The first few days after knee replacement surgery can be quite tough. Initially, you will experience pain and discomfort in your knee due to the post-operative swelling, along with stitches and dressings in the area.
You will need to take it easy and avoid putting too much strain on your knee during this initial period.
Your doctor will likely prescribe pain relief medication to help levels of discomfort over the first few days. Depending on what type of knee replacement you have had, you may be given a brace or splint to use during this time.
It is important to get plenty of rest after your knee replacement surgery. Moving around too much at this time can further aggravate your knee and slow down your recovery process. You can try to do some light stretching exercises if it is comfortable or instructed by your doctor.
Your doctor will likely advise you to attend physical therapy sessions to help improve your range of motion. A physical therapist will tell you the exercises and techniques to use in order to progressively regain the strength in your knee.
Your hospital team will provide you with some good advice and information about how to look after your knee and what to expect over the following days and weeks in order to ensure the best outcomes from your surgery.
What is hardest part of knee replacement recovery?
The hardest part of knee replacement recovery is dealing with the physical and psychological impact of the surgery. The patient needs to learn how to adjust to the new physical limitations and adapt to the changes in their body.
They also need to adjust to the pain and discomfort of the recovery process, as well as the psychological impact of the surgery. During the recovery, the patient usually must undergo physical therapy to help regain mobility, strength and function to the knee joint.
Many patients can become discouraged during the recovery period, as it may take some time to regain their former level of functioning. The patient may also need to make lifestyle changes to accommodate the new limitations that come with the recovery process.
It is very important to remember that recovery takes time and that patience, rest and support are essential components of the process.
What is the position to sleep in after knee surgery?
After knee surgery, the best position to sleep in to promote healing is with the knees slightly bent, supporting the upper body with pillows (as recommended by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons).
If a traditional bed is not available, a recliner may provide a more comfortable option for sleeping. Additionally, an adjustable bed with the head slightly elevated (about 30 degrees) will help reduce swelling, decrease pain, and improve blood flow.
It is important to also use a support pillow or wedge between the legs to help alleviate pressure from the operated knee. If pain or discomfort is preventing sleep, non-addictive medications such as ibuprofen may be recommended for short-term night-time use.
When does pain peak after knee surgery?
The amount of pain experienced after knee surgery can vary greatly from person to person, and the amount of pain experienced typically peaks during the first 1-3 days after surgery. Pain after knee surgery may come with a number of sensations, including burning, aching, throbbing or sharp stabbing.
Your surgeon should prescribe you with a painkiller to help minimize the pain. It’s important to take these painkillers regularly, as your pain may not completely go away otherwise. You should also avoid doing any activities that could worsen the pain, such as kneeling or putting your full weight on the operated area.
Additionally, icing the knee for 15-20 minutes after your physical therapy exercises can help reduce pain and swelling. After 1-3 days, the amount of pain should start to slowly go down, although you may still experience some pain for a few more weeks.
As such, it’s important to make sure you still take the necessary measures to reduce your pain.
How many days after knee replacement do you feel better?
It varies from person to person, but most people feel much better in the days following a knee replacement. Within a week or two of the procedure, most report a significant decrease in pain, improved mobility, and an overall increase in quality of life.
Some people may start to see results as soon as a few days after the procedure, while others may not see the full benefit until several weeks have passed.
It is important to remember that recovery is a long journey. Although you may start to feel the benefits soon after your knee replacement, it’s important to be patient and follow the physical therapy plan your doctor gives you in order to maximize your recovery.
Stretching, exercising, and proper rest will all contribute to your success in the full recovery from knee replacement surgery.
It’s also important to remember that while the process of recovery takes time and dedication, the results can be long-lasting and very rewarding. If you take the necessary steps to care for yourself and be patient with your progress, you can look forward to an improved quality of life in the long-term.
What is the most common complication of knee joint replacement?
The most common complication of knee joint replacement is infection of the joint. Without prompt, aggressive treatment, an infection can cause permanent damage to the artificial joint and the surrounding tissues.
Signs of a joint infection include prolonged or excessive swelling and redness, pain, joint stiffness, discharge from the wound, and a fever. Other possible complications of knee joint replacement include:
– Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot can form in the legs and travel to the lungs, if not detected in time.
– Instability: If the artificial joint is not properly fitted and installed, the knee may become unstable and cause instability when walking or running.
– Implant loosening: If the artificial knee is not well fitted, or if the bone around it is weakened or thinned, it can loosen and cause pain.
– Nerve or artery damage: Injury to nerves, arteries, or tissues in the knee can cause permanent damage and long-term complications.
– Arthritis: The overgrowth of scar tissue or the wearing down of the artificial joint can cause arthritis in surrounding joints.
– Implant breakage: The artificial knee may break or fail if the patient is overly active or if the implant is subjected to too much stress.
What percentage of knee replacements have problems?
The percentage of knee replacements that have problems varies depending on the individual and the type of replacement they have received. Generally, reports suggest that somewhere between 5 and 10 percent of total knee replacement procedures experience some type of complication.
Complications can range from minor issues such as infection and joint stiffness to more serious problems such as implant rejection, dislocation of the prosthesis, and nerve damage. Additionally, the outcomes of these knee replacement procedures are known to differ based on a variety of factors, such as age, medical history, lifestyle, and geographical region.
As such, individuals considering a knee replacement should determine their individual risk factor in consultation with their orthopedic surgeon.