It is easy to take the knee for granted – until it starts hurting. And if it keeps hurting no matter what you’ve tried, the last resort may be total knee replacement surgery. You’ll want to take care of yourself after the surgery, and your doctor will no doubt have some instructions for you to follow. Here are a few other helpful tips.
Who can benefit from total knee replacement surgery?
Your knee may be damaged from arthritis or an injury, or it may be in the wrong position because of a condition such as bowed legs. Knee replacement surgery may be recommended after everything else has failed, such as different kinds of medication and changing your lifestyle. In total knee replacement surgery, the bones of the joint are resurfaced, to restore the ability of the joint to move smoothly and to remove the pain of bone rubbing against bone.
Tips for recovery
Of course, your doctor will tell you what to do and what to avoid during your recovery, but here are some things to keep in mind when you are at home recovering:
• Keep the joint moving, with gentle, continual movement. This helps to relieve pain, and it also keeps blood circulating.
• Keep the swelling down. Too much swelling can lead to pain and stiffness and can make it difficult to move. Adding ice and elevating the knee can help.
• Keep the walker or cane. Using a walker can make you feel old, and you may want to be rid of it as soon as possible. But don’t toss out the walker or cane too soon, or you may redamage your knee.
• Let people help you. You’ll need help around the house for at least a couple of weeks after your surgery. Cooking, shopping, doing laundry, and bathing may not seem like monumental tasks, but it can all be too much when you are recovering from surgery.
Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery, and take care of yourself! If your knees are causing you more and more pain every day, contact Sports Occupational and Knee Surgery in San Antonio, TX, for an appointment. Call (210) 696-9000 today!
