If you suffer from knee pain due to a degenerative condition like arthritis or a traumatic injury, knee replacement surgery can improve your mobility and quality of life. Like any major surgery, you should expect a recovery and rehabilitation period.
To prepare you for knee surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will provide pre-knee surgery exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and improve flexibility and range of motion. You can perform these exercises at home but talk to your physician or physical therapist before starting a new regimen.
Common exercises to consider in preparation for knee replacement surgery include:
Our “Prehab” Program promotes strengthening, stretching, balance, stability, and range of motion. Ask your physician or physical therapist which exercises are safe and appropriate for your condition. They can also provide guidance on techniques and necessary modifications.
Following your procedure, your care team will monitor your vital signs as you come out of anesthesia. Depending on how well you respond to the surgery, you may be released on the same day. Your physician may recommend you stay in the hospital for several days for observation if any complications arise. The length of your hospital stay may depend on the type of knee surgery and your overall health. During your stay, your care team will tell you what to expect during knee replacement surgery recovery.
Although knee surgery is safe and effective, any surgical procedure includes the risk of complications. Potential issues include:
If you have complications from an original knee implant, knee revision surgery may be necessary. Reasons for a second procedure include an infection, loosening of the knee joint, or wear and tear over time.
In rare instances, patients may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the implant or have excessive bleeding. Your care team will take steps to minimize any potential complications as you recover from knee replacement surgery.
Within a day after surgery, your care team may get you moving and walking around using an assistive device like a cane or crutches. You’ll increase the duration and distance as your strength improves. The next phase involves an exercise regimen and physical therapy for your knee replacement to begin healing.
Exercises designed to prevent stiffness, improve mobility, and increase blood flow include:
It’s essential to adhere to a regular exercise routine for optimal outcomes. Follow your physician’s guidelines and contact them immediately if you experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms.
Knee replacement recuperation includes minimizing pain or discomfort. Your physician may prescribe various pain management approaches as part of the knee replacement rehab process. These strategies may include:
Depending on your level of pain, your physician may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription pain medications to alleviate symptoms. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce post-surgery swelling.
Your care team may administer regional anesthesia during and after surgery to numb the nerves around the surgical site.
Applying cold therapy to your knee can reduce pain and inflammation. Your physician will give specific recommendations about the length and frequency of applying ice packs.
Keeping your leg elevated above heart level can alleviate swelling and discomfort. Keep your leg straight and avoid putting pillows behind the affected knee, as it can affect your range of movement.
Most patients can leave the hospital within one to five days after knee surgery and resume their daily routine within six weeks. About 90% of people recover after a few months, but knee arthroscopy recovery can sometimes take six months to a year. The recovery time generally depends on factors such as your overall health, procedure type, complications, and how well you adhere to your treatment plan.
Physical therapy is an essential component in the partial or total knee replacement recovery process. Your rehabilitation journey starts in the hospital soon after surgery, and physical therapy continues at home, an outpatient clinic, or a rehab facility.
Therapy will usually begin within one day of your surgery. While in the hospital, your physical therapist will assist you with routine tasks like walking, getting out of bed, and dressing. They’ll also assist you with exercises to help with strength and balance.
Upon discharge from the hospital, your physician will set up follow-up appointments, prescribe pain medication, and provide instructions on caring for your wound and monitoring it for any signs of infection or other problematic symptoms. You’ll also receive an at-home exercise program, nutrition recommendations, and tips for modifying your home during recovery.
Sometimes, a physical therapist may visit your home to assist with rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery. This may be an option if mobility limitations or other circumstances prevent you from going to an outpatient clinic or rehab facility.
Your physician or physical therapist may recommend going to a treatment clinic on an outpatient basis. Most clinics offer flexible schedules and provide various physical and occupational therapy services. The physical therapist will create a home exercise program for you to follow between therapy sessions. Your time going to physical therapy is determined by when you achieve your physician’s set goals and can continue treatment independently from home.
If your physician determines that you need more comprehensive treatment, they may have you enter a more rigorous in-house rehab facility. You’ll receive 24-hour structured care, including multiple daily sessions and a supportive team. When your care team decides you can transition back home, they may coordinate outpatient therapy or home health services to ensure you continue on the path to healing.
If you live with knee pain, knee replacement surgery can restore your independence and enhance your quality of life, freeing you from pain and limitations. This surgery can improve knee function and mobility, prevent the progression of joint trauma or degenerative diseases like knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and allow you to engage in daily activities without discomfort.
Contact the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital to learn more about knee replacement surgery and the recovery process.
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