Getting Back on Your Feet: Returning to Daily Activities After Fast Track Knee Replacement

Getting Back on Your Feet: Returning to Daily Activities After Fast Track Knee Replacement

The recovery process could seem like a stressful task to those who recently had a Knee Replacement in Bangalore or are thinking about having one. There are, however, several strategies to guarantee a quick recovery. One will heal more quickly if one commits to a strategy and receives as much positive reinforcement as they can every day. Let’s look at what one can do to improve the probability of a complete and quick recovery in this list of dos and don’ts following fast track knee replacement.

How long does recovery take?

The time it takes to recover is influenced by a variety of factors. Considerations such as the age of the patient, degree of fitness, and level of activity, as well as how strictly one adheres to the physiotherapist’s prescribed rehabilitation programme, should all be made. However, after six weeks following surgery, the majority of patients may begin taking part in some regular activities again. Usually, it takes up to 18 months following knee surgery for a patient to fully recover.

Advice from top doctors for a speedy recovery is:

• Keep moving, and follow the workout regimen that is prescribed by the Orthopedic doctors in Bangalore.
• Attend every physiotherapy session on time.
• If the doctor advises it, use supportive braces and mobility aids.
• To lessen the strain on the new joint, try to keep weight at a healthy level.

Healing & Rehabilitation Following Total Knee Replacement

The period following Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery is critical for healing and rehabilitation. In reality, rehabilitation starts as soon as the patient is awake following surgery. They will get back on their feet and resume an active lifestyle during this phase. Every patient’s recovery is distinct, and every surgeon may follow a different set of guidelines. We will take a look at the general timeline and recovery guidelines:

The Day After the Surgery

The patient may likely experience some pain and swelling for a few hours following their joint replacement operation. To make patients more comfortable, some painkillers will be administered. A physiotherapist will assist the patient in standing. They’ll also demonstrate how to move and carry out certain everyday chores securely. Although it might seem premature, moving around can help to lower the risk of blood clots and infections. Rest is equally critical at this early stage as it is to concentrate on bending and straightening the knee. Get lots of sleep, and remember to stop exercising if the pain becomes too severe.

First Week

The patient will be encouraged to increase mobility during the next few days. Walking and doing daily tasks will be a part of this. Please be aware that patients who have fast track knee replacement usually leave the hospital the same day. They will get care instructions as well as some exercises to perform at home. At this point, the patient should be able to stand without assistance, begin to walk without the use of crutches or a frame, dress and take a shower independently, and go on longer assisted walks.

To assist in managing pain following surgery, the patient should follow the doctor’s directions. These may be:

• Taking painkillers as prescribed
• Lifting the leg
• Using ice packs

Third Week After Surgery

Continue exercising to increase the range of motion and mobility. By 2-3 weeks, the majority of people are utilising a cane or walking without assistance. Avoid leaning away from the new knee and hold the cane with the hand that is on the other side. This can assist in balancing weight and enhance the walking form. The pain will reduce, and the range of motion will become better as the weeks go by. The patient might be able to go around with just a walking stick or nothing at all by the second or third week following surgery.

One Month After Surgery

There will be a significant improvement in pain and mobility with rehabilitation activities during the next months. As the patient regains strength, they may do daily tasks with less stiffness and oedema. A fresh set of exercises will now be introduced by the doctor. After having the knee replaced, one might find it helpful to go swimming, walking, or cycling. Approximately six to eight weeks following surgery, patients should be allowed to drive once more.

Week 7-10

Physical therapy will need to be continued by the patient for a minimum of 12 weeks and maybe longer. The objectives will be to quickly increase the range of motion and mobility, maybe to 120 degrees, and to strengthen the knee and the muscles around it. As the knee gets better, the doctor will adjust the exercises. Exercises could consist of the following:

• Bicycling on a stationary bike
• Little squats
• Step-ups
• Leg balances
• Heel and toe lifts

Maintaining a fitness regimen is crucial. How fast one may resume normal activities and how well the knee functions, in the long run, will depend on how committed one is to rehab.

Week 12 & Beyond

Maintain the fitness regimen through week 12. Running, aerobics, basketball, high-intensity cycling, etc., are examples of high-impact sports that should still be avoided to prevent knee or surrounding tissue injury. Never begin a new activity without first consulting the medical team, and keep the lines of communication open. At this point, a lot of individuals are moving around and starting to partake in hobbies like golf, dancing, and bicycling. One should have a complete range of motion in the knee at week 12 and experience minimal or no pain when engaging in regular activities and leisure activities.

Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

The best hospital for Knee Replacement Surgery in Bangalore and all other orthopaedic care is Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka, which treats all varieties of orthopaedic diseases. Our multispecialty best Orthopedic Hospital in Bangalore provides our patients with high-quality medical care that meets international standards thanks to its best Orthopedic surgeons in Bangalore and cutting-edge technology. The team of experts includes some of the most skilled orthopaedic surgeons in the area who are skilled in identifying and treating orthopaedic issues in patients of all ages.