What To Expect Before Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery requires some form of anasthesia where you’ll either be unconscious or awake but unable to feel the procedure. Your doctor will inform you of your options to make the best decision for your particular circumstances.
During knee replacement surgery , damaged bone and cartilage from your thigh bone, shinbone and knee bone are replaced with a prosthetic joint made of metal alloys, plastic and polymers.
The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the knee joint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot be controlled by other treatments. – Hopkins Medicine
What Happens After Knee Revision Surgery And The Expected Recovery
After the surgical procedure, what can you expect to happen after that? Your long-term recovery from a revision total knee arthroplasty should have the same expectation as your first knee replacement. We want you to have a well-balanced knee that moves well, that bends well and that provides good painless function for you. In the immediate recovery period, you’ll be admitted to the hospital for a few days, likely two to three days. The physical therapist will get you up, will get you moving on day one and then work with you a few times a day after that point until discharge.
Your long-term recovery from a revision total knee arthroplasty should have the same expectation as your first knee replacement. We want you to have a well-balanced knee that moves and bends well and that provides good painless function for you. In the immediate recovery period, you’ll likely be admitted to the hospital for two to three days. The physical therapist will get you up and get you moving on day one and then work with you a few times a day after that point until discharge.
Learn more:
Staying Alone Is Definitely Possible But Not Ideal
First off you will need help getting home from the hospital. You could call Uber or another ride share company. You will need assistance getting in and out of the car.
You will have been checked out by hospital staff with your walker at the hospital before your release so you will be able to get from the car to your home using the walker. You will be medicated but you still will feel pain and possibly be a little groggy.
If you are going it alone, you must have your house prepared ahead of time. Your home should be tidy and clean. You should have moved furniture to anticipate limited movement.
The things you need should be near and handy. Your meals should be prepared ahead of time.
I was more mobile after surgery than I had expected. As each day went by, my mobility improved. It was certainly nice to have my wife assisting me and helping me with icing and other tasks.
I could have done most of the tasks myself but it would have taken more time and caused some additional pain.
There may be a few benefits of recovering on your own. If you have a busy and noisy household, the peace and quiet of being alone would be a plus.
You May Like: Where To Get Knee High Converse
Can I Hike After A Knee Replacement
Yes. Walking and hiking are low-impact exercises that people can take part in after a knee replacement.
While the type of surgery and knee implants that you received may regulate movement, most people can hike easy and moderate trails without difficulty.
But you will want to talk to your physical therapist or orthopedic provider if you plan to hike challenging or expert-level trails. While climbing up a steep hill does not overtax the joint, walking down a steep incline puts tremendous pressure on the knee.
If you know you want to pursue an activity that requires navigating steep hills, tell your physical therapist. Practicing exercises that strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, especially those on the back of the leg, will help support the knee joint and lessen the risk of injury.
There are a few other things you can do to keep your knees injury-free while hiking.
Invest in a pair of well-fitting hiking boots or shoes.
Look for boots or shoes that give your foot exceptional arch support and proper leg alignment. Your hiking footwear should have ample room for your toes to move and allow your foot to strike the ground properly. If you have questions, talk to your physical therapist or sports medicine specialist about the proper shoe fit for your body type.
Ask about a knee brace.
Use hiking poles.
These walking aids can help you keep your balance and reduce the stress and strain on your knees if you are hiking steep hills or uneven terrain.
Avoid Mistakes To Recover Faster
How long does it take to recover from total knee replacement? Will it be relatively easy or frustratingly hard, speedy or last over a year? This is the million dollar question. You can make a big difference in your recovery speed by avoiding the 5 biggest mistakes that most people make. Not doing any of your exercises would be the stupidest mistake but I am going to assume you are MUCH smarter than that after all you are here searching out and seeking the best answers to all your questions.
Here it is for all the wise ones. Listen up and take notes so that you too can avoid the 5 biggest mistakes that will shipwreck your recovery from a total knee replacement.
Recommended Reading: Whiten Knees Fast
Donts Following Knee Replacement Surgery
Taking proper precautions after major surgery helps ensure a good recovery. Following are some things youshould avoid after undergoing knee replacement surgery.
While in the hospital, dont try to get out of bed by yourself. Accept help, and take the time to properlylearn how to use a walker or cane.
