After knee surgery, it’s important to understand the steps you should take to ensure a successful recovery. Knowing and following the correct post-surgery protocol can maximize your healing potential and help you avoid any potential complications.
This guide provides an overview of how to behave after knee surgery, including rest, exercise, and diet advice. Following this guide will ensure that you have a successful recovery and get back to your normal activities in no time.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
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Start With the Basics
The first and most important step in your recovery is getting adequate rest. This doesn’t mean spending all day in bed (though that’s ok too), but rather taking frequent breaks throughout the day, adjusting your activity level to match your energy levels, and avoiding strenuous activities like stair climbing and running.
For instance, after getting a bilateral knee replacement, you should avoid any high-impact activity for at least six weeks. This will ensure that your knee has time to heal properly.
It’s also important to follow the instructions of your doctor and physical therapist, including any exercises you may have been prescribed. These are designed to help with mobility, flexibility, and strength; all of which can help you return back to normal activities faster.
Use the Right Medications and Wound Care
Pain medications can help manage your discomfort after surgery but should only be taken as directed. Over-the-counter medications are generally safe, but always ask your doctor before taking anything new.
Additionally, proper wound care is essential for a successful recovery. After surgery, you may have dissolvable stitches that don’t require any special attention, but if you were given non-dissolvable stitches, ask your doctor how to care for them. You may need to apply an antibiotic cream or replace bandages regularly.
Eat Right
Knee surgery is just like any other major surgery, so it’s important to ensure you provide your body with the nutrition it needs for healing. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals will help fuel your recovery. Aim for meals rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Increasing your intake of calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals can help strengthen your bones. Also, stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out toxins from your body and ensure that your wounds heal properly.
If you’re having trouble drinking enough water throughout the day, try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to make it more interesting.
Knee Rehab and Exercises
Rehabilitation exercises are an essential part of recovering from knee surgery. They can help you regain strength and range of motion while also helping to reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain. Most doctors will prescribe specific exercises tailored to your needs; it’s important that you follow these instructions carefully and not overdo them.
First, you may want to exercise while sitting or lying down to reduce the stress on your knee. This can include range-of-motion exercises as well as strengthening exercises using bands, weights, or machines. You should also practice balance and coordination exercises like single-leg stands or marches in place.
Wear the Right Clothing
In order to facilitate a successful recovery, it’s important to wear the right clothing. You don’t need anything fancy – just make sure that your clothes are comfortable and not too constricting. Avoid tight-fitting pants or skirts that may force you to take small steps or cause excess pressure on sensitive areas.
Wearing a knee brace can help support and reduce knee movement. This can help with pain management and reduce the risk of further injury or damage. Ensure you’re always wearing the brace correctly, as improper fitting can lead to discomfort or worse.
Be Patient and Listen To Your Body
Finally, remember that healing takes time. You may be tempted to push yourself too hard, but if you’re feeling any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and adjust your activity level accordingly. Everyone’s recovery is different, so don’t compare your progress to someone else’s.
Just stay focused on your own journey and listen to your body. With patience, care, and dedication, you’ll be back to normal in no time!
If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional. They can provide helpful advice and guidance throughout your recovery. With their help and support, you can heal properly, prevent future injuries, and get back on track with your daily activities.
Knee surgery can be a daunting process, but with the right care and dedication, you can make sure your recovery is successful. Proper nutrition and hydration, rehabilitation exercises, wearing the right clothing, and patience are key components of recovering from knee surgery.
Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it; your doctor or other medical professionals can provide invaluable assistance.
