A total knee replacement surgery significantly helps in reducing the pain in your aching knees, thereby increasing mobility and improving your quality of life. For the best outcome, it is crucial to get the procedure done from a reputed hospital and follow it up with intensive physiotherapy as recommended by your surgeon. Knee arthroplasty, better known as knee replacement surgery, helps in restoring knee function and reducing pain. Go through this article to learn what you must not do after total knee replacement surgery.
After surgery, patients are very likely to experience pain. It typically serves as a reminder to take things a little easy. But when the pain subsides naturally, most of the patients forget that they’re still recovering from the surgery.
Nonetheless, even if you are feeling better, there are a few restrictions that you must abide by strictly. This article will provide informative insights into the top 10 things that you must avoid after knee replacement surgery.
● Never Consider Terminating Your Assistive Device at the Earliest Opportunity
There’s no better feeling than being able to do everything unassisted. While you are recovering, your assistive device gives you crucial support. Make sure that you continue using them until your healthcare provider has instructed you to let go.
When you consider discarding it too early, you become vulnerable and increase your chances of injury.
● Try Not to Skip Regular Exercises
Exercises are crucial for those who have undergone complete knee replacement surgery. Physical therapists can seamlessly guide those patients throughout the recovery process.
The therapists implement knee replacement rehab exercises that help you move your limbs, thereby promoting healing. You should remember that your exercises must be limited and never overdo them.
● Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects
Whenever you lift anything heavy, it puts extreme pressure on your knee joints. So, it’s best to avoid lifting anything heavy for a few months after surgery. If you wish to hit the gym, your physical therapist will tell you when it’s safe to do the same.
● Don’t Consider Sitting on Low or Soft Chairs
Soft couches, low stools, or chairs put considerable stress on your legs. During the first few months after knee replacement surgery, you must be very careful about your sitting posture. Make sure that you are sitting upright with your back straight and using a walker while moving. If required you can place pillows and cushions in your car seats or chairs. Sitting on the floor is a permanent no-no after knee replacement surgery.
● Avoid Running or Jogging
Jogging and running can cause repeated stress on your knees. It is best to avoid such activities right after a complete knee surgery. If you want to resume running, you’ll require intense fitness training. Make your muscles strong enough to protect your knees.
● Don’t Wear Slippers or Flip Flops
Flip flops and slippers are unsteady and tend to slip quite often. Wearing them increases the risk of injuries or accidents. To decrease the risk of injury, you must wear sturdy footwear with an excellent grip. If required, you can also wear grip socks while you’re indoors.
● Avoid Participating in High Impact Activities or Sports
High-impact sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, etc, put significant stress on your knees and increase the risk of injuries. While recovering from knee replacement surgery, it’s best to participate in low-impact sports like golf, swimming, scuba diving, etc.
● Never Ski Downhill
Downhill skiing can have a massive impact on your knees. You should wait for at least three months before you can hit the slopes again.
● Do not Hike on Uneven Trails
When you hike on uneven trails, you have greater risks of tripping and falling. It is best to stick to flat trails that don’t have much inclination.
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Some other things to avoid after knee replacement surgery
Following the surgery, patients must follow certain dos and don’ts to ensure early healing. Below is a list of things that you must avoid after total knee replacement surgery:
1. Avoid putting any weight on your leg for at least six weeks from the date of surgery. Typically, patients are asked to use crutches or a walker for this period. Make sure not to put any weight on the operated leg while using these walking aids and let someone assist you in moving around with them.
2. Do not sit on low chairs or apply any force to your knees by kneeling down as it may cause damage to your new joint surfaces, which may eventually lead to the dislocation of the implant and cause severe pain.
3. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting as it can put unnecessary stress on your new knee joint and increase pain and swelling in the area. This can also lead to dislocation of the implant, which will require another surgery for correction and might even result in permanent damage of the nerves around the joints resulting in numbness in one or both legs below the knees.
4. Do not sleep with your operated leg bent upwards.
Some Frequently Asked Questions You Should Know
1. How painful is a total knee replacement?
The pain associated with a total knee replacement can vary depending on the individual. Some people report feeling little to no pain after the surgery, while others may experience some discomfort. The level of pain is often dependent on the severity of the joint damage and how well the surgery was performed. Most people are able to manage their pain with medication and physical therapy.
2. How long does it take to recover from a total knee replacement?
The recovery time for a total knee replacement can also vary depending on the individual. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within 3-6 months. However, some may experience a longer recovery period.
3. Are there any complications associated with a total knee replacement?
As with any surgery, there are always risks and potential complications associated with a total knee replacement. Some of the more common complications include infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. Your best knee replacement surgeon in delhi will be able to discuss all of the potential risks and complications prior to your surgery.
To Conclude
If you require total knee replacement surgery, you may consider BLK Max Hospitals. They have some of the finest specialists for top-notch treatment and rehabilitation leading to satisfactory outcomes.
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