When at home:
How Soon Will I Be Up And About
The staff will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If youve had keyhole surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, youll be helped to stand within 12 to 24 hours after your operation.
Walking with a frame or crutches is encouraged. Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week.
During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation. Its important to follow the physiotherapists advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.
Its normal to have initial discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen.
You may be put on a passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.
Also Check: Water On The Knee Treatments
Recommended Reading: My Knees Crack When I Squat
Prepare Your Home Before Surgery
Its a good idea to prepare your home for your recovery before you go to the hospital for your surgery. That way, when you return with a walker or cane, you can easily move around your living space. Also, youll want to be sure to have a comfortable chair and ottoman where you can rest and elevate your knee, so you dont have to stay in bed.
Walking After Knee Surgery
As previously mentioned, walking after knee surgery will likely begin the day of or day after surgery in the hospital with a walker or cane. The amount of weight put on the surgical leg is usually as much as tolerated, so using the walker and taking smaller steps can help offload a painful knee. The goal of walking early is to prevent muscles from weakening and to get the knee moving in a normal gait pattern again.
Patients that are hesitant to walk or use the walker as a crutch for too long can also delay the recovery process. This goes back to the as tolerated concept. If you can tolerate walking without a walker, then walking starts with short bouts until longer distances are comfortable.
Also Check: Inversion Table For Knee Pain
What Is A Knee Replacement
A knee replacement can be total or partial, depending on how advanced a patients condition is. A total knee replacement involves the resurfacing of a knee joint. The surgeon will first remove diseased cartilage and bone from the joint. Then, metal and plastic parts are used to cap the ends of the bones and the kneecap. This creates a smooth joint that can move and bend without pain.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Is A Complex Process
The orthopedic surgeon will take careful measurements of the joint, angles, and alignment before surgery. They will then use these measurements to ensure the new joint is properly positioned and aligned to allow for natural movement.
For the best results, Bone & Joint uses Mako Robotic-Assisted Surgery in the Surgery Center. This technology allows surgeons to position the new joint within millimeters of the patients natural joint.
Often people will receive a list of physical therapy exercises to perform before their surgical date. These strengthening exercises prepare the muscles needed to compensate for body movement after the operation. In addition, strengthening the soft tissues that support the replaced joint also helps that area heal and recover faster.
Read Also: Inversion Table Benefits For Knees
Walking After A Partial Meniscectomy Knee Arthroscopy: A Helpful Guide
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.
One of the most common knee surgeries in the US is a partial meniscectomy. The purpose of this surgery is to remove any loose fragments from your knee joint and shave off any tears within the Meniscus. The goal is to help reduce any pain and inflammation that might be impacting your life.
This article will discuss more information about walking after a partial meniscectomy knee arthroscopy. We will talk about how early you can walk after surgery, how long you need crutches, tips to walk with a normal gait pattern faster post-surgery, and what to avoid while walking on a partially torn meniscus.
Three To Six Weeks After Your Knee Replacement
As you gain strength, youll rely lessor not at allon assistive devices such as canes.
Often, at this point, more low-impact activities may be introduced into your exercise regimen. In addition to walking, this includes swimming or riding a stationary bike.
Many of the exercises above will continue. Knee bends will concentrate on the goal of bending your knee to 120 degrees.
At this point, many are able to complete basic household chores and slowly get back to daily activities. If you have an office job or a job that doesnt require heavy lifting or climbing, you may be able to return to work.
Recommended Reading: How To Whiten Knees Fast
When Should You Call For Help
anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out .
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain that does not go away after you take pain medicine.
- You have loose stitches, or your incisions come open.
- Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the incision.
- Pus draining from the incision.
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You feel a catching or locking in your knee.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot keep fluids down.
- You have swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that does not go away when you raise your knee above the level of your heart.
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative.
Swelling After Knee Replacement
Leg swelling is going to be present after having a knee replaced. Swelling has a significant effect on knee flexibility and the ability for muscles to contract. Think of trying to roll up a full water hose versus an empty water hose.
It is important to monitor, limit, and attempt to reduce swelling as much as possible.& amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp lt br /& amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp gt & amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp lt br /& amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp gt & amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp lt br /& amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp amp gt & amp amp lt br /& amp amp gt & amp lt br /& amp gt Swelling management strategies include:
- Laying down with the surgical leg straight and elevated above the level of the heart with an ice pack for 20 minutes of every hour.
