Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement
Total knee replacement surgery may be a very good solution for people with severe joint pain and arthritis. Mistakes can delay healing after a total knee replacement and lessen its benefits. These errors could include not having a postoperative strategy or going back to work too soon.
Acorn Private Clinic offers a wide range of medical services, from wrist surgery to DVT ultrasound, so you can rest assured that we’ve got your back. Read ahead to find out the top 5 mistake one can make that could extend your recovery time post-knee replacement.
You Don’t Have A Post-Operation Plan.
The lack of a postoperative plan is the main error patients with knee replacements make. Before your joint replacement surgery, you should start getting ready for discharge. Knee replacements are now frequently performed on the same day or the following day, depending on the patient. After getting a knee replacement, you need to have a strategy in place for how you’re going to manage at home. You can’t just go home, go to sleep, and hope for the best. You’ll need to get up and walk about a lot in the morning. To manage postoperative limits when travelling to follow-up visits, dining, and moving around the house, a workable strategy must be in place.
You Avoid Taking Pain Medication
We inform every patient that there will be soreness following a knee replacement. Even while every attempt is made to prevent the use of narcotic medicines, it’s important to continuously take your prescription drugs on schedule. Activity restrictions and delayed recovery may result from ineffective pain management. Pain can be treated more easily before it becomes severe than before. The surgical team will go over a multimodal pain treatment plan with you prior to discharge with the goal of reducing pain while minimising risks and side effects.
Too Little Or Too Much Mobility Post-Surgery
This may entail starting more strenuous activities too soon or partaking in riskier activities (such as climbing stairs or walking on uneven terrain). You must be aware that your reaction time and endurance will be impacted by your recovery from surgery. Safety must remain your primary priority.
As was already established, pain can prevent movement and is a major barrier to recovery. However, most people discover that, up to a degree, activity helps to reduce pain. Therefore, even if the initial knee bends or walking steps may be extremely painful, it is typical for this pain to dramatically lessen with continued repetitions. Movement is important, especially at the beginning of your recovery.
Not Properly Following Exercise Prescriptions From Your Physical Therapist
Physical treatment after a knee replacement requires active participation from the patient. Joint stiffness might occur if you do not move about frequently, switch up your position, and perform the exercises that are recommended for you.
The more inactive you are after surgery, the more potential issues there are. While we do not anticipate you to complete a marathon the day following surgery, sustained mobility and dedication to your fitness regimen are crucial.
You Didn’t Prepare Your Joint Pre-Surgery
How wholesome and active you are before surgery may have an impact on how quickly you recover. Some patients even choose to use physical therapy services as part of a PRE-hab programme to improve joint strength and range of motion. Patients who participate in physical therapy prior to surgery will be better prepared for the healing process following surgery. You don’t have to pick up a new skill after surgery on top of coping with pain and reduced mobility. At Acorn Private Clinic, get the best treatments and medical services, so get in touch with us today if you or a loved one need medical attention or a DVT Leg Scan.