultations as they are an opportunity to analyse the progress and check for any budding complications and treat them timely.
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Modify Your Space
Post-surgery it is important to rest as much as you can for a faster recovery, hence you should keep all the things that you need such as your medicines, ice pack, phone, water bottle, walker, etc very close. The objective is to avoid unnecessary movement and complications that may arise due to that.
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Medicines and Blood Thinners
Your surgeon might prescribe certain painkillers to provide relief from pain and blood thinners to avoid blot clots. You must consume them as prescribed. Do not skip the medicines or take a higher dosage, if you ever feel that they are not effective then consult your orthopaedic surgeon first.
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Avoid Activities that May Strain the Knee
You must avoid strenuous activities and exercises such as lifting weights, skipping, running, jumping, jogging, dancing and more at all costs. These high-impact activities can cause damage, delay healing, cause swelling around the knee and many more complications.
Visit the best orthopedic hospital in Gurgaon if you require knee replacement surgery.
The recovery journey of every patient after knee replacement is different, for some, it's slow and challenging while for some, it's fast and smooth. Various factors such as your age, lifestyle, and other comorbidities can impact your journey, hence you must always stay connected to your surgeon for the right advice.
Check out our other blogs on lifestyle-related topics and diseases in detail with accurate medical information written by doctors.
