3 Things About Total Knee Replacement Recovery
If you are suffering severe knee pain you may have made the decision to have a knee replacement operation. Your doctor has probably explained to you many of the benefits and some of the details of your procedure. You are undoubtedly looking forward to restored mobility, loss of the pain you are currently experiencing, and resuming many of your regular activities. It is important that you are also be mindful of the fact that no recovery occurs without patience and due diligence throughout the healing process. Maintaining your post surgical treatment care is almost as important as getting the surgery itself. Our surgical procedures and rehabilitative practices may be highly advanced, but your attention to detail is also an important component of your total knee replacement recovery.
Total Knee Replacement Recovery: 3 Things You Need to Remember
- Mobilize Early and Carefully
- Rest after your surgery is important, but you will need to exercise your muscles in order to develop control of your new knee. Working out your quadriceps is a crucial step in this process, but it also depends on a proper diet, appropriate pain management, and caring for your wounds. Be sure to follow closely any instructions your doctor gives you in order to balance your rest and exercise throughout the recovery process.
- Be Patient, Even if You Feel Unpleasant
- Remember, recovery is not always going to be a walk in the park. Let’s be honest: postoperative treatment will not always take care of the pain, the nausea, and the constipation that may result as a side effect from your pain medication. You may be uncomfortable as a result of your bandaging and the drain that prevents fluid buildup around your knee. You may lose your appetite, and you might be asked to move your legs and do breathing exercises when you would rather just rest. This is all normal, but keep in mind that this temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for a knee replacement that could last you twenty years or more.
- Recovery at Home is Your Job
- While you will be thoroughly evaluated before being discharged from the hospital, this is not a free pass to go back to normal activities. Make sure your home is ready for the total knee replacement recovery process: rearrange your furniture, make your bathroom safe to move around, and keep all medications and wound care supplies in places you can safely reach. Never hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath or other concerns, especially if you are at home alone.