Having a knee replacement surgery may seem like a huge undertaking, but it’s actually not so bad. At Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine, we are more than happy to take care of you from the pre-operative consultation all the way through your post-operation checkups. That being said, there are several things you can do to help increase your chances of having a successful operation.
Before Surgery
- Modify your diet – Usually, you will have several weeks’ notice before you actually have your knee replacement surgery. This allows you the opportunity to get rid of fried or fatty foods and focus on maintaining a healthy diet. Choosing to eat healthier leading up to the surgery will decrease the risk of complications as well as speed up recovery time.
- Practice limited exercise – For some weeks after your surgery, you will not have full mobility in your legs. Take the time before the operation to learn simple exercises you can do while sitting and resting your leg. The more you practice before the surgery, the more natural it will seem after. This will help keep blood moving while you are healing and avoids stagnation.
- Carefully bathe – According to the University of Iowa, you may be asked to wash with a special soap on the day of your operation. Be sure to follow all of the instructions carefully, including shampooing your hair. Remember: nail polish and makeup must be taken off before surgery. Also, do not shave within a week of your operation. The surgical team will remove any hair they need.
After Surgery
- Limit your movement – It will be incredibly tempting to get up and go as soon as you can after surgery, but this is extremely detrimental to your overall recovery. Make sure you have someone who can help you with your daily tasks. Stairs, especially, should be avoided until you are given the green light by a doctor.
- Keep your leg straight – According to WebMD, it is vital for you to keep your leg as straight as you can for several weeks after your operation. If you have a chair or a couch to prop your leg on, that’s even better. At the very least, do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t pivot or twist your knee, as that can lead to a tear which means another operation.
- Remember your exercises – After your surgery, your doctor will send you home with a series of activities for your knee, your breathing, and your overall well-being. Be sure to follow the instructions as close as you possibly can. Rushing through the exercises can lead to you doing more than you’re ready for, which will hurt your knee in the long run. On the other hand, skipping the exercises will increase your recovery time and make it that much harder for you to get back to your daily standard of living.
Remember, we are always here if you have any additional questions or concerns. Please contact us for more information.
