Knee replacement is considered among the best treatment plans for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. Most patients report successful outcomes after surgery, but there are some who have less than satisfactory results. You risk adverse effects or worse still, infection, if you do not take proper care of your operated knee after a knee replacement surgery.
Proper home care and commitment to the post-surgery rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery in order to have a successful outcome. That is why at Hip & Knee Orthopaedics, we have a strict post-op protocol after a knee replacement surgery.
Let’s discuss the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement that you should avoid for smoother knee replacement surgery recovery.
5 Common Post-Surgery Mistakes
Your postoperative behaviour directly impacts how your new joint heals. This is the most critical period that determines how rapid and smooth the recovery process would be. Here are the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement that one must not make in order to have a successful knee surgery:
Not Taking Proper Medication
The purpose of post-surgery medication is to reduce pain, inflammation and most importantly, the risk of infection. You will need to take oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for the first week after a knee replacement surgery. Oral antibiotics are important as it helps to prevent surgical site infection, which can be catastrophic in the setting of a prosthetic joint implant surgery. The reason for this is that should bacterial biofilm form on the prosthesis, it can be impossible to eradicate clinical infection without removal of the prosthesis.
Inflammation around the knee joint due to the surgery can result in stiffness and thus leading to suboptimal results in rehabilitation. If inflammation is severe, the patient would also experience significant pain and discomfort which can make it difficult to rest and sleep well. This would also affect your rehabilitation efforts the next day.
Once severe pain sets in, it can become very difficult to have good pain control thereafter. Pain management is more effective when regular doses of painkillers are taken, especially for the first week after surgery. By the time pain hits a high level, pain control becomes much more challenging. Thus you might get caught up in a chronic cycle of trying to control the pain but always falling behind the curve, compromising the rehabilitation goals and progress.
Sedentary Lifestyle __ Not Following Prescribed Exercise
Some people have the misconception that they should not walk after a knee replacement out of fear of damaging the knee implants or causing injuries. The fact is that your knee replacement will be more successful if you stretch and move the knee more as soon as possible after the knee replacement surgery! The new implant needs to be “run in” and movement prevents the setting in of excessive scar tissue, which when set in, can become impossible to reverse.
Doing Too Much Activity Too Soon
Doing too much too soon can be a problem, particularly for physically active individuals who are anxious to resume their activities immediately. It would help if you preferred to move during rehabilitation, but that movement should not be extreme. Excessive exercises can lead to persistent swelling which can limit knee mobility. A swollen knee might not allow you to continue your physical therapy for the next few days. A good rule to follow is that swelling should subside within a day after exercising. You would be advised to follow the exercise plan prescribed by the doctors or the trusted therapists.
Improper nutrition and inadequate hydration after surgery
Improper diet and nutrition is one of the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement that affects recovery. Adequate hydration is very important after a knee replacement surgery. This ensures that the anesthetic medications are flushed out after surgery and maintains blood pressure within a good range, which helps to reduce risk of complications.
Food rich in protein helps with wound healing and recovery. A diet rich in antioxidants also helps to abate the pro-inflammatory processes after surgery. Thus go for a diet rich in vegetables and fruits like berries.
Avoid a sugar-rich diet as this predisposes to inflammation which can affect wound healing.
Avoid excessive alcohol as this can affect the antibiotics and medications after surgery.
Skipping Physical Therapy And Pain Management Techniques
Critical to a fast recovery is being compliant to the recommended physical therapy regime. It is important for the supporting muscles around the new joint to resume their strength after surgery in order for the joint to feel right. Whether doing your exercises at home or with a physical therapist, you must follow the recommended timeline and perform the exercises diligently. It is normal for the knee joint to feel a little sore after physical therapy. You can manage these discomfort with ice, elevation and pain medications. There is no need to fear addiction to pain medications as long you follow the pain management regime prescribed by your doctor.
