Plan Meals Ahead Of Time
If you have a reliable caregiver that can prepare meals for you after TKR you are fortunate. Otherwise, you might consider preparing and freezing meals ahead of time.
Packaged cereal for breakfast is much easier than frying eggs, bacon and making toast. You may consider restaurants that deliver meals and some communities have meals on wheels for seniors.
Keep snacks and water close to where you will be sitting during the day so that they are within reach.
Motivation To Regain Physical Function
And finally, Dr. Courtney sees another factor speeding recovery for certain patients. Motivation is big one, especially with knee replacement surgery, he says. If patients are involved in sports, like golf, tennis, or swimming, their motivation to get back to their activities plays an important role.
How Soon Does Rehabilitation Therapy Start After The Hip Surgery
Patients will have physical therapy before the hip replacement surgery, and then work with a physical therapist right after the surgery to reinforce exercises before they go home, says Thakkar. Rehabilitation will continue a few days after the surgery, with visits with physical and occupational therapists two to three times per week, as well as home exercises.
Rehabilitation begins with getting used to regular movements and practicing daily activities, like getting out of bed or a chair, and progresses to practicing more difficult tasks, such as climbing stairs and getting in or out of the car.
Muscle strength plays a big role in being able to perform these and other tasks. This is why resistance training of hip muscles and knee muscles in the legs is a major component of rehabilitation.
Hip and Knee Replacement at Johns Hopkins
The Johns Hopkins Hip and Knee Replacement program features a team of orthopaedic specialists highly skilled in joint replacement procedures. Our team will guide you through every step, from presurgical education to postsurgical care and physical therapy. Our goal is to return you to your desired level of activity as soon as possible.
You May Like: How Much Does Aflac Pay For Outpatient Surgery
Thigh Shaking/picking For Scar Tissue Management
Although it sounds almost overly-simple, knee or thigh shaking, which is also called soft tissue mobilization, allows the body to break up the unnecessary scar tissue. This will help to loosen things up at a microlevel preparing your knee for the next strategy for encouraging healthy tissue formation.
The key here is vigor. Prop your leg up either on your bed or on another chair, keeping your spine neutral. Take either one or two hands to vigorously shake/pick up your thigh to create results at the microlevel.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use An Inversion Table After Knee Replacement
Will I Need To Use A Walker At First
Your care team, which includes your surgeon, therapists and primary care doctor, will evaluate the need for any assistive devices. To reduce falls, you might need a cane or a walker if you feel unbalanced walking on your own, but its generally not necessary to keep weight off the hip that went through surgery.
Also Check: Best Knee Walker 2016
Manage Pain And Infection
You will most likely still be taking pain management when you get home. It is important to stay on track with your pain medications as well as necessary antibiotics or stool softeners. When your pain is well managed, you can move more comfortably. Regular movement and sticking to your exercises will help you recover more successfully.
A professional caregiver can help you with:
- Picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy
- Reminders for when to take medications
- Watching for signs of infection
Life After Knee Surgery
As a Physical Therapist, Ive seen firsthand the significant improvements in people following a knee replacement. However, there is no surgeon or PT out there who can 100% guarantee success. There certainly are risks following a surgery and this should be discussed with your doctor. But just as important, you should discuss the expected outcomes with your physician.
Returning to activities such as walking, golf, bowling, swimming, light dancing, and even light tennis is usually encouraged. However, ask your doctor about suggested timeframes for these activities.
Knee replacements have come a long way in the past 20 years and the technology continues to improve. Set your expectations appropriately with your physician and therapist. Heres to hoping your life after knee surgery is full of enjoyment and activity!
Don’t Miss: Dcf Knee Compression Sleeve
Total Knee Replacement Recovery: What To Expect After Knee Replacement
Nearly 1 million total knee replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. each year and that number is expected to continue rising exponentially to over 3 million in the next 15 years!
So it comes as no surprise that the most common joint replacement procedure Physical Therapists rehab in the outpatient clinic is a total knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement.
Many candidates want to know what to expect after a total knee replacement before they choose to have the surgery. Patients usually elect to have this procedure after nonoperative treatment options or knee replacement alternative surgeries fail to maintain knee function and pain levels.
For those patients that do decide to have total knee surgery, keep reading to learn more about the total knee replacement recovery process.
Use Your Medical Devices
After having knee replacement surgery, you can expect to have supportive devices, like wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, or knee braces to help aid your recovery. And, no matter how strong you feel, you should always follow Dr. Tadjes guidelines on their use. Not only do these devices provide greater stability when youre on your feet, but they also help give your new joint additional support as it heals.
