Taking Care Of Yourself At Home
Be guided by your doctor or surgeon, but general suggestions include:
- The pain and stiffness take time to ease, so be patient. It may take around three months before you feel fully recovered.
- Keep your wound site clean and dry.
- Avoid smoking cigarette smoke can increase your risk of lung infections.
- Avoid any sporting activities for at least two months.
- Follow the suggestions given to you by medical staff on how to walk, climb stairs, and get in and out of chairs safely.
- Avoid jumping, jolting the knee joint or kneeling down.
- Use aids to help you around the home for example, handrails at the bath and toilet, footstools, raised toilet seats, crutches and walking sticks.
- Check your knee carefully for any signs of infection. These can include redness, swelling, warmth or seepage.
- See your doctor or surgeon if you experience anything unusual, such as clicking or popping sounds coming from the knee joint, or a sudden loss of joint control or movement.
How Long Does It Take For A Total Knee Replacement Incision To Heal
How Long Does It Take For A Total Knee Replacement Incision To Heal? Healing and recovering from knee replacement surgery is a gradual process. During the first 6 weeks, rapid healing takes place. A full recovery can take 6 months to 1 year or longer.
When Can A Patient Return To Work
This is a common question after knee replacement surgery and entirely depends on the nature of work the patient performs as part of their occupation. For those patients who work in jobs that are relatively sedentary such as office work, returning to work after 2 to 3 weeks is perfectly reasonable however, for patients whose work demands more of them physically, e.g., fireman, police officer, these patients are usually recommended to wait at least 6 weeks before returning to work.
This is because muscle recovery is usually sufficient by 6 weeks to allow for the normal duties of these more physically demanding occupations at this point in time. However, it is also a case that even for the more physically demanding occupations, if a modification of these duties is available to the patients for the postoperative recovery period then this would potentially allow for an early return to work.
Also Check: Inversion Table For Knee Pain
Read Also: Whiten Knees Fast
Why Would I Need Surgery
Osteoarthritis is the main reason why people go for knee replacement surgery. The age-related condition is very common and occurs when cartilage — the cushion between the knee and the bone joints — breaks down.
Other reasons include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is when the bodyâs immune system attacks and destroys the lining of the knee.
- Deformities: People with bowed legs or âknock-kneesâ often get surgery to restore the position of the knee.
- Knee injuries: A broken bone or torn ligaments around the knee sometimes will result in arthritis that causes great pain and limits your movement.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy In Myrtle Beach And Horry County To Help You After Knee Replacements
There are few things more rewarding than seeing patients return to their everyday activities without pain or discomfort. For millions of Americans, knee replacements have helped them regain the life they once enjoyed before knee pain.
Conway Medical Center has become a leader in this life-changing surgery by utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology and pain management. We offer both total and partial knee replacement procedures by leading orthopedic experts who have the extensive expertise and experience to help you.
Want to know more? Just contact us.
Recommended Reading: How To Use Ginger For Knee Pain
How Do You Hide Scars From Knee Replacement
Clinical studies have shown that silicone gel and sheeting are considered the first-line therapy to manage and minimize scarring, including scars after knee replacement. In fact, silicone gel products are the only topical treatments recommended by the scar experts who create scar treatment guidelines for other doctors.
Options To Try Before Knee Surgery
We recommend that every patient begin with a program of diet/weight loss and exercise to treat their knee arthritis before considering knee replacement.
Many Americans with and without knee arthritis are above their ideal body weight. The mechanical function of the knee are such that losing even a few pounds can bring significant relief from symptoms. In fact, parts of the knee take on five times the bodys weight with a single stair step.
Of course, there is a catch 22 when it comes to knee arthritis and obesity. When the knee hurts, a person becomes less active, thus tending to gain weight even when maintaining the same diet. With inactivity and excess weight, the knee hurts more, and the cycle continues.
To break the cycle, we recommend closed chain exercises such as a leg press or an exercise bike set at a comfortable seat level and low resistance. In most cases, people see a return of muscle function and coordination as well as relief of symptoms. In addition to the meniscus, the quadriceps and hamstrings also act as shock absorbers for the knee, so strengthening these muscles is an important first step in treating knee pain.
For patients above their recommended body weight of 35 or lower), we recommend a program of eliminating simple carbohydrates , and simple sugars , along with adequate hydration and supplementing fiber intake.
Wondering about the ideal weight for your height? Check out the BMI calculator on the Centers for Disease Control website.
