All About Knee Replacement Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts Explained by Dr. Aseem Goyal
Important points explained by Dr. Aseem Goyal before you go for TKR Total Knee Replacement Surgery
- Severe knee pain limits everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
- Moderate or severe knee pain occurs at rest, day or night.
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling do not improve with rest or medications.
- Knee deformity (bowing in or out of the knee).
- Other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, have not helped.
- Severe knee pain limits everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
- Moderate or severe knee pain occurs at rest, day or night.
- Chronic knee inflammation and swelling do not improve with rest or medications.
- Knee deformity (bowing in or out of the knee).
- Other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, have not helped.
The Knee Replacement Procedure
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Preparation for knee replacement surgery involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome:
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical history and physical examination to assess overall health and identify any conditions that could affect surgery.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate the extent of knee damage.
- Pre-Surgical Instructions: Detailed instructions on medications, diet, and activities to prepare for surgery.
- Physical Therapy: Pre-surgical exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve recovery.
Preparation for knee replacement surgery involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome:
- Medical Evaluation: A thorough medical history and physical examination to assess overall health and identify any conditions that could affect surgery.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate the extent of knee damage.
- Pre-Surgical Instructions: Detailed instructions on medications, diet, and activities to prepare for surgery.
- Physical Therapy: Pre-surgical exercises to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve recovery.
The Surgery
The surgery typically takes about 1–2 hours and is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. During the procedure:
- An incision is made to access the knee joint.
- The damaged cartilage and bone are removed.
- The prosthetic components are positioned to restore the alignment and function of the knee.
- The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
The surgery typically takes about 1–2 hours and is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. During the procedure:
- An incision is made to access the knee joint.
- The damaged cartilage and bone are removed.
- The prosthetic components are positioned to restore the alignment and function of the knee.
- The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery from knee replacement surgery involves several stages:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days after surgery.
- Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection.
- Physical Therapy: Begins soon after surgery to improve strength and mobility.
- Home Care: Instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and exercises to do at home.
Recovery from knee replacement surgery involves several stages:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days after surgery.
- Pain Management: Medications are prescribed to manage pain and prevent infection.
- Physical Therapy: Begins soon after surgery to improve strength and mobility.
- Home Care: Instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and exercises to do at home.
Do’s and Don’ts After Knee Replacement Surgery
Do’s
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere to all post-operative guidelines provided by your surgeon.
- Attend Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy sessions are crucial for a successful recovery.
- Keep the Surgical Area Clean: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
- Use Assistive Devices: Use crutches, walkers, or canes as recommended to avoid putting too much weight on your new knee.
- Stay Active: Engage in light activities and exercises to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere to all post-operative guidelines provided by your surgeon.
- Attend Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy sessions are crucial for a successful recovery.
- Keep the Surgical Area Clean: Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
- Use Assistive Devices: Use crutches, walkers, or canes as recommended to avoid putting too much weight on your new knee.
- Stay Active: Engage in light activities and exercises to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength.
Don’ts
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities can damage your new knee.
- Don’t Ignore Pain: Persistent pain or swelling should be reported to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid Sitting for Long Periods: Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Don’t Neglect Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting heavy objects that could strain your new knee.
- Avoid High-Impact Activities: Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities can damage your new knee.
- Don’t Ignore Pain: Persistent pain or swelling should be reported to your doctor immediately.
- Avoid Sitting for Long Periods: Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Don’t Neglect Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting heavy objects that could strain your new knee.
Common Questions About Knee Replacement
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?
Modern knee implants are designed to last 15–20 years, depending on various factors such as activity level, weight, and overall health.
Modern knee implants are designed to last 15–20 years, depending on various factors such as activity level, weight, and overall health.
Can I Resume Normal Activities After Knee Replacement?
Most patients can return to normal activities, including walking, swimming, and cycling, within a few months after surgery. High-impact activities should be avoided to prolong the life of the implant.
Most patients can return to normal activities, including walking, swimming, and cycling, within a few months after surgery. High-impact activities should be avoided to prolong the life of the implant.
What Are the Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery?
As with any surgery, knee replacement carries risks such as infection, blood clots, and implant failure. However, these risks are relatively low and can be minimized with proper care and follow-up.
As with any surgery, knee replacement carries risks such as infection, blood clots, and implant failure. However, these risks are relatively low and can be minimized with proper care and follow-up.
How Soon Can I Drive After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Patients can usually resume driving 4–6 weeks after surgery, provided they can safely control the vehicle and are no longer taking strong pain medications.
Patients can usually resume driving 4–6 weeks after surgery, provided they can safely control the vehicle and are no longer taking strong pain medications.
Conclusion
Knee replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic knee pain. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined by Dr. Aseem Goyal, the best orthopedic doctor in Chandigarh, you can ensure a successful recovery and enjoy the benefits of your new knee.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aseem Goyal, visit our website or contact us today. Don’t let knee pain hold you back — take the first step towards a pain-free life with expert knee replacement care.
Knee replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic knee pain. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined by Dr. Aseem Goyal, the best orthopedic doctor in Chandigarh, you can ensure a successful recovery and enjoy the benefits of your new knee.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aseem Goyal, visit our website or contact us today. Don’t let knee pain hold you back — take the first step towards a pain-free life with expert knee replacement care.
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