- A compression and cold therapy unit such as GameReady, Squid Compression, or Cryocuff may help to limit and reduce swelling.
It is also important to continue monitoring for blood clots and infection, as sometimes the onset of symptoms is delayed and requires immediate medical attention, possibly rehospitalization.
You May Like: Inversion Table Knee Pain
Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends
While sitting at bedside or in a chair with your thigh supported, bend your knee as far as you can until your foot rests on the floor. With your foot lightly resting on the floor, slide your upper body forward in the chair to increase your knee bend. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Straighten your knee fully.
Repeat several times until your leg feels fatigued or until you can completely bend your knee.
Sitting unsupported knee bend
How Long Does A Knee Replacement Last
About 90% of first-time knee replacements last at least 15 years,4 and many last at least 20 years.5
Patients can extend the life of their knee replacements by complying with their physical therapy routines and avoiding high-impact activities, such as jumping or jogging. High impact activities cause friction between the man-made components of the replacement knee, causing wear and tear.
Revision Knee Replacement SurgeryIf the initial knee replacement components need to be replaced for any reason, a second surgery called a revision total knee replacement may be needed. Wear-and-tear on components, component loosening, infection, and knee joint instability are the most common possible causes for needing revision surgery. Other reasons include knee stiffness and bone fractures.
Patients should talk to their doctors about when is the best time to schedule knee replacement surgery.
Also Check: Best Knee Walker 2016
Knee Replacement Recovery: Weeks 4 To 6
Knee pain and function greatly improve during the first few weeks after knee replacement surgery. Significant improvements continue during weeks 4 through 6. By week 6, the majority of patients are off pain medications and have resumed their day-to-day routines.
To achieve this post-surgical success, knee replacement patients continue physical therapy, pain management, and avoidance of risky behaviors.
Factors That Can Impact When Can You Walk After Acl Surgery
- The condition of your knee pre surgery including the level of swelling and strength within the quadriceps and surrounding leg muscles.
- To assist with reducing pain and swelling you should employ RICER protocols immediately after the injury
- Plus in the weeks leading up to surgery your surgeon may include treatment to increase strength in your leg and supporting knee muscles, restore leg extension and range of motion
- The technical skill of your surgeon including how experienced they are and the techniques that they use is also a factor which influence your ability to walk after surgery
- The ACL graft choice can impact pain and swelling after surgery. The graft choice is often determined by the preference of your surgeon. You should understand why the surgeon has choosen a particular graft type for your individual circumstances prior to surgery
- Your application to ACL surgery recovery in particularly within the first two weeks after your operation is a big factor in progressing your rehabilitation. This initial two week period is where you are likely to see significant progress with walking and weight bearing on your bad leg
Recommended Reading: Does Aflac Pay For Sprains
What Is A Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage located in the knee that helps stabilize and cushion the joint.
Meniscus tears are common injuries that often occur from sports injuries or aging.
What Are Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?
Symptoms of a meniscus tear include:
- Difficulty bending and straightening the leg
- A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury
- The feeling the knee is locking or catching
- The knee giving out
- Feeling the knee is not moving properly
- Instability
- Inability to squat or kneel
Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
Most patients are discharged one day after surgery. On your discharge day, you may be able to stand and walk out of your hospital room, or you may need assistance with walking, which is completely normal. In the weeks following, most patients gradually expand their physical abilities. Every case is unique. Your surgeon and your physical therapist will coordinate to progress you as quickly as possible. Although everyone progressed at a different pace based on numerous factors, some common timeframes are:
- 3 weeks after surgery: At this point, you should be able to walk for more than 10 minutes at a time, without a walker or crutches. Your physical therapist may challenge you to go on longer walks and stop using an assistive device like a cane.
- 6 weeks after surgery: Between weeks 4 and 6, you may be able to start driving again, if your doctor clears you.
- 12 weeks after surgery: Typical physical therapy programs last for up to 12 weeks. At this point, you should be able to walk for several blocks at a time and may even be able to pick up hobbies like swimming and cycling. As your therapy program ends around the 12-week mark, stick with your walking schedule and gradually challenge yourself to walk further and longer.
- One year after surgery: You will continue to make progress for an entire year after knee replacement. By this time, your knee should reach its full strength and you should be able to return to most activities.
Read Also: Does Aflac Cover Hysterectomy