Read Also: Dcf Compression Knee Sleeve
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.
How Long Does It Take To Recover After A Hip Replacement
On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different, says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.
Achieving a certain level of activity before you have the surgery can help you bounce back more quickly, shares Thakkar. We use a regimen called prerehabilitation, or prehab, to help patients get in a physical shape that will set them up for a successful recovery.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery | Q& A with Savya Thakkar, M.D.
Read Also: My Knees Crack When I Squat
Knee Replacement Exercises To Avoid
Most patients who are motivated try to do too much too quickly and will want to get into the weight room to work on strengthening their knee before the knee is ready to do this. Particular exercises that you should avoid are resisted knee extensions, as these place a great deal of stress on the patellofemoral joint and will aggravate and exacerbate pain unnecessarily especially in the early postoperative period. It is also unnecessary to perform any resisted squats too early on in your recovery. Body weight squats up against a wall are usually a good place to start and over time, you should be able to gradually work your way back up to weighted squats.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
Patients are encouraged to begin ambulation the same day as their knee replacement surgery, with the aid of a walker or other orthopedic device. A patient typically stays in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, and longer if needed. Some may be able to go home the same day of their surgery if their medical team feels it is safe to do so. Patients who require extra attention or do not have home support may be transferred from the hospital to a rehabilitation center, but every effort is made to help the patient return to their home environment with additional support.
Anterior view of a knee that has undergone a total knee replacement.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Knee Fat And Cellulite
How Long Does A Tkr Last
Based on extensive studies that include various types of implants, over 90% of total knee replacements are expected to last 10-15 years. However, joint replacement technology is evolving quickly. Newer, more durable implants may last even longer. Total knee replacements may provide years of relief and improved function for eligible patients who have exhausted other treatment options. For more information about knee replacement surgery, speak with an orthopedic surgeon.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Knee Replacement
There are many factors that determine how long it takes to recover from a total knee replacement.
Patients are typically discharged from the hospital within five to 14 days after knee replacement surgery.
Short-term recovery, in which a patient can walk with minimal aid or no aid and only needs over-the-counter pain relief generally occurs within twelve weeks after surgery, and most patients can return to full normal activities within 3 to 6 months.
Also Check: How To Use Ginger For Knee Pain
Who Performs Knee Replacement Surgery
If you need knee replacement surgery, then an orthopedic surgeon is the type of doctor you must see. Here at Orthopedic Associates, we offer a range of doctors, physical therapists, and sports medicine specialists to help you manage the pain and recover as effectively as possible.
Our team offers three knee replacement surgeries:
- Total Knee Replacement Surgery
- Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
- Revision Knee Replacement Surgery
Additionally, we have other joint replacement procedures for different types of sports medicine injuries and other orthopedic concerns:
- Reverse Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery
- Shoulder Joint Replacement Surgery
- Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery
- Partial Hip Replacement Surgery
What Are The Risks And Complications Of Revision Knee Replacement
Any surgery can have potential complications. The complexity of revision joint surgery increases the chance of surgical complications, which include but are not limited to:
- wound drainage
- damage to nerves or blood vessels
- intra-operative fractures
- pulmonary embolism
Infection, bleeding, damage to nerves or blood vessels, and intra-operative fractures can be minimized by using antibiotics before and after surgery, employing sterile surgical techniques and utilizing well-planned surgical exposures. Patients who are obese are particularly at increased risk of infection and wound drainage issues post operatively.
Similar to primary knee replacement, some mild swelling of the knee or ankle may be present after surgery for as long as three to six months. Swelling can be treated by elevating the leg, applying an ice pack, and wearing compression stockings.
Prior medical conditions, such as heart and lung complications or stroke conditions, can be aggravated by a revision procedure. These conditions may also develop in patients after revision surgery. Very rarely, death can occur. The decision to perform revision joint surgery is made when the benefits of pain relief and functional improvement outweigh the risk of potential complications.
Donât Miss: How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Knees Fast
Recommended Reading: Nano Knee Cost
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery
Its a procedure in which a surgeon removes the cartilage in your knee thats been damaged by arthritis, as well as the nearby bone. The joint is replaced with an artificial joint thats made of smooth metal and plastic parts.
According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons , the procedure has been performed for more than 50 years, and more than 790,000 people in the United States have a knee replaced every year.
How Long Will I Recover At The Hospital
Right after your surgery, you will spend an hour or two in the recovery room before going to your room. During this time, you will have a large bandage over the treated area.