Recommended Reading: Dcf Knee Compression Sleeve
My Time In The Hospital
A great medical team took over my care once I reached myroom. I was advised that the surgery went well and if there were nocomplications, I would be going home in less than 24 hours.
At 4:00 pm the hospital physical therapist came in to my room and had me up and out of bed doing some easy range of motion exercises. I was allowed to walk to the bathroom during this time with my walker.
The physical therapist told me she would be back in the morning. At that time, she would give me some simple walking and stair climbing tests.
If I could complete the tasks, I would be going home around noon, the day after surgery.
I did my best to follow my care teams suggestions. Theywanted me to drink a lot of fluid, eat as much as I could and do simpleexercises in my bed to enhance my circulation.
I slept on and off during the night. My surgeon arrivedearly in the morning and removed my drain tube. He examined me, told me thesurgery went well and that he expected that I would be going home shortly.
After breakfast, the physical therapist arrived and had mewalk and go up and down a few stairs. I was able to complete all of the tasksand she told me I was ready to go home.
I called home for a ride, ate lunch and was on my way home at 12:15 pm.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement is where portions of the bones that form the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial implants. It is performed primarily to relieve knee pain and stiffness caused by .
Most people who get this surgery have advanced knee arthritis, in which the knee cartilage is worn away and the surface of the knee becomes pitted, eroded, and uneven. This causes pain, stiffness, instability and a change in body alignment. Knee replacement surgery can also help some people who have a weakened knee joint caused by an injury or other condition. “” rel=”nofollow”> knee replacement specialist at HSS.)
Recommended Reading: Does Aflac Pay For Sprains
One To Two Weeks After Surgery
During this time, physical therapy concentrates on balance, range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. This may include:
- Leg raises
- Practice getting up from a sitting position
- Knee straightening exercises
- Supported knee bendswith the goal of eventually having the knee bend to a 90-degree angle
- Walkingif you need to use a cane or walker, the physical therapist will work with you ensure youre using them properly
Time Checking Into The Hospital And Pre
The week before my TKR I had a pre-operation visit at the hospital. I was able to listen and then ask questions so that by the day of my surgery, I had a good understanding of what was going to take place.
The process went just as I was told.
My surgery was scheduled for 10:00 am. I was asked to checkin to the hospital by 8:00 am. After bathing with the hospital kit the morningof my surgery, I was off to the hospital at 7:30 am.
I arrived a few minutes before 8:00 am and checked in to the front desk. I read the local newspaper for about 10 minutes before the pre-op nurse came to the waiting room, greeted my wife and I and then she escorted us to the pre-op room shortly after 8:00 am .
The same RN that did my pre-operation visit was in thepre-op and she quickly reviewed what was going to happen before, during andafter my surgery.
I undressed and was helped in to a hospital gown. The nurseasked me a familiar round of questions concerning when I had last eaten anddrank, what medications I had recently taken and which knee the surgery wouldbe on.
After the questions the nurse took my vitals. Next she shaved the area around my knee, preparing it for surgery.
The nurse told me that she would be hooking me up with an IV port and that the Anesthesiologist would soon visit and explain my anesthesia options.
She told me that my surgeon was in the operating room andthat he would also visit me before I was moved to the operating room.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Rid Of Fat Around My Knees
What Is A Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is also known as total knee replacement or total knee arthroplasty. This surgery involves the surgical removal of the human knee joint, then replacement with a new prosthetic knee made of plastics and metals. The prosthetic device then functions in the same way as the original joint.
As a surgery, knee replacement is one of the most common and safe medical procedures in the United States. The first knee replacement was performed in 1968. Since then, the procedure doctors use to replace your knee is much more efficient, less invasive, and more effective overall.
During the knee arthroplasty procedure, your doctor will remove the patella and clean up the end of the femur and the tibia . The end surface of the tibia is replaced with metal and a plastic liner is inserted between the tibia and the femur to reduce wear. Then the patella is resurfaced and the surgeon will test the knee to ensure a smooth gliding surgery. The procedure will last about two hours, typically.
What Does The Surgery Entail
Your orthopedic surgeon will make a front-of-the-knee incision running directly over the knee cap. Once the knee cap has been moved aside, your surgeon will be able to place the implants covering all surfaces of the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament , meniscus pads, bone spurs and sometimes the posterior cruciate ligament are all removed, while the medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament are maintained.
- The damaged portions of the femur, tibia, and cartilage are cut away. The bones may be slightly reshaped to create a perfect fit for the implant.
- Implant components will be attached to the femur and tibia using bone cement. A polyethylene insert is attached to the metal component to act as cartilage between the two bones.
