FAQ after Knee Replacement Surgery- A Patients Guide

Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing treatment option for patients with disabling knee pain or injury. However, if your doctor has suggested knee replacement surgery, you may likely top have queries related to the surgery. In this article, we have discussed a few frequently asked questions with our leading knee replacement doctor in Bangalore. Keep reading to know more.
 
How to get prepared before knee replacement surgery?
For several weeks after treatment, you may need to use crutches or a walker. As suggested by our experts practicing total knee replacement in Bangalore, you should make plans for your transportation home from the hospital ahead of time, and seek help for assistance with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and laundry. If you live alone, you can ask any of your surgeon's staff to provide you with a temporary caregiver.

Make the following changes to your home to make it safer and easier to manage during your recovery:

  • In your shower or bath, add a secure handrail or safety bars.
  • On all of your stairwells, handrails should be installed.
  • Purchase a strong chair with a firm seat cushion and back, as well as a footstool to raise your leg.

 How to take care of my knees after surgery?

  • Stitches will not need to be removed after the surgery. As the sutures will get dissolved under the skin and close the incision.
  • Following surgery, you will be discharged with two dressings on your incision. The first is a clear mesh strip that is applied directly to the skin and should be left on for 2-3 weeks. Trim the edges of the strip if it begins to peel away.
  • The second is a brown surgical bandage on the outside. After surgery, the brown bandage should be left on for at least 1-2 days.
  • It is safe to shower and get your incision wet after your surgical bandage has been removed. Allow soap and water to run over the incision. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
  • However, avoid water to the incision site for at least 4 weeks after surgery.

 Do I need to wear compression stockings after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients do not require compression stockings following surgery. They do not prevent blood clots, but they may be beneficial for swelling in certain patients.
 
Instructions you need to follow after surgery:

  • Elevate the affected limb when lying down to reduce swelling following surgery. Elevation just above the heart level aids in circulation improvement.
  • Exercises like ankle pumps have been linked to a lower risk of deep vein thrombosis and potential knee stiffness.
  • An ice pack can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation after surgery. Icing helps to reduce pain and swelling because cold temperatures cause the blood vessels in the leg to constrict. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in edema.
  • Walking is encouraged on the next day after surgery, and in some cases, the same day. Walking with support on a regular basis aids in the reduction of edema and stiffness. This also improves circulation and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
  • It is important to use adequate support while walking and exercising to avoid inadvertent injury. To avoid falls, it is necessary to use a walker or a cane properly.
  • To avoid constipation after surgery, eat a healthy diet high in fiber and liquids. Constipation can occur as a side effect of general anesthesia used during surgery.
  • Obese and overweight patients should try to lose weight by following a diet plan under the supervision of their primary physician.
  • Try to avoid using stairs during the initial recovery period. Do not put extra stress on your knees.
  • Keep all your essential items including your phone and medicines within your reach.

 For how long do I have to take pain medications after surgery?
You may discontinue the pain medications after 2 weeks -4 weeks of surgery. You can consult with your doctor regarding this matter.
 

Physiotherapy after surgery:
Outpatient therapy should be started within 3-5 days of being discharged from the hospital or orthopedics surgery center. For the first 6 weeks after surgery, most patients attend formal therapy 2-3 times per week. You will also be doing exercises at home on your own as directed by your physiotherapist.
 
Can I kneel on or bend my knees after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients experience tenderness and difficulty kneeling in the first few months after surgery, but this usually improves with time.

Conclusion- if your doctor has suggested knee replacement surgery for you, do not delay. As delayed surgery might affect the surgical outcome. For any second opinion or consultation, you can consult ore experts practicing in the best hospital in Bangalore.
 

Posted on : 06/04/2022      Views : 624

FAQ after Knee Replacement Surgery- A Patients Guide

Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing treatment option for patients with disabling knee pain or injury. However, if your doctor has suggested knee replacement surgery, you may likely top have queries related to the surgery. In this article, we have discussed a few frequently asked questions with our leading knee replacement doctor in Bangalore. Keep reading to know more.
 
How to get prepared before knee replacement surgery?
For several weeks after treatment, you may need to use crutches or a walker. As suggested by our experts practicing total knee replacement in Bangalore, you should make plans for your transportation home from the hospital ahead of time, and seek help for assistance with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and laundry. If you live alone, you can ask any of your surgeon's staff to provide you with a temporary caregiver.

Make the following changes to your home to make it safer and easier to manage during your recovery:

  • In your shower or bath, add a secure handrail or safety bars.
  • On all of your stairwells, handrails should be installed.
  • Purchase a strong chair with a firm seat cushion and back, as well as a footstool to raise your leg.

 How to take care of my knees after surgery?

  • Stitches will not need to be removed after the surgery. As the sutures will get dissolved under the skin and close the incision.
  • Following surgery, you will be discharged with two dressings on your incision. The first is a clear mesh strip that is applied directly to the skin and should be left on for 2-3 weeks. Trim the edges of the strip if it begins to peel away.
  • The second is a brown surgical bandage on the outside. After surgery, the brown bandage should be left on for at least 1-2 days.
  • It is safe to shower and get your incision wet after your surgical bandage has been removed. Allow soap and water to run over the incision. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
  • However, avoid water to the incision site for at least 4 weeks after surgery.

 Do I need to wear compression stockings after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients do not require compression stockings following surgery. They do not prevent blood clots, but they may be beneficial for swelling in certain patients.
 
Instructions you need to follow after surgery:

  • Elevate the affected limb when lying down to reduce swelling following surgery. Elevation just above the heart level aids in circulation improvement.
  • Exercises like ankle pumps have been linked to a lower risk of deep vein thrombosis and potential knee stiffness.
  • An ice pack can be used to reduce swelling and inflammation after surgery. Icing helps to reduce pain and swelling because cold temperatures cause the blood vessels in the leg to constrict. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in edema.
  • Walking is encouraged on the next day after surgery, and in some cases, the same day. Walking with support on a regular basis aids in the reduction of edema and stiffness. This also improves circulation and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
  • It is important to use adequate support while walking and exercising to avoid inadvertent injury. To avoid falls, it is necessary to use a walker or a cane properly.
  • To avoid constipation after surgery, eat a healthy diet high in fiber and liquids. Constipation can occur as a side effect of general anesthesia used during surgery.
  • Obese and overweight patients should try to lose weight by following a diet plan under the supervision of their primary physician.
  • Try to avoid using stairs during the initial recovery period. Do not put extra stress on your knees.
  • Keep all your essential items including your phone and medicines within your reach.

 For how long do I have to take pain medications after surgery?
You may discontinue the pain medications after 2 weeks -4 weeks of surgery. You can consult with your doctor regarding this matter.
 

Physiotherapy after surgery:
Outpatient therapy should be started within 3-5 days of being discharged from the hospital or orthopedics surgery center. For the first 6 weeks after surgery, most patients attend formal therapy 2-3 times per week. You will also be doing exercises at home on your own as directed by your physiotherapist.
 
Can I kneel on or bend my knees after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients experience tenderness and difficulty kneeling in the first few months after surgery, but this usually improves with time.

Conclusion- if your doctor has suggested knee replacement surgery for you, do not delay. As delayed surgery might affect the surgical outcome. For any second opinion or consultation, you can consult ore experts practicing in the best hospital in Bangalore.
 



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