Exercises To Avoid After Knee Replacement
After knee replacement surgery, it’s crucial to know which exercises to avoid to ensure a smooth recovery and protect your new joint. Engaging in the wrong types of activities can cause undue stress on your knee, leading to complications or setbacks. Here are some exercises you should steer clear of during your rehabilitation process:
High-Impact Activities:
- Running and Jumping: These activities place significant stress on your knee joint, which can lead to damage or wear of the prosthesis. It’s best to avoid running, jumping, or any other high-impact activities, especially in the initial recovery phase.
Deep Squats and Lunges:
- Deep Squats: While squats can be beneficial in building leg strength, deep squats can put excessive pressure on your knee joint. Opt for shallow squats or other leg-strengthening exercises as recommended by your physical therapist.
- Lunges: Similar to deep squats, lunges require a significant amount of knee flexion and can strain the joint. Avoid lunges or perform modified versions under the guidance of your therapist.
Heavy Lifting:
- Weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights can place undue stress on your knee and may lead to injury. Avoid heavy weightlifting and instead focus on low-weight, high-repetition exercises to gradually build strength without risking damage.
High-Intensity Sports:
- Basketball and Soccer: Sports that involve quick changes in direction, jumping, and running can be too strenuous on a newly replaced knee. It’s better to avoid these sports until your knee is fully healed and you have received clearance from your doctor.
Treadmill Running:
- Treadmill Use: While walking on a treadmill can be part of your rehabilitation, running on a treadmill is not advisable. The impact of running can stress your knee joint. Opt for walking at a moderate pace and avoid inclines.
Tips For Successful Knee Replacement Rehabilitation
Following surgery, dedication to rehabilitation is crucial for a smooth recovery and regaining optimal knee function. Here are some key tips to optimize your knee replacement rehabilitation journey:
1. Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy is the cornerstone of successful rehabilitation. A qualified therapist will create a personalized exercise program specifically designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint, improve flexibility, and restore your range of motion. This program will likely include:
- Strengthening exercises: These exercises target the muscles that support your knee, improving stability and preventing future injury. Examples include straight leg raises, calf raises, and quad sets.
- Flexibility exercises: Gentle stretches help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness in your knee joint. These may involve stretches for your hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves.
- Gait training: Your therapist will guide you on proper walking mechanics to ensure a smooth and efficient gait pattern. This may involve using walking aids like a cane or walker initially.
2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery:
While the movement is essential, your body also needs ample rest to heal and rebuild. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Here are some recovery tips:
- Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Elevation: Keeping your knee elevated above your heart helps reduce swelling and improve circulation.
- Adequate sleep: Getting enough quality sleep allows your body to repair tissues and promotes overall healing.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet:
Good nutrition plays a vital role in recovery. Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in:
- Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. Include lean protein sources like fish, chicken, beans, and lentils in your meals.
- Fruits and vegetables: These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healing and reduce inflammation.
- Healthy fats: Healthy fats like those found in olive oil, avocado, and nuts can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
4. Manage Pain Effectively:
Pain management is crucial for a successful recovery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage discomfort after surgery. Remember to take medication as directed and communicate any concerns about pain control to your doctor.
5. Stay Hydrated:
Adequate hydration is essential for overall health and recovery. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and keep your body functioning optimally.
6. Manage Expectations:
Recovery from knee replacement surgery is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small milestones along the way. Most people regain significant function within 3-6 months, but continued improvement can occur for up to a year.
7. Communicate with Your Doctor:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have with your doctor or physical therapist throughout your rehabilitation journey. Open communication is key to ensuring a smooth recovery and addressing any potential issues promptly.
By following these tips, you can enhance your recovery process and achieve the best possible outcome after knee replacement surgery. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to reputable sources like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which offers comprehensive information on knee replacement recovery.
We can help you avoid mistakes after a knee replacement
Do follow your doctor’s post-op instructions. Singapore Knee Surgeon is committed to helping you throughout your recovery journey, from surgery to complete rehabilitation. Knee replacement surgery Singapore provides you with personalized and effective treatment options, to get you back to your life with a painless functional knee. Contact us now!
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