What Precautions To Take After Knee Replacement Surgery?

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One of the most successful replacement surgeries is a knee replacement. It refers to the removal and replacement of a badly damaged knee joint with a prosthesis. With the latest developments, surgical expertise and imported implants, the surgery is getting more awareness. However, if you get the surgery or have recently undergone one, you need to be aware of the knee replacement precautions to be followed post-surgery.

Below, we inform you about all the pre and post knee replacement precautions and measures you need to take and plan according to your surgery date.

Measures before the surgery

When you decide on replacing one of the essential body parts, it is accompanied by certain lifestyle choice adjustments. Following are the lifestyle adjustments that might be needed-

Setup Of Home

You need to introduce some changes in your home setting. It would help if you kept hallways, passages, rooms and outdoor stairs free of clutter and tripping hazards. You can use rugs, footstools, and non-slip surfaces safely. Make sure the areas where you often spend time are well-lit.

Washroom

You should have an easy access commode, so use raised toilet seats and armrests to make it safe and comfortable. If you use a bathtub, replace the sliding doors with shower curtains. Install hand-held showers, grab bars in the tub and toilet seats that assist. Avoid using towel racks or paper holders to support yourself.

Exercise

Exercising before the surgery benefits you because it keeps your joints in movement, improves endurance and makes your muscles stronger. Activities like gentle stretching, strengthening, swimming, and water walking do not stress your joints much. It will also boost your confidence and knowledge for life after the surgery.

Post knee replacement precautions

Once the surgery is done, the most important thing is to take the needed precautions after the knee replacement to ensure recovery. Following are some of them-

Physiotherapy

Exercises like quad sets, dangles, leg extensions, and straight leg raises will be reviewed by your doctor. For rehabilitation, the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine is a vital piece of equipment. The use of a CPM machine is suggested for up to 4 hours a day. But since every individual has different requirements, it is best to get a professional opinion.

Physical Activity

You need to be careful not to put the entire body weight on the replaced joint immediately after the surgery. Your surgeon will tell you about putting pressure on the operated knee.

Following these precautions after knee replacement helps you avoid injuries, damage or dislocation of the prosthetic. Instructions might be as follows-

Sit on the chairs with seat height same as of your knee
Do not cross or twist legs
Do no kneel
Avoid standing for a long time
Do not sleep on the side of the body
Climb stairs one at a time

During the initial days after the surgery, you will be asked to use crutches, a crane or a stick while walking. Your doctor might tell you some more precautions after knee surgery, depending on the surgery type.

Swelling and Pain

After the operation, it is usual to experience some pain and swelling in the leg. Therefore, doctors will prescribe medicines to be taken after every 4 hours or as per need. These medicines can cause nausea, constipation or dizziness. Elevation of the leg or laying for 30 minutes can help with the swelling.

Incision

The knee replacement is an invasive procedure, so you get sutures or staples. The doctor will remove the staples after approximately 12 days. Till then, you need to keep the wound dry. Do not try to cut these sutures at home, as it can worsen the wound. Instead, get them removed from a professional.

Temperature

Post-surgery you might have a slightly high temperature for a few days. But if it goes above 101 degrees often and is accompanied by chills, sweats, more pain at the incision site, you need medical help. The wound might be infected.

Prevention of Blood Clot

Within the first couple of days, the risk of developing blood clots is high. So it is mandatory to take the anticoagulants that your surgeon prescribes. Also, look out for any signs of the blood clot like redness, swelling, excess pain in the calf or irritation of the operated area.

The above mentioned are the precautions after knee replacement that must be followed. However, you should consider which activities to do during the rehabilitation. After the surgery, avoid driving for six weeks. Use handrails or bannisters on stairs to maintain stability. If you are supposed to undergo any dental, gastrointestinal or surgical procedure soon after the replacement, inform the doctor about it because you might be on antibiotics to prevent infection.

Our doctors at Ujala Cygnus Hospital can help you understand more about the necessary measures for knee replacement. If you want information regarding particular procedures like precautions after a total knee replacement, we can help you with that too. Contact us today!

For free teleconsultation with our doctor, call us at 88569-88569 or fill the form to share your problem.