The Truth about Knee Replacement Surgery
With age, your joints face wear. Excessive wear and tear on knee joints significantly reduces their function and mobility. We live in a world where adults approach orthopedic surgeons in Navi Mumbai and consider knee replacement to get relief from debilitating pain.
However, like any invasive medical procedure, knee replacement surgery comes with its share of risks. If you’re unable to walk or experience severe knee pain, you might be a good candidate for knee replacement. In this post, we’ve mentioned some basic things you should know about the surgery.
Common Reasons for Knee Replacement
1) Osteoarthritis:
The most common reason for considering knee replacement is osteoarthritis. It occurs when cartilage breaks down, causing excessive pain and limiting mobility.
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis:
It’s an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your cartilage, bone, and surrounding structure, often requiring a total knee replacement. When the inflammation and joint damage go beyond repair and won’t respond to medication, a surgical intervention might be your only option.
3) Severe Knee Injuries:
A traumatic event that fractures your knee joint or causes severe cartilage damage might also require knee replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai.
The Surgery Process
Before the surgery, you’ll be advised to stop certain medications or supplements (if you are on those). Avoid eating anything on the day of surgery.
The surgery takes 1-2 hours, and you’ll be sedated throughout the procedure. The surgeon could also administer local anesthesia, which only numbs the area where surgery is to be performed. Here’s the detailed steps of the procedure:
- The doctor makes a cut on your knee
- Removes the damaged cartilage
- Place the artificial implants
- They will close the incision with stitches.
Post-surgical recovery involves a short hospital stay, usually 2-3 days, but some patients are discharged the same day. During this time, your vitals are monitored. Your surgeon will soon recommend physical therapy to help strengthen your muscles and restore mobility. You need to start walking with walking aids to mitigate the risk of blood clots.
Follow your doctor’s advice for faster recovery. Painkillers will help manage pain and discomfort. Rest as much as possible, keep your leg elevated, and use cold compresses to relieve swelling and pain.
Benefits and Risks
Knee replacement can be beneficial if you’ve lost mobility or significant knee function. Here’s how it may help:
- Restore your mobility
- Provide relief from excruciating pain
- Improve your quality of life
- Allow you to carry out your routine tasks and physical activities like before
Risks
- There’s a risk of infection and blood clots
- Long recovery
Alternatives to Knee Replacement
Surgery is not your only option. Your doctor will initially explore other non-invasive procedures, such as medication, physical therapy, and a cane. Physical therapy will improve your muscle strength and your knee function. Medication can help with inflammation and pain. If none of these work, partial knee replacement is still an option if you want a quick recovery. Talk to your surgeon to learn more about total knee replacement, its cost, and recovery.
What Not To Do After Knee Replacement?
People diagnosed with osteoarthritis and a completely torn ACL can get relief from knee replacement surgery. While non-invasive procedures, like physical therapy, can be helpful, it doesn’t work for everyone. Knee replacement has become fairly common.
A knee replacement surgeon in Navi Mumbai will provide detailed instructions for a speedy recovery after the procedure. There are certain do’s and don’ts you should follow to stay active and healthy. Here’s what to avoid after the surgery.
1) Ignoring Pain and Discomfort
Mild soreness and pain around the incision site might be normal, but severe pain or discomfort can be a warning sign. Talk to your surgeon if you experience pain while moving the affected joint, walking, or exercising. They will prescribe stronger pain-relief medication. Ice massage to the affected area can reduce swelling and help manage pain.
2) Skipping Physical Therapy
Physical therapy starts immediately after the surgery. Your surgeon will tell you which exercises are safe. It’s normal to experience discomfort during physical therapy, but that’s the best way to heal quickly. Attending physical therapy sessions will improve your mobility and increase your knee joint’s flexibility. It will also strengthen the muscles around your knee. Moreover, regular exercise improves blood flow throughout your body, thus preventing blood clots and other surgical complications.
3) Overexertion
Practicing light activities is okay, but do not overdo it. You should take a break from work for at least 6-8 weeks, and longer if you are an athlete or have a job that requires lots of movement. Ask your friends and family to help you with your household chores.
Remember, your priority should be healing. You can get back to work once your doctor gives the go-ahead. Starting work too soon or exhausting yourself can lead to pain after the surgery. So, focus on healing before resuming your routine.
4) Neglecting Wound Care
Infection and inflammation around the incision site can delay your recovery. Proper wound care is essential to keep the site clean. Not only does proper wound care reduce scarring, but it also prevents surgical complications, like excessive bleeding and reopened wounds. So, how exactly do you care for your wound after knee replacement surgery?
Keep the area clean and dry. Change the dressing regularly and watch out for the signs of infection. Follow a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can also help relieve pain.
5) Not Using Assistive Devices
Assistive devices, like crutches, cane, walking sticks, and other walking aids, are designed to provide comfort as you walk, stand, and climb stairs. These supportive devices are a must for patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery. The right supporting device will provide stability and support to your knee joint, making it easier to move around without pain. You can also get a ‘grabber’ to pick your stuff without bending.
Conclusion
Contact a specialist at an orthopedic hospital in Navi Mumbai and learn all about recovery after knee replacement surgery. Get the right walking aid and start physical therapy immediately to recover fast.