Knee replacement surgery is among the most complex surgeries where the doctor replaces the injured knee with an artificial implant. After having it, there is a certain condition an individual needs to face. If you have approached the knee replacement surgeon, they will tell you what to do and what not to do in detail. But majorly, the problem arises when it is about manage pain after knee replacement surgery.
For many patients, this is very annoying and they start avoiding the surgery due to the fear of facing pain. But in reality, it is not true. There are tips that can be helpful in managing it.
If you have just gone through knee replacement surgery or are looking forward to going through it but have thought about pain, don’t worry. Here in this article, we will discuss basic tips that will be helpful in managing the pain. Let’s get started!
Tips to Manage Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery:
Take a break for a while
For a while, it is important to be rested. However, do not choose total bed rest because it is important to engage in such movements after surgery to maintain joint mobility and stimulate blood flow. Maintain your surroundings in a manner that things are easily accessible and there will be no need for you to move unnecessarily. Also, be sure that initially you are not climbing stairs because it can lead to pain.
Moreover, elevate your legs. This can be done by putting a pillow under your knee at night when you are sleeping. When you are at rest, wear compression stockings because this will be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling and will not lead to blood clot formation.
Use crutches to move
After knee replacement surgery, don’t think about moving without any help. The doctor will suggest you purchase a walker or crutches that will help you have a smooth walk. Also, when you try to sit, don’t put too much pressure on the artificial implant.
If you are doing things that put pressure on the implant, it will lead to dislocation and will be difficult to manage.
Use an ice pack
An ice pack is one of the most effective remedies a person can use to manage pain. After knee replacement surgery, take an ice pack and put it on the knee. It is an effective treatment and helps provide relief from musculoskeletal injuries. In the market, you will find some frozen gel packs that you can put in a thin towel and wrap around your knee.
If you don’t want to purchase the ice, get the ice from your refrigerator and wrap it in a towel. Use it over the knee.
Take the medications on time
Medications are really very important to understand. Doctors prescribe medications, including pain relievers and medications helpful in reducing swelling. Take them on time. If you are allergic to any drugs, tell the doctor at the time of surgery so that they can take care of you and will not prescribe the same medicine.
Go for physiotherapy & rehabilitation
After 2 weeks, the doctor will prescribe you to go for physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre. It is important to regain mobility and stimulate blood flow. The physiotherapist will suggest some strengthening exercises to help in maintaining the leg muscles and providing relief from pain.
Try acupuncture treatments
Acupuncture treatments are also effective in managing pain after knee replacement surgery. It involves the sticking of thin needles into specific energy points. The points are considered to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate healing. It is impossible to do it on one’s own, so it is necessary to seek the assistance of a specialist. Some health professionals have experience in it, and you can contact them.
Start exercising
It is important for you to start exercising. After 3 weeks, the doctor will suggest you do exercise on your own. But don’t engage in extensive exercises because this can lead to dislocation of the implant initially.
The following are the tips a person can adapt to manage knee pain after surgery: If you are looking forward to getting knee replacement surgery, visit Jaipur. Here you can visit the Partani Clinic.
Yes, you will find Dr. Arun Partani here, having years of experience in performing the surgery. Just discuss your problem with him so that he can come up with the best treatment and help you get rid of it as soon as possible!
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Most Asked Questions:
Q. What happens after a knee replacement?
Ans: A knee replacement is a surgical procedure that restores the normal function of an arthritic or injured knee joint. In most cases, a partial or total knee replacement is recommended by the doctor.
Q. How long does recovery typically last after knee replacement?
Ans: The typical recovery period is six to nine weeks, but there are cases where it may take longer than this time frame to fully recover from surgery. This is due to any complications that may arise following knee replacement surgery, such as infection or bleeding.
Q. What is the most common pain after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: One of the most common complications is a pain in both legs that lasts for weeks after the operation.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Pain in both knees
- Inability to walk for more than a few minutes without increasing discomfort.
- Numbness of the entire foot and leg
- Loss of sensation on one side of the body below knee level.
- Irregular heartbeat
Q. How can I manage my pain after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: The best way to manage pain after knee replacement surgery is through distraction and rest. Patients should focus on remaining active without putting too much strain on their new knee throughout this time, as it could lead to further complications or other health issues.
Q. Is there anything I should avoid doing after knee replacement surgery?
Ans: Patients should avoid riding for extended periods of time after surgery, as this could lead to blood clotting, which is one of the most common risks associated with knee replacement surgery.
Q. What are the risk factors for a complication in knee replacement surgery?
Ans: The risk factors for a complication in knee replacement surgery are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Periprosthetic fracture
- Excessive pain with movement