Surgery Recovery: How to Effectively Heal after a Knee Replacement

A knee replacement is a major surgery performed under general anesthesia that is used to repair and replace damaged bones of the knee joint. Patients often expect recovery to be difficult with lots of rest and plenty of pain. While patients will need rest for the leg along with prescription painkillers in most cases, there are several tips that patients can use to heal quickly and effectively.

Keep Pain under Control

Some people do not like to experience any pain while others like to see how bad they can let the pain get before they have to have any medication. After knee surgery, patients must keep their pain well under control by taking prescribed medication shortly after pain begins increasing. Waiting to take medicine until the pain gets terribly bad creates pain that is difficult to get under control and stops the patient from engaging in his or her care plan.

Choose an Orthopedic Center

The best place to have a knee replacement surgery performed at is an orthopedic center because the health care workers there are skilled in working with the bones and joints. Some companies, like Western Orthopaedics, know that they will have experienced personnel to care for patients right after surgery and will know what to do in case of complications. Moreover, these centers often include full-scale rehab centers perfect for regaining strength and mobility in the leg.

Attend Physical Therapy

Without physical therapy, the new knee will stay stiff and painful. In the hospital, physical therapy will occur every day. Post-discharge, patients will attend several days per week. They will learn how to walk again and will learn exercises they can do to help the joint.

Get Someone to Help

Upon discharge, patients will need someone at home to help them. While they will most likely be discharged on crutches or a walker and should be able to do basic tasks, they will need to spend plenty of time resting with the leg elevated. Having a family member or home health aide around for basic cleaning, cooking, washing and dressing can save patients from unnecessary exhaustion.

By using these four tips for recovering from knee replacement surgery, patients can expect well-controlled pain and less anxiety because they know what to expect. However, all patients must remember that every recovery looks completely different. Just because a friend experienced a symptom does not mean that another individual will. Instead, patients are encouraged to discuss concerns with their doctors who will have the most accurate information.