Knee arthritis affects nearly half of all American adults at some point. Knee arthritis frequently causes pain, stiffness, and restricted motion. If your knee is significantly injured by arthritis or an injury, knee replacement surgery can alleviate pain and restore function. Recovery from knee replacement surgery might take anywhere from six to 12 months, depending on the extent of the damage. There are things you may take to speed up your recovery, even if it takes a while.

What can you expect from knee replacement surgery?

The doctors have the most up-to-date treatment options for chronic knee pain. If other less invasive options have failed, your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery. Known as knee arthroplasty, this treatment replaces the injured knee joint with metal and plastic components to restore normal knee function and alleviate chronic pain.

Knee replacement surgery is widespread and often successful. The vast majority of knee replacement patients report significant reductions in pain and mobility. Knee replacement is a life-changing procedure for most patients because it allows them to regain their freedom and return to the hobbies and activities they formerly enjoyed. Recovery, on the other hand, might be a long process. These dos and don'ts can aid you on your journey to recovery if you've had knee surgery or are contemplating it.

Following Knee Replacement Surgery: The First 24 Hours

Regaining feeling in one's legs after surgery is a gradual process. Multiple pain-relief strategies will be used by doctors in an approach known as multimodal analgesia to prevent pain from developing in the first place and reduce adverse effects.

When pain is under control, a patient can stand up and take a few steps with the help of physical therapists and walkers during the first 24 hours of the procedure. Patients who can stand and bear some weight on their new knees within a few days of surgery recover more quickly.

Manage pain effectively

Knee replacement surgery used to be associated with a stigma of "simply pushing through" the agony. In reality, pain management that is done correctly aids in the reduction of suffering and the speeding up of the healing process. It is critical to precisely describe and pinpoint the location and degree of the pain because pain is subjective. This information is necessary so that your medical team can best assist you in dealing with your pain and ensure that you receive the best possible care.

After knee replacement surgery, you can expect some discomfort, but an excellent pain management regimen can considerably reduce your pain level and speed up your recovery.

If you leave the house as quickly as possible, the better

It's not always easy to recover from joint replacement surgery, but getting back on your feet when your doctor says it's okay can help you recover. To avoid complications like blood clots, improve your circulation, and keep your joints limber, it is essential to walk regularly. After your surgery, you can begin your recovery right away. Even while still in the hospital, most patients can start walking; walking aids in delivering vital nutrients to your knee, which aids in the recovery process. For the first few weeks, you may need to use a walker. After a knee replacement, most patients can walk independently within four to eight weeks.

Physical therapy

After undergoing knee replacement surgery, physical therapy is essential. As part of your rehabilitation, a physical therapist will show you exercises that will aid in the healing process. It is important to continue physical therapy even if you feel better and more confident. To strengthen your leg, improve your ability to walk, and restore movement to your knee joint, you will benefit from physical therapy.

Exercise

Regular exercise is as important as the therapeutic movements performed during physical therapy. This is different from the physical therapy exercises you'll learn in school. Making safe physical activity a part of your daily routine strengthens your muscles and aids in recovery. Even though exercise is essential, it should not cause you any discomfort. The desire for rapid retrieval is an understandable human trait. However, over-exerting yourself can result in a setback. You can ask your medical team what exercises you can safely do, such as taking extra walks or using an elliptical machine.

Rest

It's normal for patients to be eager to get better. What did you know about the importance of sleep in recovery? In knee replacement surgery, patients must balance movement and rest to recover fully. For the first few months, swelling in the knee may be mild to moderate.

It is possible to speed up the healing process by getting plenty of rest, elevating your leg, and applying cold.

In a total knee replacement, the arthritic knee joint surfaces are replaced with well-engineered bearing surfaces. This is a safe surgical procedure among patients who undergo surgery; more than 90% experience significant pain reduction and functional recovery.