Knee replacement has become one of the most common surgeries in the world, especially in the USA, with millions going through it. So, doctors usually recommend this in the worst cases. However, once you do it, you will enjoy reduced pain and a more active lifestyle due to the procedure.
Yet, readers should note that after going through a knee replacement surgery, one has to lead a careful life for the first few weeks. In other words, the recovery time is extremely crucial. Besides, there are many other aspects where people make mistakes following their knee replacement surgeries. If you have yours done or know someone who has had their knee replaced, you might want to go through this article.
Here we will discuss some of the things that you should refrain from doing after a knee surgery. In other words, this article explains the top 5 five mistakes one usually makes following the operation.
Here Are Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement
As we already mentioned, knee replacement has become one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. Millions of people have had their knees replaced. However, there are a few common mistakes that one can make following the surgery. So, without further ado, it’s time to explore those mistakes in detail.
1. Not Following The Prescribed Exercises from Physical Therapist
So, there’s a common misconception among people that, everything becomes well and good after surgery. However, there’s a certain recovery period they need to go through. Sometimes recovery time isn’t the only thing you have to follow. Multiple reports suggest that several patients lead a sedentary life following their knee replacement. In the worst-case scenario, it can hurt your knee. After the replacement, one must actively participate in physiotherapy.
If you don’t walk around frequently, change postures, and follow your prescribed exercises, then you can develop joint stiffness. Additionally, many other complications can develop if you don’t follow the aforementioned aspects. That said, we don’t expect one to run a marathon right after surgery. However, it’s also essential to exercise properly and regularly.
2. Going Back to Work Right away
While it’s important to exercise and lead an active life, sometimes we have to know the barrier line. After knee surgery, you have to spend most of your time maximizing recovery. As such, if you have a job that requires you to go right away after the surgery, then you need to consider doing light duties.
Moreover, it’s also important to ensure that you put all your efforts and focus into ensuring a safe and sound recovery. As such, you need to allow your body to heal properly before you jump back into a strenuous job. Of course, you do deserve some break.
3. Hesitancy In Using Available Pain Management Techniques
There’s no doubt about the fact that you can expect pain after a knee replacement surgery. So, that’s the reason why you must use proper pain management techniques. If you don’t follow them, then the pain can grow more, and affect your daily life.
As such, it’s essential to maximize the recovery period with these pain relief skills. So, there are certain things you can do to alleviate knee joint pain. For example, you can use ice. Other than that, there are certain repositioning techniques that you can follow. Since you have to go to a physiotherapist post-surgery, you can ask them about those repositioning techniques.
There’s another technique called elevation, where you elevate your knee to a fixed position. Besides these, there are also integrative and alternative therapies popular. Last but not least, there are many pain medications you can take.
4. Not Having A Concrete Plan After a Knee Surgery
A lack of plan after a big surgery such as a knee replacement, you need to have a concrete plan about how to forward with life for the next couple of weeks at least. So, as we know, a successful recovery requires proper planning and preparation. Without having a support system in place, you cannot recover.
Failing to arrange transportation for follow-up appointments, or modify the home environment and other things can seriously hamper your knee’s recovery. So, you have to ensure that these don’t hinder your progress.
5. Not Doing Pre-Surgery Rehab
As we know, a successful surgery is only possible when you do pre-surgery rehab. Before you go to the operation theatre, doctors will put you through many rehab processes. Many people don’t take them seriously and end up complaining when something doesn’t go well. Now, there are two reasons for this prehab.
First of all, this way, you can strengthen your muscles before you can cope with the surgery process. As we know, post-surgery, there’s always a period of less activity, during which time, muscle bulk and therefore strength will be lost. Therefore, the more muscle bulk you have before the operation, the better. There’s another reason why you need to go through a pre-surgery rehab.
According to various reports, the prehab process is quite similar to post-surgery rehab. So, you can teach your body how to do these movements in a way that they stay relevant and familiar to you. We can tell you that after surgery, your body will feel different and it will take you time to regain complete control of your normal life.
Conclusion
So, these were the five mistakes people generally make after knee replacement surgery. The good thing is, that these mistakes can be avoided easily. One doesn’t have to go through immense pain at all. Instead, they can only speed up the recovery period by following a proper routine.
