You’ve exhausted conservative treatment options and gone as far as you can with a knee that’s succumbed to years of wear and tear. The time has come to have us replace the joint so you can move again with confidence and comfort.
Each year in the United States, orthopedic surgeons perform more than 700,000 knee replacement surgeries, making it the most common joint replacement procedure.
At New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, our own board-certified orthopedic surgeons have performed their fair share of knee replacement surgeries. Along the way, we’ve learned a few things about preparation and recovery that we want to share with you here.
Before your knee replacement surgery, we provide you with a complete list of instructions, and we review any medications you’re taking. The list covers what you should and shouldn't do in the days immediately preceding your procedure.
In this blog, we want to touch on a few tips that can really help your recovery process, such as:
There are things you can do around your house that can ease your recovery. For example, make navigating your house easier by clearing paths and removing tripping hazards, such as wires and throw rugs.
If you have to climb stairs to get to your bedroom, it might be a good idea to arrange for single-floor living for the first week.
In the bathroom, think about putting a chair in the shower or installing bars to help keep you steady.
Preparing some meals in advance can also take one less thing off of your recovery plate.
We know you’re working with a bad knee, but do what you can before your surgery to keep your fitness levels up, which can pay off in spades after your procedure.
You won’t be able to drive following your knee replacement surgery until you can bend your knee and get in and out of a car, which may take 4-6 weeks. We suggest that you arrange for rides in advance.
As well, if you have a lawn that needs mowing or any other chores around the house, it’s best to get some help for the first few weeks after your procedure so you can concentrate on recovering.
You might be surprised at how quickly we’re going to want you to test drive your new knee — often the same day or the day after your surgery. The reason we do this is because your body heals more quickly when you’re moving.
You can expect that your physical therapy (PT) will be intensive for the first few weeks after your knee replacement surgery, and we urge you to participate fully. This work sets the stage for a knee that will serve you well for years to come. In fact, 90% of replacement knees are still functioning well after 15 years and ever-improving materials are only stretching this out.
Aside from PT, you can expect to get back to your normal activities in about 3-6 weeks after your surgery. Once you feel fully confident on your new knee, we suggest that you continue your great PT work on your own, which will help you move forward more strongly.
Rest assured, our team is with you every step of the way, and we can address any concerns you may have before and after your knee replacement surgery.
If you have more questions about how to prepare or what to expect during your knee replacement journey, please contact our office in New Braunfels, Texas, by calling 830-341-1386 or requesting an appointment online.
