Although knee surgery has an extremely high success rate, it isn’t easy to cope with. It can be a long and arduous process, and a lot of things need to be taken care of while you’re recovering. From making sure you have all of your medical records in order to get physical therapy as scheduled, it can be tough to get everything done on time.
In this blog post, we will share some tips on taking care of yourself and recovering faster post-knee surgery.
How to take care of yourself post-knee surgery?
After surgery, the first few weeks are critical for your rehabilitation. Make sure to follow the doctor’s postoperative instructions carefully and take care of yourself. Here are some things you should do:
Rest
The first thing you should do is rest. You will likely feel great pain and fatigue after surgery, so allow yourself to take it easy for the first few weeks. If possible, try to stay in bed as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity. Limit your exposure to bright light and noise too.
No rigorous exercise
One important thing to keep in mind is that you should not attempt any major physical activity until at least six weeks after surgery. This means no running or jumping until then. You should also avoid heavy lifting during this time as it could further strain your injury.
Take antibiotics
If you have an infection, be sure to take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. This will help prevent infection from spreading and prolong your recovery time.
Drink plenty of fluids
It is important to drink plenty of fluids while healing—not only because it helps with pain relief but also saves from getting dehydrated. However, stay away from alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and soda while recovering, as these drinks can further upset your stomach and cause additional pain.
Eat a balanced diet.
Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates for energy. Protein will help rebuild muscle tissue, while carbs provide quick energy.
How to recover faster from post-knee surgery?
Keep the knee straight.
It may be uncomfortable, but it is crucial to keep your knee fully straight after surgery. Avoid being on your feet for long periods; if you want to move, be sure to use crutches or a wheelchair.
You should always keep your leg completely straight without bending at the knee or hip when sitting or lying down. Allow the joint sufficient time to heal before attempting any bending or movement. Your doctor will advise you when it is okay to resume normal activity.
Wear your knee brace
Post-surgery, your doctor may suggest a knee brace to wear. Or you can get a knee brace yourself. Many great options are available in the market, such as Medi Brace. Keep your knee brace on as much as possible so that it can assist you in keeping your knee straight and protect it from any extra strain.
Keep in mind that the brace is helping you recover by protecting and stabilizing your knee, which is crucial medical equipment necessary for the process.
Appropriate exercise
After knee surgery, you must participate in just those physical activities and workouts that your doctor allows. The type of exercise that can be done after surgery will be determined by the nature and extent of your surgery procedure, your current fitness level, and the time that has passed since your operation.
The following are examples of workouts that your doctor might give his or her approval to:
- Bending the joints while sitting
- Leg exercise with a resistance band
- Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling
Do not attempt an exercise that your doctor has not approved. It is possible that doing so will lead you to irritate the surgical site or re-injure the knee, both of which will make your road to recovery much more drawn out.
Physical therapy
During your regular appointments for physical therapy, you will most likely be given your initial introduction to the exercises that your doctor has approved. Then, you will be able to try the exercise under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist who will be able to keep an eye on your knee and make sure that it does not become aggravated or cause any other difficulties as a result of the exercise.
Because consistent attendance at your physical therapy sessions is critical to your healing, you should do all in your power to ensure that you don’t miss any of your appointments. If you do so, you will have the best chance of making a speedy recovery.
Nutrition and Hydration
Post-surgery, it is important to take care of your overall health. This includes taking care of your nutrition and hydration levels. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Keep a close eye on your calorie intake. Your body will need the energy it needs to heal after surgery, so make sure you aren’t eating too many calories. Instead, focus on healthy foods with minimal sugar and impactful nutrients like protein and fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, slowing your healing process. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially if you are experiencing fatigue or lightheadedness. Try keeping a pitcher of water by your bedside for easy access.
- Eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. Even though you may feel hungry following surgery, don’t overeat, as this will only add to your postoperative weight gain complications down the road. Instead, try to include a variety of nutritious foods in each meal and snack so that you stay satisfied and nourished all day long.
- Apply ice and compression to your knee as needed. This will help reduce pain and swelling while you are resting and healing.
How much time does it take to recover from knee surgery?
The length of time it takes to recover from knee surgery is determined by the specific treatment that was performed, as well as other factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health, and circumstances like their occupation. For example, a person may return to work in a matter of weeks, but it may take some time before they become able to lift heavy weights.
After knee surgery of any kind, it is imperative to adhere to the instructions given by the surgeon and the physical therapist. With this, an individual has the highest possible chance of fast recovery.
Conclusion
After surgery, there are a few things you should take care of to make your recovery as smooth as possible. First, make sure to keep your liquid intake high (water and juices), eat plenty of vegetables, and avoid too much strenuous activity. In addition, be sure to get some rest and relax; too much stress can increase the risk of complications down the road. Finally, keep in mind that everyone heals differently, so don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t feeling 100% right away – just take it easy and gradually ramp up your activities over time.