What Not To Do After Knee Replacement - Precautions After Knee Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a procedure to replace your knee joint with an artificial one to restore knee function and reduce pain. It is a common surgery and about 3.5 million procedures performed each year. Continue reading to learn about knee replacement precautions, knee replacement recovery tips, must-haves after knee surgery, and what not to do after knee replacement.
Table Of Content
- What is knee replacement surgery?
- Exercises and activities to avoid following a knee replacement
- What is the fastest way to recover from knee replacement surgery?
- Precautions after Knee Replacement Surgery
- Must haves after knee surgery
- Knee replacement recovery tips
- Conclusion
1. Why is ACL Reconstruction Surgery Required?
A knee replacement surgery replaces your knee joint with an artificial one and aims to reduce pain and restore knee function. It is a common procedure, with an estimated 3.5 million procedures performed annually.
2. Exercises and activities to avoid following a knee replacement
Even though it may be tempting to resume your normal routine as soon as possible, there are some exercises and movements you should avoid while recovering and following knee replacement precautions including what not do after knee replacement
Activities that pose a high risk of injury
According to a 2018 study, 17.2 percent of 134 people who had knee replacements fell at least once within 6 months of their operation. Approximately two-thirds of these falls happened while walking. One of the most important precautionary examples is what not to do after knee replacement.
Some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of falling include:
- When going up and down the stairs, use the handrail; when showering, use a rubber mat or shower chair, which is one of the must-haves after knee surgery.
- Sitting down when wearing shorts or pants and keeping the floor clear of stray toys, slippery rugs, and other tripping hazards tops the list of must-haves after knee surgery.
- Avoiding slippery surfaces such as mud, ice, or wet grass is one of the most important precautions after knee replacement i
- Prolonged sitting is one of the most important considerations in what not to do after knee replacement. It can increase the risk of developing a blood clot, especially in the first two weeks after surgery.
- It must be avoided as is definitely on the list of what not to do after knee replacement
Too much weight-bearing soon after surgery
Knee Replacement surgeon in delhi encourage early weight-bearing, and getting out of bed and moving as soon as possible with assistance after surgery is one of the pointers when looking at what is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery.
When going up the stairs, start with the leg that did not have surgery, and when going down, step first with the leg that had the surgery as one of the knee replacement precautions.
High-impact sports or those that change directions quickly
Avoid participating in contact sports or sports that may cause a sudden twisting or jerking of the knee while recovering from knee replacement surgery. This is one of the knee replacement precautions.
Cycling, golf, and swimming are excellent low-impact sports for staying active, and it must be noted what is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery.
Kneeling
After a total knee replacement, 60 to 80 percent of people report difficulty or inability to kneel. If you are uncomfortable, avoid kneeling and remember what the fastest way to recover from knee surgery precautions after knee replacement is.
3. What is the fastest way to recover from knee replacement surgery?
- If you are recovering from knee replacement surgery and want to speed up the process, we have some great tips for you for precautions after knee replacement.
- Have some movement every hour, move little and frequently as part of precautions after knee replacement.
- Once the doctor has cleared you to move your knee and walk, it is critical to do so slowly and frequently, and it is one of the fastest ways to recover from knee replacement surgery.
- This is important because it lowers the risk of complications such as blood clots, keeps your joints limber, and is the fastest way to recover from knee replacement surgery.
- Use the appropriate equipment.
- When you are discharged from the hospital after your knee replacement surgery, you will most likely be given some sort of walking aid, which you should use as a must-have after knee surgery to help you move around safely at home as precautions after knee replacement.
You must remember to move as advised, and following precautions after knee replacement is a must.
Stick to Your Exercise Routine
The primary goal of the first phase of recovery is to reduce swelling so that you can increase your range of motion. Kneeling or applying pressure to your knee is likely to aggravate the swelling, slowing your recovery.
Get a good night's sleep and rest.
While we have discussed the importance of exercise and movement, we must also ensure that you get adequate rest. As a result, aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night, if not more, and when resting, keep your leg elevated and apply ice to reduce swelling.
Sitting
Avoid sitting in the same position for more than 45 to 60 minutes.
Maintain a straight line with your feet and knees, not turned in or out.
Do not place a pad or pillow behind your knee when lying down and keep your knee straight and this tops the knee replacement recovery tips
4. Precautions after Knee Replacement Surgery
However there is a huge list of precautions one should try avoiding, but some of the most crucial things that one must avoid after knee replacement surgery are participation in any of the activities that require jerking, twisting, and pulling. Thus one should stop playing outdoor games like football, cricket, running, and others.
Management of Wounds
Keep bandaging your wound to keep it clean and dry, as an important knee replacement recovery tips.
Preventing Blood Clots
One of the knee replacement recovery tips is that your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe anticoagulants such as aspirin and warfarin to prevent clot formation. You must follow and take all prescribed medications and exercise as advised
5. Must haves after knee surgery
- Ice is the most important must-have after knee surgery
- Compression socks to prevent blood clots
- Pillow for leg elevation
- Heating pad for pain
- Walking aids for support
- A good pair of shoes
- Orthotics such as sole support
6. Knee replacement recovery tips
- Prepare for the after-surgery by stocking up on necessary supplies so that you can avoid getting out and rest well
- Discuss with professionals about the range and extent of physical activity
- Follow the doctor’s instructions diligently as an important knee replacement recovery tips
- Indulge in the right level of physical activity
- Keep a watch on warning signs
7. Conclusion
Dr. Vikram Mhaskar is your best choice for knee replacement . He has extensive training in knee and shoulder surgery from both India and overseas. Being an avid athlete himself, he specialises in complex knee and shoulder surgeries with high rates of return to sport for his patients, including replacements, advanced ligament reconstructions, meniscus repairs, meniscus transplants, and complex shoulder surgeries.