Knee replacement surgery is a common treatment method for injuries and severe arthritis cases alike. When the knee joint sustains too much damage, then sometimes the only way to reduce pain and regain mobility is to replace it. Knee replacements can last for more than 20 years, but there is a possibility that some people may need a correction preformed. However, if the knee is taken care of properly, then there is less of a chance of correction necessary.
Proper care is important from day one. For such a major surgery as a total knee replacement, there is no rushing recovery. It is difficult to lose the ability to walk for a while, but recovery is one of the most important steps in making sure the surgery is successful. The most common mistakes that people make after getting a knee replacement are:
1. Ignoring Your Body
After surgery, it is normal to feel some pain, swelling, and inflammation. However, that is only true to a certain point. Check with your doctor if:
- You experience continually worsening levels of pain,
- You experience pain in a different part of your leg,
- Your knee gets swollen and hot, which suggests a joint infection.
Painkillers should help you through most of the anticipated aches and pains. If you are still feeling like your pain levels are unbearable, even with the medication, or you experience pain after a relatively pain-free period, that may be a sign that something is wrong. Paying attention to your body is one of the most important steps of recovery, because no one knows what you are feeling except for you.
2. Not Having a Support System
Not having a functional leg as you heal can make daily activities quite difficult. Having a support system to help you stay off your feet as your knee recuperates lessens the risk of injury as you move around. Having people around throughout the recovery process is also good for physical therapy exercises that you may need a hand with and tasks like getting in and out of a bathtub, bed, or stairs if necessary. These are all activities that you cannot cut out completely from your life, but raise the risk of injury if you attempt them by yourself.
3. Rushing Back Into Activities
We get it: there is only so much time you can spent recuperating before you get restless. However, rushing back into your activities will only make things worse. Don’t reintroduce any high-impact sports or strenuous activity until you are cleared by a doctor. Even small things, like driving or going to work, need a slow and gradual return. Be patient with your body!
4. Coddling Your Injury
In contrast to taking things too fast, you also should not be coddling knee replacements. You may find yourself wanting to protect your knee by limiting movement or staying off your feet after your doctor says that you’re cleared to move around more. However, underuse can be just as dangerous as overuse and can lead to stiffness, lack of motion, and potential reinjury. The muscles and tendons around your injury will need to be rehabilitated after a period of disuse. Taking part in your physical therapy and slowly integrating daily activities back into your routine are much better ways to protect your knee than to not use it at all.
5. Skipping Steps in Your Post-Operation Plan
You should have a comprehensive post-op plan to follow that gives you an efficient and effective road to recovery. These plans usually include wound care, medications, physical therapy, check-ups, proper mobility assistance devices, and other important steps to get you back to a better form. Skipping out on any of these plans can end with potential reinjury or a longer recovery. Don’t stop using mobility assistance devices or medications until your doctor clears you, even if you think you start to feel good enough not to need them. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
Having Knee Pain? Schedule and Appointment with Dr. Grossfeld!
Knee replacements require major consideration and a lot of consultation from a qualified doctor. There are pros and cons to the surgery, and a lot of factors that influence the decision. There are plenty of cases that do not need to end in surgery.
If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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