Precautions to take after Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement is a surgery that involves replacing a natural joint with an artificial part. So, allowing the body and the part to gel with each other takes time and demands some post-surgery care. These precautions also aim to make the functioning of the part enduring and efficient and make your knee movements nearly as seamless as they were with the natural joint. Accordingly, here are some precautions you must take after undergoing total knee replacement surgery.

Physical Activity Precautions

Replacing a natural joint with a new part is significantly critical. It takes the body time as well as effort to adjust to the part and accommodate it in the body’s natural mechanisms. Some of the post-operative physical activities to do after total knee replacement surgery include the following.

• Use a cane or crutches to walk and to avoid putting weight and stress on the knees
• Do not sit twisted or cross-legged
• Do not sit in a particular position, drive or stand for long hours
• Do not indulge in walking for long distances, running of jogging until allowed by the doctor
• Do not sleep on the body side of the leg that has undergone surgery
• Do not kneel excessively
• Climb one stair at a time
• Do not pivot on the operated leg
• Take small steps while turning

Blood Clot Prevention

Blood clots are likely to form in the first few weeks of recovery. Accordingly, doctors would recommend anticoagulants to prevent blood clot formation. You must complete the anticoagulant course as prescribed by the doctor. Besides, you must remain mindful of blood clot formation signs that include excessive pain in the calf, irritation, redness and tenderness in the treated knee, and swelling in the knee, foot, or ankle. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice these signs.

Undergo a Knee Rehabilitation Program Based on Your Needs

Knee rehabilitation is an essential aspect of the aftercare involved in total knee replacement surgery. You must discuss your priorities with your physical therapist to help them create a personalized knee rehabilitation program. For instance, if you are required to drive for long distances, your physical therapist will train your knees to perform activities like clutching, de-clutching, braking, accelerating, etc. However, you must perform the prescribed exercises appropriately for quicker, better, and safer recovery.

Total Knee Replacement Long-Term Care

Some long-term precautions after total knee replacement surgery include,

• Perform knee exercises regularly
• Maintain a healthy diet as prescribed by the doctor
• Avoid letting infections enter the body. Infections can reach the artificial knee and require surgery
• Visit your surgeon regularly for a knee checkup to identify problems, if any, promptly

Pune-based Ranka Hospital is a leading orthopedic hospital in India with state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced orthopedic doctors, and excellent post-operative care. Led by Dr. Ramesh Ranka, one of the top orthopedic doctors in India, Ranka Hospital has performed several total knee replacement surgeries ever since its inception 22 years ago and delivered excellent results. To know more about Ranka Hospital’s total knee replacement surgery or to book an appointment, call 020 2426 1600.