Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure. The recovery after this procedure can be long and challenging, especially without the help of your friends and relatives. The first few days after the procedure can be the hardest. You’ll be exhausted from the pain and discomfort caused by surgery. However, knowing several tips can speed up recovery and make this period more pleasant.
Below are 5 simple but effective tips to recover from knee replacement surgery.
1. Prepare your home ahead
It is important to prepare your home before having a knee replacement surgery. This is the best way to ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery. If you have a two-storied house, set a special recovery room on the first floor so you have an excess to your kitchen and bathroom. Prepare several pills which you can use to elevate your operated leg. This can help ease pain and relieve swelling.
Around your bed, you need to put a commode. There you can place all the necessary things like medications, cellphone, charger, books, and other things you may need. It is also important to prepare several comfortable sets of sleepwear made of natural materials, like silk. Because it can be difficult for you to walk immediately after surgery, opt and place your bed urinal near.
2. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions
After a knee replacement surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and take prescribed medications in time. Keeping a “medicine calendar” or using a daily medication dispenser can help you meet your daily medication intake. It is also important to monitor your incision for swelling and inflammation. You need to change the dressing regularly and keep the incision clean to prevent infections.
If you have noticed that the incision becomes swollen, has an unpleasant odor, or begins draining, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Before changing bandages, wash and disinfect your hand thoroughly.
3. Ensure you can follow your appointments
Missing your appointments can lead to serious post-surgical complications. For this reason, it is important to keep a calendar that can help you track your appointments. Because you will not be able to move normally between 4-6 weeks following surgery, ask someone to help you get to the clinic. If you have any health problems or questions between appointments, don’t hesitate to contact your knee specialist.
It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you have a high fever, severe pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe swelling and drainage on the surgery site. Timely medical attention can prevent serious complications.
4. Stay active
It is important to maintain minimal physical activity, even after a knee replacement surgery. Of course, you don’t need to go right to the gym immediately after going to the hospital. But some physical activity can benefit your health. Until you’re out of the hospital, your physical therapist can give you recommendations about exercises that can help you recover and return to daily activities faster.
Don’t overdo it while exercising and stop your training if you feel discomfort. Exercising with severe discomfort can cause compilations and delay recovery. Be sure to follow the instructions of your therapist and don’t hesitate to contact them if you have any questions.
5. Watch your diet
Diet is an important part of your post-surgical recovery. You need to fill your fridge with healthy and easy-preferable foods in advance. You need to eat more foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote wound healing. Drinking enough water is just as important. Dehydration can delay wound healing and your recovery. Ask your doctor about food supplements that can help you recover and buy them in advance.
