Total Knee Replacement (TKR) or knee replacement surgery is a life-defining operation to people with severe forms of arthritis, injury, or joint destruction. Most patients anticipate regaining their freedoms due to enhanced mobility and lesser pain. But what follows the surgery is also as important as the surgery itself.
Most patients make decisions that keep them off track or in jeopardy of their new joint unconsciously, but with the best of intentions. In this blog, you will be guided through the top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement, according to the expert suggestions and actual queries of patients so that you can recover wiser, not better.
Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement Surgery
The most common mistakes that patients who undergo total knee replacement do after their surgeries are listed below:-
The 1st mistake: Not doing or excessively doing physiotherapy
Rehabilitation is not a choice and that is one of the most important aspects of the healing process. There are many patients who believe that just resting will help, then there are people who tend to do too much too soon and believe that this will help in the healing process.
The appropriate solution:
- After the surgery, do your physiotherapist exercises religiously below 24-48 hours after the surgery.
- Stick to the recommended exercises even in the home.
- Do not carry out high-impact exercises (walking or stair climbing) without medical approval.
- Expert tip:
According to many patients, the following are such things they would have done after knee surgery: Early intervention in therapy sessions, listening to my body and not concerning myself with the rate of advancement of others.
Also remember:
Knee replacement exercises to avoid especially during the initial weeks, include deep squats, lunges and jumping exercise. A new movement should always be tried out with a question to your doctor or therapist.
The 2nd Mistake: Being Too Sedentary Post Surgery
Overexertion is a bad thing but total idling is equally bad. This increased bed rest may cause strain, blood clots (DVT) and delayed muscle recuperation.
The correct way of doing it is by:
- Begin to move (in cooperation) as soon as same day or in the following day after a surgery.
- Basic exercises such as ankle pumps, a few steps of walking, and stretch exercises are critical.
- Slowly work on your level of activity, resting and moving in balance.
Remember:
Your new joint requires that its motion be controlled so that it gets stronger. Spending the entire day in bed is among the major 5 mistakes of all time after knee replacement transgression that delays recovery.
The 3rd mistake is Disregarding Pain, Swelling or Warning Signs
Moderate swelling and discomfort could be an expectation however when it comes to constant pain, growing redness or oozing or drainage at the wound, this is a sign that something is wrong and they could be pointing to infection or implant-related problems.
The correct way:
- Observe your symptoms thoroughly.
- Do not only take pain killers, they hide the pain, not the cause.
- Call your surgeon urgently if you have unusual signs such as fever, pain that is getting worse, redness, and warmth at the incision spot.
One of the aspects that orthopaedic surgeons in Gurgaon emphasize frequently is that some of the complications such as infections or revisional surgeries can be avoided by timely intervention.
The 4th Mistake: Applying wrong support/furniture
Your posture and movement is more important than before after surgery on your knees. Correct height chairs, and toilet seats, and mobility aids are important to the patients but they underestimate this.
The correct way:
- Take a walker or crutches as prescribed, give them up not too soon.
- Avoid sitting on low sofas and beds, which make it difficult to stand up.
- Keep the toilet seat height higher, sit on shower chairs, and place drug bars in case it becomes necessary.
- Do not cross your legs because this applies pressure on your knee joint.
Real-life insight:
Others will complain that they should have already ordered post-surgery furniture before the knee surgery was done, and say, “These are the items I wish I had after knee surgery, a high chair, some support handles and raised toilet seat would have made life soo much easier..”
The 5th Mistake: Returning Too Soon to Hard-Hitting Activities
When the patients feel better, there is a temptation to resume the previous lifestyle by one or other way returning to jogging, squats, or heavy loads. Your knee implant requires time to restore, and join with your body.
The opposite strategy:
- Possible activities, such as swimming, cycling, or long walks, require no less than 3-6 months wait to be viewed as an option.
- Running, jumping, and contact sports will be forbidden forever unless your surgeon sends you a permission to start.
- During recovery emphasize on exercises such as stationary biking, walking and water aerobics which are low impact.
Important Note:
The life span of your Total Knee Replacement is equivalent to the manner of treatment you give it. Implants could endure 15-20 years only in case they are covered against excessive load.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Which exercises should I avoid after knee replacement surgery?
When someone has had a Total Knee Replacement, low-impact activities that do not involve deep flexion are ideal. They will be less likely to strain or damage the new joint. These are:Deep squats or lunges Running or jogging Jump Rope (jumping activities) High Impact Aerobics Heavy weight lifting (especially leg presses). These activities may contribute to the loosening of the implant or instability in the joint.
- Things I wish I had known after knee surgery?
Most patients look back on their recovery and say, “I wish I’d known it sooner.” Some typical things that people tend to regret the most are:
- Neglecting to put in a raised toilet seat or higher chair for easier sitting
- Not appreciating the value of pre-operative physiotherapy
- Without ice packs, walker, or grab bars in the home
- No adherence with physical therapy or delaying it
If you set your home and mind up in advance, you can have a much smoother and less stressful recovery.
Bonus Tips: Little Things That Add Up to a Big Difference
- Don’t skip follow-ups: Frequent check-ups allow your surgeon to track your recovery and identify problems early.
- Manage Your Weight: Excess fat puts unnecessary pressure on the implant.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke: Both can slow down healing and raise the risk of infection.
- Elevate your legs when you sleep: It will make the swelling go down and get circulation going.
- Stay hydrated and eat well: Excellent nutrition is the intimate of all tissue healing and sustaining energy levels.
Conclusion: The Recovery Is a Marathon, not a Sprint
Knee surgery is miraculous when it comes to alleviating pain and the inability to move; however, it becomes effective only in combination with intelligent aftercare. The following are the top 5 mistakes to be avoided after knee replacement that can either cause the recovery process to be smooth or full of setbacks.
Provided you have had a Total Knee Replacement, or plan to do so, don t only think about the day of the surgery, think about and plan the post-surgery months! Loyalty, decision making, and consciousness will be directly reflected on your performance.
In Search of an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Gurgaon? Here is Dr. Yugal Karkhur
The very surgery you will have, that is joint replacement, depends on the right surgeon to help you deliver.
Dr. Yugal Karkhur is a very skillful Orthopedic surgeon in Gurgaon and over the years has accumulated more than 14 years of experience in performing complex orthopaedic surgeries such as Total Knee Replacement and joint preservation surgeries.
Having been known by many people as a patient-oriented doctor with a surgical touch, Dr. Karkhur marries the best modern technique with highly personalized medicine to see that every patient leaves happier, healthier and pain-free than before.
Need some clarity about the type of exercise to avoid knee replacement, safe time to resume activities or simply need the best plan subject to your preference? Dr. Yugal Karkhur is open and will lead you step by step till you have all the answers.
Make your appointment today and start to live pain-free.