Have you just had knee surgery? Here are 5 essential dos and don’ts to follow to ensure a smooth road to recovery.
Similar to many other joints in your body, your knees are vital to daily life and any injury/damage to this area can hinder your movement and make even simple activities difficult. In many cases, your surgeon may recommend knee surgery if you:
- Experience persistent knee pain
- Medication and/or therapy hasn’t help resolve the issue
- Have major damage to the knee joint due to conditions such as osteoarthritis
- Cannot perform regular day-to-day activities as a result of the knee pain
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At our Kelowna private hospital, we are committed to helping our patients live healthy and happy lives. From knee and shoulder surgeries, to cosmetic procedures such as facelifts and breast augmentations, our team of board-certified surgeons can help you achieve all your health goals.
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5 Dos and Don’ts After Knee Surgery
After knee surgery, you will encounter challenges along the path to recovery. While at times it may seem very difficult and frustrating, it’s important to remember that what happens after your surgery is just as important to the overall success of the procedure as the surgery itself.
To help you heal faster and more efficiently, here are 5 dos and don’ts of knee surgery recovery:
1. DO Take Physical Therapy Seriously
When you return home after your procedure, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. This includes performing all the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist, event when it seems uncomfortable.
Did you know: Many experts say that 50% of a positive knee surgery outcome is dependent on the patient’s willingness to work hard during rehabilitation.
While it can seem like a long road ahead, taking your physical therapy seriously will be worth the effort in the long run. In addition, taking the medications as prescribed and getting lots of rest are also important in helping your knee heal properly.
2. DON’T Put Unnecessary Stress on Your Knee
For the first couple of months after your surgery, you must avoid lifting heavy objects. In addition, when you’re turning to face a different direction, make sure you turn your entire body to avoid twisting your knee.
Talk to your physiotherapist: To help you be more mindful of your form when you bend down, kneel and/or sit, make sure to review these movements with your physiotherapist so he/she can help you learn how to do them safely.
3. DO Use Ice and Heat
Swelling after knee surgery can last for up to 6 months. To help reduce any inflammation or pain, you should use an ice pack 3-4 times a day for about 10-20 minutes during the first few days after the surgery.
After the initial swelling has gone down: Alternate between heat and ice to relax your muscles and ease any stiffness.
4. DON’T Schedule Other Surgical Procedures
During your knee recovery, it’s very important to give your body the rest it needs. Before you schedule any other procedures, including dental work, it’s important to talk to your doctor first, as this can lead to infection in your healing knee.
5. DO Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping your body healthy during your knee recovery will encourage faster healing. Here are some tips you may want to consider:
- If you smoke, try to quit or cut back. Smoking shrinks your blood vessels, which makes the healing process slower.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, especially if you’re taking a blood thinner or pain medication.
- Keep your weight down, as extra pounds can add pressure on your knee and slow down your recovery.
- Participate in low impact activities such as swimming, as this will improve the muscle strength in your legs and enhance blood flow.
Always talk to your doctor first: Before beginning any exercise, even low impact activities, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Once he/she has given you the green light, then you can begin building back your strength.
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To find out more about the costs and benefits of our customised knee surgeries, and how our surgeons can help restore your function and quality of life, contact our Kelowna private hospital today at 250-868-9799 or book a consultation.
