Getting a knee replacement can feel like getting a new life. The problems with your old knee are mostly gone, and now you can enjoy things that you used to do. Before you can get back into hiking or running a 5K, there are some steps that you have to take before getting back to normal. One of the obvious things you have to do is follow your doctor’s orders, take your medication, and all of that good stuff. The next thing you should do is slowly start adding activities, spending time with family, and the like. Let’s take a closer look at how to get back to normalcy after a knee replacement.
Aftercare For Your Knee Replacement
Recovering from any surgery is very taxing on your body. You’ll experience things like a lack of energy for a while until you’re fully recovered. Here are some things that you can do to help your recovery.
- Take short walks
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Make sure to ice your knee after activity
- Elevate your knee when necessary
Make sure to take your time with recovery. This isn’t something that will take a few days to get over. Knee replacement is major surgery, so if your recovery takes a while, that’s normal. What you don’t want to do is rush your recovery and end up hurting yourself.
Back To Normal
When you feel like you’re at a good point in your recovery, you can start doing more things. Don’t do anything too harsh, like an intense run, but do something typical like going out on a walk with your family. You can start doing more chores around the house, grocery shopping, getting back to work, and other tasks. The idea is to do things that make you feel like yourself again.
Getting Your Life Back
Getting your life back on track after knee surgery isn’t as hard as some may think. The first thing you should do is follow your doctor’s orders for recovery. When you feel like you’re up to it, then you can start doing everyday, typical things like shopping or getting back to work. Sooner or later, you’ll feel like yourself again.
Contact our experts at Hampton Roads Orthodopaedics Spine & Sports Medicine. Call 757-873-1554.
