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What are the Pre and Post Knee Surgery Precautions?
With the pain in the knee and arthritis worsening it all, knee replacement surgery has now been on your charts. Soon you are going to get the damaged knee replaced with an implant and get rid of the pain.
There may be many questions running on in your mind. Is it tough to prepare? Are there a lot of precautions? What will happen after the surgery? Would I be able to manage it all alone?
Dr. Tanveer Bhutani, the best knee-replacement surgeon in Punjab, says knee replacement adds years to your life and you can live a pain-free life as you resume your daily chores. However, to make the surgery a success, there are a few precautions and exercises before and after the surgery so that the recovery happens timely.
What are the Precautions before the Surgery?
Before you get to decide upon a date for the surgery there is a list of to-dos that will help you streamline the preparations for the surgery and you will not panic:
- Quit Smoking and Alcohol
You must quit smoking at least a few weeks before the surgery as smoking interferes with the medications, slows down the healing process, and increases the risk of blood clots and infection after the surgery.
The surgeon must be apprised of how many drinks you have in a week so that he may have to plan an alcohol withdrawal if need be or even monitor any alcohol-related problems that might accrue post the knee replacement surgery.
- Start Exercising
A weight check is an essential parameter and you must start exercising regularly before the surgery. This will help to monitor your excess body weight and improve the recovery process.
You must ask the surgeon and startupper body conditioning exercises along with knee joint strengthening exercises. Upper body conditioning helps reduce muscle soreness and fatigue which may be caused due to walking with the use of crutches or canes.
Keep exercising until the day of the surgery to improve your strength and increase your endurance. Also, circulation exercises help in preventing clots and controlling swelling post-surgery.
- Plan a Healthy Diet
Plan your meals in a way that your body gets adequate nutrition as well as helps you remain fit. Include fibrous foods like broccoli, almonds, whole wheat pasta, avocados, beans, and peas, etc. in your diet to avoid constipation. Load your plate with foods rich in Vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Start your way to include spinach, raisins, prunes, oranges, milk, cheese, yogurt, and lean red meat.
Lastly, drink loads of fluids and stay hydrated.
- Diabetes Management
Surgery and stress levels before and after the surgery can affect blood sugar levels. It is very important to control the blood sugar levels before the surgery as it may aggravate risks like infection and other complications. So manage your sugar levels before the surgery so that they are maintained even after the surgery.
- Prepare Your Home
This is the most important step as you prepare your home for your arrival after the surgery. Clear out the path- hindering objects like stools, rugs, or extension cords. Prepare your bathroom with a high bathing chair and maybe an elevated toilet seat.
You will also need to arrange for a chair with a firm, straight back. Secure the handrails of the stairs before the surgery. Place all the medications and other daily routine useful items within reach to avoid bending during the recovery phase.
These precautions will help in paving your way to swift recovery after the surgery.
What are the Precautions after the Knee-replacement Surgery?
You have to be careful after the surgery and adhere to all the precautions so the risks and complications of the surgery are minimal.
Dr. Tanveer is the most reputed orthopedic surgeon in Ludhiana and he suggests that after the surgery you should follow all the precautions and take medications regularly. Here is a list of precautions post-surgery so that you do not have a knee injury and recover faster:
- While Bathing and Dressing Up
While bathing an anti-slip mat and a stable plastic chair are what you need after the surgery for bathing; you have to avoid bending or squatting for anything you need. You may need an elevated commode for some time.
While dressing up do not wear your lowers or pants while standing up. Take care to put on pants, socks, and underwear first on the operated leg, and while undressing, remove the clothes from the operated leg in the end.
- While Sitting Or Lying Down
After the surgery makes sure you are not sitting in a single position for more than half an hour. Avoid sitting on low sofas, stools, or low chairs. Make sure you always sit on a firm chair with a straight back and armrests.
You are advised to keep your knee straight while lying down and do not bend it by keeping a pillow under the knee. You may exercise by lying flat on your back.
- Use of Stairs
Avoid long flights of stairs after the surgery and ensure the handrails are secure enough. Step up first with the leg that wasn’t operated on while step down first with the leg that was operated on. This will avoid any unnecessary strain on the new knee.
- Walking
The surgeon will advise you to use a walker or crutches for about 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Walk slowly with baby steps initially. Wear shoes that have anti-skid soles and avoid any wet and slippery surfaces.
- Complete List of absolutely NOs
The surgeon will completely say a NO to jerking, twisting, or sitting cross-legged immediately after the surgery. Also, you shouldn’t be carrying heavy weights and bags after the surgery to avoid putting weight on the new knee.
A little precaution goes a long way and helps in quick recovery after the surgery, says Dr. Bhutani.
Over to You
Knee Arthroplasty or total knee replacement surgery will unleash a new life for you and you will be free from stiffness and pain in the knee for over a long time.
Make sure you adhere to the restrictions and exercises recommended by the surgeon before and after the surgery to recover faster. For any queries or consultations, do not hesitate to meet the best orthopedic surgeon in Punjab, Dr. Tanveer Bhutani at EVA Hospital, and seek genuine advice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
