Knee Replacement Surgery: What Are the Risks, Recovery, and Exercises?

by admin General Surgery

Are you suffering from a stiff knee caused by arthritis or any age-related issues? Well, it can significantly damage your regular mobility and quality of life. When traditional treatments like medicine and physical therapies are not working anymore, you should move towards total knee replacement surgery for betterment. This surgery replaces the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, which helps to improve your daily life while relieving your pain. 

Not only that, but this surgery offers many significant benefits to regulate your daily life with minimal work. However, if you are planning a process and necessary exercises that play an essential part in your rehabilitation.

Potential Risks in Knee Replacement Surgery

Like every other major surgery, this surgery also has a few risks; knowing them properly will help you prepare for this treatment process. 

Risks you should be aware of:

  • Infection

Infection is a common risk every surgery has. While surgeons take extreme care to prevent any kind of infection, sometimes it still occurs. Symptoms may include fever, swelling, redness, and many other things.

  • Blood Clots

After the knee surgery, blood clots can form in the veins, which can be super dangerous if they travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. To stop this, doctors recommend blood thinners or compression stockings post-surgery.

  • Implants Loosening Off

As time passes, the artificial joint can loosen or wear out, which is painful and needs revision surgery. However, modern prosthetics are designed for long-term durability, and this remains a risk after many years.

  • Rigidness and Motion Limitation

Even after the therapy, patients sometimes may occasionally have stiffness or a decreased range of motion following surgery. Although usually transient, the patient may find this frustrating.

  • Anesthesia Risks

There are dangers associated with every anesthesia-required surgery, particularly for the elderly or those with pre-existing medical issues. These hazards include anesthesia-related responses as well as heart and lung issues.

So, now you can understand the importance of having a complete consultation with the best orthopedic doctor in Goregaon to discuss your medical history and assess any risk factors before undergoing the surgery.

The Entire Recovery Process

After the surgery, the recovery process varies from person to person, but it generally follows a predictable course. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during the recovery phase:

  • You will probably have to spend three to four days in the hospital after surgery. Physical therapy will start immediately after this period to make sure you restore your strength and mobility, and you will be closely watched for any problems. Your doctor will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable because pain control is a top priority.
  • After that, drugs can be used to treat the inevitable post-surgery pain. As your knee recovers, the pain should go away slowly, but as you start the rehabilitation process, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable during physical therapy. Ice packs are also used by some patients to lessen discomfort and swelling.
  • One of the most significant components of recovery is rehabilitation. Your therapist will help you walk through exercises to help you reconstruct knee strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Refining the range of motion and lowering swelling will be the prime goals in the beginning. Strengthening workouts will be added as you advance.
  • Continuing healthy routines, including consistent exercise, weight control, and follow-up visits with your orthopedic surgeon, is crucial even after the early healing phase. Although the prosthetic joint may survive for 15 to 20 years or longer, routine maintenance keeps it in good shape.

Exercises for Total Knee Replacement Recovery

Rehabilitation exercises play a vital role in your recovery from Total Knee Replacement. The goal of these exercises is to strengthen the muscles around the knee, restore flexibility, and improve balance. 

Below are some commonly recommended exercises that you can do under the guidance of your physical therapist:

  • Ankle Pumps

This simple exercise helps improve circulation and reduce swelling in the leg. While lying on your back, move your foot up and down, pointing your toes toward your knee and then away. Repeat this 10-15 times, several times a day.

  • Quad Sets

This exercise strengthens the quadriceps (front thigh muscles). While lying on your back, tighten the muscles on the top of your thigh by pressing your knee down toward the bed or floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Perform 10-15 repetitions.

  • Straight Leg Raises

To strengthen your thigh muscles, lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Slowly lift the straight leg several inches off the ground, hold for 5 seconds, and then lower it. Repeat 10-15 times for each leg.

  • Knee Bends

Once your range of motion improves, knee bends are essential for restoring flexibility. While sitting, slowly bend your knee as much as you can and hold the position for 5-10 seconds before straightening it. Repeat 10-15 times.

  • Step-Ups

Step-ups help improve your strength and mobility. Use a small step and step up with your surgical leg first, then step down with the other leg. Perform 10-15 repetitions.

Final Thoughts

A total knee replacement can dramatically improve your quality of life, allowing you to live pain-free and regain mobility. However, it’s essential to be aware of the risks, understand the recovery process, and commit to the rehabilitation exercises required for the best outcome. By working closely with the Ankit Vilas Meshram, one of the best orthopedic doctor in Goregaon, and following your doctor’s advice, you’ll be well on your way to a successful recovery and a return to an active lifestyle.