- The femur and tibia are placed back together to form a new joint. To make sure the kneecap moves smoothly over the surface of the joint, another polyethylene component is cemented to the back of the kneecap.
pOST-surgery questions
You May Like: Nano Knee Cost
How Much Should I Be Walking After A Knee Replacement
Strictly speaking, there is no limit to the amount of walking that you can do following a knee replacement. Your surgeon will not place a distance or time limit on your walking activities, as most patients find that their knee that is still recovering from surgery, and this will limit them instead. Walking is an excellent exercise to help promote recovery and healing in the knee and many patients find that the more walking that they can do, the quicker they recover from the surgery and the more functional they are in the long term. However, walking should also be supplemented with other exercises that demand a greater range of motion out of the knee such as a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer.
What Happens During Knee Arthroplasty
The day of surgery, you will receive anesthesia to prevent pain during the operation. You will have either a regional or general anesthetic. Your anesthesia team will decide what type of anesthesia is right for you.
Knee arthroplasty takes about an hour or two. The surgical team will:
- Make an incision in the knee area.
- Remove any damaged cartilage and bone.
- Place the knee implant and position it properly.
- Secure the implant into place using cement or without cement.
- Insert a piece of polyethylene that creates a smooth, gliding surface between the metal parts of the implant.
- Close the incision.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Knee Fat And Cellulite
Are There Any Reasons Why I Cant Have A Knee Replacement
Unfortunately, some people may not be able to have a knee replacement even though their arthritis is very bad. This may be because:
- your thigh muscles are very weak and may not be able to support your new knee joint
- there are deep or long-lasting open sores in the skin below your knee, increasing your risk of infection.
What Does The Recovery Process Look Like
Joint replacement recovery is extremely variable and depends greatly on your level of activity and conditioning before surgery. Maintaining muscle strength and mass is very important and typically patients who are more active pre-surgery are also more active post-surgery. Generally speaking, a knee replacement should regain full motion in approximately six to eight weeks with an increase in mobility in the following months. We typically see patients traveling and walking with minimal discomfort in the three month post-surgery range, and regaining full, pain-free function in about six to twelve months.
Don’t Miss: Bleach Dark Knees
How Soon Can I Return To Regular Activities After A Hip Replacement
The goal of physical therapy is to get you back to your normal life, whether its going to work, playing with kids, or engaging in your favorite sport or hobby. Depending on the amount of physical activity a task requires, the amount of time it will take to be able to perform that task differs.
- Driving. If you had surgery on your right hip, it may take up to a month to be able to drive safely again. If it was your left hip, then you might be back in the drivers seat in one or two weeks. Start in a parking lot and slowly move to rural roads, working your way up to the highway. Taking medications that may impair your coordination, such as opioids, might delay how soon you can go back to driving.
- Work. If you have a desk job with minimal activity, you can return to work in about two weeks. If your job requires heavy lifting or is otherwise tough on the hips, it is recommended to take off about six weeks to recover.
- Sports. For sports with minimal activity, such as golf, you can return when you feel comfortable. For high impact contact sports you should wait about six weeks to get back in the game. Before getting into a pool, you should also wait about six weeks until the incision completely heals.
- Sexual Activity. You can return to sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable.
Donât Miss: How To Pop Your Knee
Protecting Your Knee Replacement
After surgery, make sure you also do the following:
- Participate in regular light exercise programs to maintain proper strength and mobility of your new knee.
- Take special precautions to avoid falls and injuries. If you break a bone in your leg, you may require more surgery.
- Make sure your dentist knows that you have a knee replacement. Talk with your orthopaedic surgeon about whether you need to take antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
- See your orthopaedic surgeon periodically for a routine follow-up examination and x-rays. Your surgeon will talk with you about the frequency and timing of these visits.
Recommended Reading: How To Whiten Knees Fast
What Are The Benefits Of A Tkr
Over 90% of people who have total knee replacement surgery experience significant pain relief and improved joint function. Patients wont be able to recover function lost before developing arthritis, but the improvements in daily living often far outweigh the risks. People enjoy a wide range of physical activities after recovery, including walking, swimming, hiking, biking, and other low-impact sports.
What Are Risks And Complications Of Knee Replacement
Complications of knee replacement surgery include:
- Blood clot in the deep veins of the leg
- A DVT can be deadly if it travels to the lungs so see a doctor if you have symptoms that could indicate a DVT, such as leg pain or swelling
You May Like: Cellulite Above Knees