Overview
Getting knee replacement surgery is a significant step towards regaining your mobility and kicking pain to the curb! But wait, the journey isn’t over just yet. The road to recovery after the surgery is a crucial period. Steering clear of common pitfalls can make all the difference.
Just like a cake needs time to bake, your body requires patience to heal properly. So, let’s dive into the top five mistakes to ensure successful knee replacement surgery. The following blog also discusses the knee replacement surgery cost for those looking to undergo the procedure. Continue reading to know more.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery? 1
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure that alleviates pain and restores function in a damaged knee joint. It removes the damaged portions of the knee joint. The removed bone and cartilage are then replaced with artificial components made of plastic and metal.
Some common reasons for undergoing knee replacement surgery include:
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disease is a leading cause of knee replacement surgery. Over time, the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears away, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Knee replacement surgery may be recommended to restore function when conservative treatments are no longer effective.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune and inflammatory condition characterised by inflammation in the joint lining, leading to pain, stiffness, and joint damage.
- Traumatic Arthritis: After a severe knee injury or fracture, the joint may develop arthritis over time due to sustained damage. Knee replacement surgery helps reduce pain and restore joint function in such cases.
Common Post-Surgery Mistakes 2
Your post-operative activities directly impact the recovery of your new joint. It holds immense significance in influencing the speed and ease of your recovery journey. It is crucial to avoid these five key mistakes to ensure a successful outcome after knee replacement surgery:
- Not Following Physical Therapy
It is a common misconception that walking after a knee replacement surgery can damage the implants or cause injury. Well, it is not true! In fact, physical therapy is a crucial component of post-knee replacement recovery.
The customised exercise plan developed by your physical therapist is not just a routine – it is your path to regaining strength, flexibility, and full range of motion. By skipping this essential step, you risk hindering your progress and may struggle to regain optimal function.
- Doing Too Much Too Soon
While physical therapy is essential, doing too much too soon is not recommended. After knee replacement surgery, a gradual increase in activity level is vital to avoid strain and complications. For example, walking regularly throughout the day – YES! But running a marathon right after the surgery – NO!
Pushing yourself too hard or attempting strenuous activities too soon can stress the healing joint, cause inflammation, and potentially damage the implants. Move safely, avoid falls, and follow your healthcare professional’s guidelines to ensure successful and smooth rehabilitation.
- Returning to Work Too Quickly
The immediate postoperative period is critical for allowing your body to heal and adapt to the changes from the surgery. Rushing back to work can compromise this healing process. The demands of many jobs involve prolonged standing, walking, or physical exertion, which can place undue stress on your healing knee joint.
Give your body the necessary time to heal and adapt before resuming work responsibilities. This ensures the best possible outcome after knee replacement surgery. However, if your job requires you to resume office immediately, refrain from engaging in strenuous activities. Instead, opt for light work and modified hours.
- Poor Pain Management
Pain is a common side effect after knee replacement surgery. Pain management is an integral part of your recovery journey. It is not just about comfort but also about empowering you to participate in essential rehabilitation activities. Without pain management, a detrimental cycle can develop.
Here’s how it unfolds: Pain limits your ability to move freely, causing stiffness and heightened discomfort in the joint. This increased pain prompts you to restrict your movement, intensifying discomfort. Such a cycle can ultimately lead to unfavourable outcomes. To avoid this, manage your pain with techniques like:
- Pain medications, like Ibuprofen or Naproxen
- Ice pack or hot bag compression (3-4 times a day for about 20 minutes)
- Elevating the affected leg
- Repositioning
- Alternative therapies, like massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc
- Improper Nutrition
Improper nutrition following knee replacement surgery can hinder your recovery in significant ways. Essential nutrients are the building blocks for healing and tissue repair. Inadequate protein, vitamin, and mineral intake can slow wound healing.
Certain foods possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing discomfort. Without these nutrients, inflammation can increase, contributing to heightened pain levels. Therefore, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits is essential.
Conversely, it is advised to steer clear of a diet high in sugar, as it can trigger inflammation that may hamper wound healing. You should also limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and medications prescribed during recovery.
Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery 3
Knee replacement surgery cost can vary based on several factors. Generally, the procedure costs range between ₹ 1,20,000 to ₹ 3,00,000. The average price of the procedure is ₹ 1,95,000 but can vary depending on:
- Type of surgery
- Type of implant
- Type of hospital
- Surgeon’s experience
- Patient’s medical condition
- Additional services
- Rehabilitation
- Insurance coverage
Takeaway
In the journey to recovery after knee replacement surgery, avoiding these five common mistakes is essential. By prioritising physical activity, avoiding strenuous activities, and managing pain, you can pave the way for a smooth post-surgery experience. Sidestepping these pitfalls increases the likelihood of regained mobility and improved quality of life.
The HexaHealth team stands ready to provide invaluable assistance throughout your recovery journey. Our team offers personalised guidance to help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a smoother rehabilitation process. So what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment TODAY!