If you've had knee replacement surgery, you may have taken a significant step towards improving your quality of life. However, there are things you need to pay attention to in the post surgery period as well.
Joint disorders typically occur in middle and older ages and restrict daily activities significantly. This discomfort, which results from cartilage deterioration and wear, is examined by experts in the Orthopaedics and Traumatology department. Thanks to modern surgical approaches (robotic knee replacement surgery), it is possible to relieve knee pain and receive comfortable treatment today.
If your surgeon has recommended knee replacement surgery, contact Phoenix Healthy for a free second medical opinion from the best orthopedic surgeons, and a range of price options to suit your budget. If you are planning to have a knee replacement surgery, or already had one, it is important to know the following points to avoid the four most common mistakes made after knee replacement.
First of all, it is helpful to understand what a knee replacement is. That is, the cartilage structure inside your knee is intervened, and its surface is supported with special alloy metals and plastic implants. Contrary to popular belief, your existing joint is not removed and replaced with an artificial one. Knee replacements are applied to people whose movement is restricted due to rheumatic conditions. Although conditions leading to knee replacement are more common in the middle and older age groups, young people can also be among the patients.
This process is also known as knee cartilage replacement, and it is performed by orthopaedic surgeons. In some cases, partial knee replacement surgery can also be performed. In this procedure, only the worn area in your knee is intervened, while your ligaments, cartilage, and meniscus are preserved. If both knees are operated on simultaneously, it is called bilateral knee replacement. This procedure should not be confused with leg prostheses, which come in forms such as below-knee prostheses and above-knee prostheses.
Besides, partial knee replacement surgery is also performed. In this procedure, only the worn area in your knee is intervened, while your ligaments, cartilage, and meniscus are preserved. If both knees are operated on simultaneously, it is called bilateral knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgeries are a type of surgical procedure that is frequently performed and completed. Despite its popularity, patients make common mistakes, especially during postoperative recovery. Below, you can find a list of the most common actions and their explanations:
You may experience knee pain for a while after knee replacement surgery. Naturally, when you experience this, you may avoid moving. However, behaving this way will not be to your advantage. On the contrary, if you start moving and continue in a controlled manner, you will notice that your pain decreases. Don't worry, pain relief medications will be provided to you under pain management. When you remain inactive, bending and leaving your knee can cause pain. As your knee moves, this problem disappears.
You will go through this process along with physiotherapy. With exercises provided by experts trained in this field, it is possible to regain full condition after knee replacement. Many studies show that physiotherapy provides great benefits after knee replacement surgery. Do not avoid moving under the guidance of your specialist to prevent your knee from becoming overly stiff.
This is another mistake seen in those who undergo knee replacement surgery. While the importance of movement was emphasized above, you should not forget that there is a limit to this. Just as your knee joint needs movement during the healing process, it also needs rest. After such a surgery, you must allow your body to recover. For example, driving is not recommended in the first weeks. You should take the knee replacement recovery period seriously and listen to your specialist. Sitting at a desk for long hours can create as many problems as standing for long periods.
The use of pain medication is an important part of your treatment plan after knee replacement surgery. Health professionals who performed the surgery will tell you which medications to take and how often. These medications also help control inflammation. They allow you to perform the prescribed exercises more easily during physiotherapy. The knee replacement recuperation period averages 4-5 months. Consider the process as a whole and act accordingly. Do not stop your medications and do not act alone to reduce pain and swelling.
You must act together with health professionals who help you in your knee replacement surgery process. In this context, it is of great importance that you keep your appointments. Be sure to follow the recommendations of the surgeon who performed your surgery. Your surgeon will give you warnings about your return to work, driving, exercises, and other activities. You should avoid acting alone during your recovery period. Do not turn away family members and friends who want to help you.
If you work with the right specialists and health professionals, it is possible to avoid the mistakes made after knee replacement surgery. Remember that you can get support from Phoenix Healthy throughout the entire process. Contact us for more detailed information on knee replacement surgery cost and procedures.
