Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure. It relieves one from chronic pain and increases mobility, but the road to recovery requires caution and effort. The post-surgery care is of utmost importance to the success of the operation. Top 5 Mistakes after knee replacement surgery may extend the recovery period and bring about complications.
The article will outline the top 5 mistakes patients make after knee replacement surgery, how one can avoid them, and why post-surgery care is quite important for full recovery.
The Importance of Post-Surgery Care
Recovery after knee replacement requires more than just physical healing; it requires follow-up with check-ups, physical therapy, and monitoring of one’s body for complications. Most patients tend to take post-surgery recovery care lightly.
However, it is the phase that ensures the long-term success of the procedure. Poor care encourages rigidity, and contamination, and prolongs the healing process. Deliberate or accidental disregard for the healing process makes it hard to regain both strength and mobility.
Being familiar with common mistakes will keep you from accidents and guarantee you a quicker and healthier recovery.
Worst Day After Knee Replacement Surgery
Even though each patient is unique, many patients report that the worst day after knee replacement surgery is during the first 48-72 hours. During this time, swelling and pain reach their zenith and become unbearable. This is normal, however, as this is just part of the recovery process.
To alleviate the pain, one can use the prescribed pain medications and cold compresses on the affected area. What is important is that one must never deviate from one’s recovery program and make unwise decisions that could exacerbate their condition.
Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement Surgery
With that said, let’s explore the top five most common mistakes one could make following knee replacement surgery, and how you might avoid them.
Mistake # 1:
Not Following Through with Physical Therapy and Recovery Exercises
Perhaps the biggest mistake a patient can make is not to follow through with physical therapy and recovery exercises after knee replacement surgery. Knee surgery helps improve mobility, but only if you go consistently with the exercises assigned to you.
Issues:
- Stopping the use of assistive devices too early:
Crutches or walkers are designed to help take some of the weight off your knee as it heals. If one stops using them too early, this could result in re-injury or a setback in recovery.
- Returning to physical activity or work too early:
The urge to return to daily activities might put extra strain on your knee, hence slowing down recovery.
- Ignoring red flags:
An onset of severe pain, swelling, or redness is a complication about which one should not be overconfident to pass. Early detection can save us from further issues.
Solution:
Keep up your routine of physical therapy, use assistive devices, and monitor your body for any unusual signs.
Mistake # 2:
Poor Position and Sleeping Habits
Post-operatively, good position and sleeping positions do much to promote recovery. However, a lot of patients innocently make positioning mistakes that unnecessarily stress the new knee joint.
Issues:
- The use of a pillow under the knee for support after this may be comfortable, but it will impede complete extension and flexibility.
- For instance, sleeping in the wrong positions may result in discomfort, thus delaying recovery. Sharing a bed with someone else may make you sleep in positions that can cause discomfort.
- Sitting crossed-legged or on low chairs – these will stress your knee joint, which will have some kind of effect on the healing process of your condition.
Solution:
Sleep on your back by raising your legs and avoid crossing your legs. Sit only on high chairs where both your feet are touching the floor easily.
Mistake # 3:
Doing High-Risk Activities Too Soon
The temptation to return to normal life is great, but too many patients leap into activities that put their knees in jeopardy.
Issues:
- Wearing shoes that provide inadequate support:
Shoes that do not offer support can make one lose balance and fall.
- Sitting for extended periods:
Prolonged immobility can lead to stiffness and swelling of the knee.
- High-impact sports or activities:
It is appropriate to avoid running or those types of activities that may have a risk of falling during the early period.
Solution:
Increase in activities with a Precautionary measure by putting on supported shoes. Also, make sure to avoid sitting for long and only initiate high-impact sports after your doctor has discharged you from the management.
Mistake # 4:
Failure to Observe Signs of Infection
Infection after knee replacement, if left untreated, can be disastrous. The biggest error of judgment is a poor diagnosis of signs and symptoms of infection and failure to keep in close contact with your doctor.
Issues:
- Not being concerned about the signs of infection like redness, warmth, and discharge around the incision site.
- Not keeping up contact with one’s surgeon. The period after surgery allows follow-up and early complication detection.
- Discarding the post-operative plan: Ignoring your surgeon’s advice can lead to taking undue risks.
- Trying to be independent: Doing too much strenuous work slows down the healing process. This is not the time to be proud; instead, it is time to take help where needed.
Solution:
Obey your body, follow the post-operative care plan, and keep lines of communication open with your doctor.
Mistake # 5:
Trying to Hurry Back to Normal Life
With this in mind, while getting back as quickly as possible is understandable, you don’t want to rush the process and jeopardize your recovery.
Issues:
- Picking Up Where You Left Off Too Soon Returning to activities before your knee is ready may lead to setbacks in your recovery.
- Not Taking Professional Advice Not following the advice or recommendations of your surgeon or physical therapist can lead to complications arising post-surgery.
- Poor Wound Care Not looking after the incision site opens up the risk for infection or delays the healing process.
- Insufficient recovery plan: A decent plan is required for returning to life without hitches.
Solution:
Being patient with oneself, following expert advice, and planning the recovery with realistic timelines will help avoid early returns to activities.
Tips to Avoid the Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement Surgery
Following are some of the practical tips that can be followed to ensure that one has a smooth recovery process:
- Avoid putting stress on your knee: Avoid returning to high-impact sports or heavy activities too quickly.
- Concentrate on re-establishing and rehabilitation: Continue with exercises from physical therapy regularly.
- Keep exercising regularly but lightly:
Walking each day can help keep a range of motion and strength. Stretching also may help in this regard.
- Rest: Give your body some time to heal. Often, rest is balanced with activity.
Improve your overall health through good nutrition, hydration, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, which would help in recovery.
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling:
Cold therapy helps with pain and swelling. Work smart, not hard: One should avoid overexertion while performing daily chores.
- Don’t start driving immediately: Consult your doctor before resuming driving.
- Take help from a physical therapist: Professional guidance during the recovery period is of utmost importance. Emphasize the most relevant exercises that enhance quads’ strength and improve range of motion.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the biggest complaint after knee replacement?
Some common complaints include stiffness, pain, and swelling. These can be managed, for the most part, with adequate post-operative care and physical therapy.
Can too much-walking damage a knee replacement?
Yes, doing too much walking too soon will stress your new knee. Return to your normal activities gradually, advises your doctor.
What can go wrong after a total knee replacement?
Possible complications include infection, blood clots, stiffness, and implant failure.
What should I be doing 6 weeks post-knee replacement?
By this time, one should be able to walk comfortably with minimal use of an assistive device; continue doing regular physical therapy, and avoidance of high-impact activities.
What should I do two months post-knee replacement?
At 2 months, one should be continuing the strengthening exercises, regaining mobility, and increasing one’s activity level as instructed by a physician.
What can I expect to be doing three months after total knee replacement?
By 3 months, most patients have resumed routine activities with minimal discomfort and should continue to work on strength and flexibility.
Conclusion
Knee replacement is a surgical procedure that requires a lot of patience, time, and care for full recovery. Recovery will come much smoother and quicker, with the ability to enjoy the benefits of a new knee for many years afterward by following the tips avoiding the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement, and adherence to advice provided by the healthcare team.