There might be a feeling of discomfort and pain after your surgery. You probably have to begin your physical therapy the next day after your surgery. The therapy will include exercises that will help improve your knees strength and flexibility.
Your doctor will give pain medication and use several methods to prevent blood clots and swelling. You will also need blood-thinning medications and special support stockings.
The duration of your stay in the hospital to recover from anesthesia and surgery depends on your unique needs. Some people can go home on the same day of the surgery. However, it can take two to three days.
Also Check: Flying After Knee Replacement Surgery
Work On Your Walking Form
Pre-surgery my leg was bowed and walked with a noticeable limp. Once you start walking after TKR you may have to relearn to walk correctly.
My in-home therapist made it a point to walk behind me reminding me to walk with proper form. On your other walks, have your caregiver or walking partner critique your walking form.
Discard those old shoes that show wear from walking incorrectly.
If you can, video record you walking form before surgery and then have your walking partner video your new form occasionally.
Knee Replacement Recovery Continues Once Youre Home
Even though hospital stays for knee replacement surgery are shorter than they used to be, getting back on your feet still takes time, says Dr. Parks.
The next phase of recovery continues at home, as patients begin acclimating to normal activities, such as moving between rooms, getting up and sitting down in furniture, and using the bathroom. While everyone is different, many patients are likely to have similar experiences during the early weeks of recovery.
For Barnes, stability was a big issue. I became very aware of where I was placing feet, for example, when stepping off a curb. I just felt a little clumsy early on after surgery so I was afraid of falling.
In addition, she experienced a lot of swelling. The hospital gave me a special brace that circulates cold water around the knee, which was great and helped with swelling, she says.
Whether your doctor has prescribed formal outpatient physical therapy or has entrusted you with an at-home regimen of walking and exercises, patients progressing through recovery achieve some big milestones along the way.
Also Check: Bioknee Cost
Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
Generally, someone who undergoes a knee arthroplasty takes about 12-14 weeks to recover fully. With the help of the Wisconsin School of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and Healthline, we have broken down the recovery process into 5 phases:
Phase 1: Hospital Stay to Discharge
Phase 2: Weeks 1-2,
Phase 5: Weeks 13 and Beyond
Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement
In staged bilateral knee replacement, both knees are replaced in two separate surgeries. These surgeries are done a few months apart. Each surgery lasts about two hours. This staged approach allows one knee to recover before the second knee undergoes surgery.
The main advantage of a staged procedure is the reduced risk of complications. It also requires a shorter hospital stay.
However, since this procedure requires two surgeries, the overall rehabilitation period can be much longer. This may delay your return to some of your daily activities.
The risks associated with both simultaneous and staged bilateral knee replacement surgeries include:
- infection
You May Like: Does Tommie Copper Knee Sleeve Work
How Long Will I Be In The Hospital After Total Knee Replacement
The length of hospital stay after knee replacement will depend on:
- Replacement and incision healing routinely.
- Manageable pain levels.
- The patient being able to perform bed mobility and walking without requiring someone else doing the majority of the work for them
- Help at home from family or friends for activities that will require assistance such as driving, cooking, cleaning, moving in and out of bed, sitting down and standing up, walking, or using stairs
These are important for ensuring a patient is safe to go home. The majority of patients meet these requirements and will be out of the hospital within 1-3 days.
If a patient has delayed healing or limited support at home, they may be a candidate to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation hospital for 1-2 weeks for further recovery.
Read Also: What Is Chondrocalcinosis Of The Knee
Types Of Double Knee Replacement Surgery
Double knee replacement surgery may involve one surgery or two surgeries.
When both knees are replaced at the same time, the surgery is known as a simultaneous bilateral knee replacement.
When each knee is replaced at a different time, its called a staged bilateral knee replacement.
Either surgery may involve any combination of total knee replacement or partial knee replacement.
You May Like: Where To Get Knee High Converse
Walk As Soon As Possible
Recovery from joint replacement surgery isnt always easy, but getting back on your feet as soon as the doctor says its okay can help you recover. Walking helps prevent complications like blood clots, improves circulation, and keeps your joints limber. You dont have to wait until you return home after surgery. Most patients can start walking while still in the hospital. Walking helps deliver important nutrients to your knee to help you heal and recover. You can expect to use a walker for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
Why Is My Knee So Tight After Surgery
Arthrofibrosis, also known as stiff knee syndrome, occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around a joint, limiting range of motion and causing pain and disability. It can be a complication of knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, with infections and bleeding as known contributing factors.
Dont Miss: Flying After Knee Replacement Surgery
You May Like: Does Aflac Pay For Sprains