Despite years of pain, swelling, sleeplessness and limited mobility, patients who receive knee replacement surgery should not try to run before they can walk. If you exercise some basic care and follow your surgeon’s advice regarding post-operative care and rehabilitation, the road to recovery need not be too long. The goals of that advice are to:
- Speed healing and the integration of your tissues with the prosthesis
- Develop your strength and flexibility
- Manage your pain more effectively
- Limit the risk of post-operative complications
- Maximise the long-term success of your procedure
Things to Do Before Knee Replacement
Preparing yourself for surgery is as important as managing your recovery and requires attention in two main areas:
- Personal health: Surgical procedures are physically demanding. Hence, attention to your general health is essential beforehand. If you receive medication for blood pressure or diabetes, ensure these are well-controlled. Watch your diet if you are overweight, and if you are a smoker, quit.
The thought of impending surgery can cause anxiety. If you feel stressed, there are effective relaxation techniques, or you could chat with a mental health professional. Mild exercise can improve both your physical and psychological well-being.
- Home preparation: Movement will be limited and painful for a while. It could help to set up a bed downstairs, arrange some home help or modify your bathroom for easy access.
Dos and Don’ts After Knee Replacement
Naturally, your primary goal is to resume your former activities. Observing these dos and don’ts will hasten your success.
- DO have patience: Recovery is a gradual process and cannot be hurried.
- DO use walking aids: These will provide essential support and limit pressure on your joint while it grows stronger.
- DO take the prescribed medication: Take the pain medication as instructed and contact your doctor if you experience any adverse side effects.
- DO practise regular, gentle exercise: After your knee replacement, specially chosen low-impact exercises and strength training will play a key role in your recovery. You may experience some discomfort initially, but it will become easier if you persevere.
- DO wear supportive shoes: Choose well-fitting shoes with stable heels and avoid flip-flops, which can cause slipping or tripping.
- DO watch your general health: Maintain a balanced diet containing the vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients necessary to promote healing. Consult a dietician if necessary. Minimise your alcohol intake.
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- DON’T kneel too soon: Your doctor or physiotherapist will advise you when it’s safe to start kneeling.
- DON’T sit with your legs crossed: Doing so will put additional strain on your joint that could slow the healing process.
- DON’T sit on low chairs or benches: Getting up from a low chair will put undue stress on your knee. Instead, choose upright chairs with good back support and armrests.
- DON’T sit in the same position for too long: Limit yourself to 45 minutes and stretch regularly.
- DON’T ignore pain: Talk to your doctor. It could be a sign something’s wrong, or you may need a more potent painkiller.
Arranging Your Knee Replacement
The recovery period in knee arthroplasty is significantly shorter with a non-invasive procedure, and robotic assistance ensures more accurate joint alignment, techniques used by Dr Jan De Vos. Contact the Orthopaedic Unit at Pretoria’s Wilgers Life Hospital for more information.
