In cases where the knee arthritis causes severe pain while walking or limited motion, surgeons perform knee replacement or knee arthroplasty. The damaged knee is replaced with a metallic and plastic part to allow your body to walk properly and move without any pain.
Starting life post a total knee replacement surgery is difficult. It’s important for you and your family to take precautions post-surgery so that you can stay healthy and away from developing other complications.
Prepare your home for life after knee replacement
Now that you have a new joint or in case you are deciding to undergo TKR (Total knee replacement) the first thing to consider is to adjust your home viz, living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. This is essential so that the daily usage things are at your disposal. Ask your physical therapist the protocol that will be followed post-surgery. Based on which you will have an idea to move the items you use most on the top shelves. You can also ask somebody to take care of your pet in the recovery phase.
Exercise with knee implants
You will find that your physical therapist will help you get moving as soon as Day 1 out of your hospital which has been linked to better mobility in the later phases. Your physical therapist will also help you perform simple exercises so that you are able to slowly perform getting out of the bed and using the bathroom. It is also important to heal the incisions so that the skin and tissue around joint start moving freely. After you get discharged from the hospital, continue to perform your knee exercises like walking, climbing stairs, flexibility exercises, etc. as instructed by your physical therapist so that the new joint is strengthened and attains a good range of motion.
Diet and medications with knee replacement
The dozes would decrease after you get discharged from the hospital. However, mild medications to help you recover may still be prescribed for pain relief and faster recovery. At the same time, diet needs to be monitored so that your body can recover and instill energy for this new joint. Foods that are high in protein, vitamin C & D and calcium should be consumed. Caffeine, excessive sugar, salt, and alcohol must strictly be avoided. It is advisable to rely more on natural foods rather than on supplements for any nutrients.
Anticipate changes in mobility after knee replacement
It would be until several weeks when you will be able to resume the daily activities. In the course of recovery, you might have feelings of worthless or other negative thoughts. Make sure you keep your loved ones close to you or indulge in reading books or mindfulness to curb negative thoughts. The metal in the new joint may even be detected when at airport security checks which can cause problems emotionally. But don’t fret as its part of their security protocol. You may not feel the same as compared to the old knee. Initially, small activities like coming out of bed would be a big task. Believe us, things are going to get better, work with your physical therapist and talk to him/her about what is on your mind. Talk about your goals, and things you want to get back to and they will work with you. One of the important things we do here at Personalized Physical Therapy and Wellness, at the start of care is “We Listen”! We make the goals as personalized to your goals and work with you 1-1 in a comfortable environment to help you recover the best.
Take care of yourself
With the knee replacement, there are going to be new changes in lifestyle. As mentioned before, it is crucial to maintain a healthy mind, body, and heart so that you can comprehend the changes and successfully resume life with the new joint. Regular exercise, being patient with the daily recovery schedule and loved ones, following the diet, monitoring the development and constant follow-ups with the doctor will help you achieve normal life at the earliest.