The Top 5 Mistakes You Should Avoid After Knee Replacement Surgery
1. Knee Replacement Surgery: An Overview
If you're considering knee replacement surgery, it's important to be as informed as possible about the procedure and what to expect afterwards. This overview will provide you with some basic information about knee replacement surgery, as well as the top 5 mistakes you should avoid after the surgery.
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability. It is usually performed when other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, and weight loss, have failed to provide relief.
The most common reason for knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down. Other reasons for knee replacement surgery include rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to inadequate blood supply).
During knee replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with artificial implants. The two most common types of knee replacement implants are total knee replacements and partial knee replacements.
Total knee replacements are also known as total knee arthroplasties. In this procedure, the damaged surfaces of the knee joint are replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. The most common type of total knee replacement is the medial compartment knee replacement, which replaces the inner compartment of the knee.
Partial knee replacements are also known as unicondylar knee replacements or partial knee arthroplasties. In this procedure, only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The most common type of partial knee replacement is the patellofemoral knee replacement, which replaces the knee joint's patellofemoral compartment.
After knee replacement surgery, it's important to avoid the following 5 mistakes:
- Not following the surgeon's instructions.
- Not participating in physical therapy.
- Not taking the prescribed medications.
- Not maintaining a healthy weight.
- Not using proper walking aids.
If you avoid these 5 mistakes, you'll be on your way to a successful recovery from knee
2. The Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
Total knee replacement surgery is a life-changing event. The surgery can relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of your life. But it's a big surgery, and it takes time to recover. Here are two benefits of knee replacement surgery that you may not have considered.
- You'll be able to do the things you love again.
If you've been living with pain and limited mobility, you know how frustrating it can be. Knee replacement surgery can give you your life back. You'll be able to do the things you love again, without pain holding you back.
- You'll avoid future health problems.
If you suffer from chronic knee pain, you're at risk for other health problems. Knee replacement surgery can help you avoid these problems in the future. For example, chronic knee pain can lead to obesity, because you're not able to be as active. Obesity increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. Knee replacement surgery can help you avoid these problems by giving you back the mobility you need to stay active.
If you're considering knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about the benefits. Surgery is a big decision, but it can be a life-changing one.
3. The Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery
Around 700,000 Americans have a knee replacement surgery each year. While the surgery can relieve pain and improve mobility, it’s not without risks. In this blog, we’ll discuss three of the most common risks associated with knee replacement surgery.
Infection
One of the most serious risks associated with any surgery is infection. Infections can occur at the site of the incision, in the blood, or in the new joint itself. Infections can be mild and easily treated with antibiotics, or they can be severe and potentially life-threatening.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the risk of infection after knee replacement surgery is less than 2%. However, people who are obese, have diabetes, or have a history of infection are at a higher risk for developing an infection after surgery.
Blood Clots
Another serious risk associated with knee replacement surgery is the development of blood clots. Blood clots can form in the leg or lung and can be life-threatening. The risk of developing blood clots is highest in the first two weeks after surgery.
To help prevent blood clots, patients are typically given blood thinners after surgery. Patients are also encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery.
Implant Failure
While knee replacement surgery is usually successful, there is a small risk that the implant will fail. The most common reason for implant failure is an infection. Other causes of implant failure include wear and tear, dislocation, and fracture.
Most knee replacement implants last around 20 years. However, people who are younger, more active, or overweight may need to have the surgery again sooner.
While there are risks associated with knee replacement surgery, the surgery is usually successful in relieving pain and improving mobility. If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
4. The Recovery Process After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing event. Not only does it relieve pain, but it also restores function and mobility. The surgery itself is just the first step in a long journey to recovery. In order to get the most out of your surgery and avoid any complications, it’s important to follow the proper recovery process.
Here are the four key steps in the recovery process after knee replacement surgery:
- The first few days: You’ll be in the hospital for two to three days after your surgery. During this time, you’ll be closely monitored by your care team. You’ll also start physical therapy to regain range of motion in your knee.
- The first few weeks: You’ll continue physical therapy at home or in an outpatient setting. You may also be prescribed pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. It’s important to keep your incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
- The first few months: You should see significant improvement in your pain and mobility at this point. You may be able to resume light activities, such as walking and swimming. You may also be able to start driving again.
- The first year: You should continue to see gradual improvement over the course of the first year. By this time, you should be able to return to all your normal activities, including sports and exercise.
If you follow the proper recovery process, you’ll be on your way to a successful outcome.
5. Making the Decision to Have Knee Replacement Surgery
Making the decision to have knee replacement surgery is not one to be taken lightly. There are a number of factors that need to be considered before making the decision, and it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure that surgery is the best option for you.
There are a number of reasons why people may opt for knee replacement surgery, including pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. In many cases, these issues can be addressed with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, weight loss, and pain medication. However, if these treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
There are a number of risks associated with knee replacement surgery, as with any surgery. These risks include infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to surgery to ensure that you are aware of them and understand the potential complications.
In most cases, knee replacement surgery is successful and leads to a significant improvement in quality of life. However, it is important to remember that surgery is a major undertaking and should only be considered after all other nonsurgical options have been exhausted.
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