Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective ways of getting rid of knee arthritis. The recovery phase after the surgery might be difficult for patients. As the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi suggests, the following 12 weeks after the surgery is crucial. Encouraging the patient to stay motivated during the entire rehab plan can help in the patient’s speedy recovery. Here are the stages of knee replacement recovery you can implement post-surgery.
Day 1
The rehabilitation starts after you leave the surgery room for knee replacement. Post 24 hours of your surgery, a therapist will help you stand and walk using an assistive device. These assistive devices can be canes or crutches. Since it is the first stage of your recovery, you must get adequate rest and try to avoid knee locomotion. You might also experience bruising, swelling, or itchiness around the operated knee. The healthcare team at BLK Max Hospital takes utmost care in such situations and treats patients with the best possible care.
Day 2
On the second day after your surgery, you can try to change location, sit, stand, and walk around. As the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi says, you can take a shower the day after the surgery if the surgeon has used a waterproof dressing. In case of no waterproof dressing, you might have to wait for 5 to 7 days. You can also try on extending your knee in a straight position without stressing much on the operated artificial knee.
By Week 3
By the third week, you should be able to walk with reduced pain in your knee. Further, you will not have to take high doses of medicinal painkillers. You must continue with the exercises given by PT. It will help in increasing the mobility of your legs. The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi suggests that you can use a CPM machine while you perform exercises. Around this stage of recovery, you can bend your knees up to 70 to 90 degrees. Also, you must avoid leaning on your artificial knee during this recovery phase while walking or standing.
By Weeks 4 to 6
The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi says that during this stage of recovery, you might be able to stand or walk without any assistive device. You can try getting back to light domestic chores. If you have a desk job, you can resume the same from the 4th or 6th week. But if your job requires you to walk or stand for a long time, you can resume the same after 3 months. You can start driving your car from this phase, but only after consulting your surgeon and getting a green signal from him.
By Weeks 7 To 11
Typically at this point, there is significant relief from the stiffness and pain in the knee replacement area. The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi might tell you to walk around for a few blocks without the help of any assistive device, and surprisingly you might not feel any pain or swelling after walking for some time. It is one of the signs of healthy recovery. You can also perform other physical activities like swimming, bicycling, or walking at a gentle pace.
By Week 12
The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi advises avoiding high-impact activities at this stage but continuing exercising, which is good for your knee. You must not perform activities like high-intensity cycling, basketball, aerobics, running, or football. Around this recovery phase, you can do recreational activities like light dancing and walking. Also, you can expect steady recovery from the pain only if you continue performing your rehab exercises.
By Week 13 And Further
Complete recovery from the pain and the surgery happen with time. The best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi says it generally takes up to 3 months for a patient to recover and resume their daily activities. By week 13, you can expect the same and return to your daily routine.
Conclusion
Recovery from knee replacement surgery takes time, patience, and constant motivation. There might be times when the patient can feel demotivated; here is when friends and family come into the picture to boost the patient’s morale. You must stay in touch with your orthopedic doctor even after complete recovery from the surgery. In case of slight discomfort, visit your nearby hospital immediately. The artificial knee in the patient can last up to 10 years in 90 to 95 percent of cases. It can last for 20 years in 80 to 85 percent of cases. Depending on your medical history and how you take care of yourself and your knee shall determine the longevity of the artificial implant.
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