Knee replacement, also known as a knee arthroplasty or a total knee replacement, is an operation to fix an arthritis-damaged knee. The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to relieve persistent knee pain that is uncontrollable with other treatments. After surgery, many patients report positive results, but some experience poor outcomes.
The operation’s efficacy depends on the patient’s commitment to proper recovery and follow-up care at home. It is the reason Hip & Knee Orthopaedics has a strict recovery process after a knee replacement surgery. If you do not correctly care for your operated knee after a knee replacement surgery, you could end up experiencing adverse side effects or, even worse, infection. Discussing the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement is essential.
5 Common Mistakes After Surgery
The five most frequent mistakes observed in patients after knee replacement surgery are listed below:
1. Taking the Wrong Medications
Following knee replacement surgery, those who don’t take the recommended medications run a higher risk of infection. The main goal of after-surgery medicine is to lower the risk of disease while also reducing pain and inflammation. Following knee replacement surgery, you should take oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for the first week. Regularly prescribed painkillers are better for managing pain, especially in the first week following surgery.
2. Avoiding the Recommended Exercise
Active participation in physical therapy is essential after a knee replacement. Joint stiffness can occur if you do not move around frequently, switch up your position, and perform the exercises suggested by your doctor. It will take some time for you to regain full command after surgery. Therefore, it will be beneficial for you to recall how to perform exercises and how they should feel.
3. Engaging in excess activity too quickly
Doing too much too soon can be dangerous, especially when dealing with physically fit people who are eager to resume all of their activities. Recovery from knee replacement surgery requires striking a delicate balance. It would help if you endured some discomfort but not too much or for too long. When you push yourself too far when you feel good, you end up in bed because you overdid it. In addition to getting enough sleep, rest, and nutrition, you can also use ice packs and medication to speed up your recovery.
4. Improper Hydration And Nutrition After Surgery
One of the top 5 mistakes made after a knee replacement that delays healing is improper diet and nutrition. The right amount of hydration is crucial following knee replacement surgery. It helps to keep blood pressure in a healthy range and ensures that the anesthetic drugs are flushed out after surgery, both of which reduce the risk of complications.
Patients should avoid eating a lot of sugar because it can cause inflammation, which can hinder the healing of wounds. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it may affect the antibiotics and postoperative medications.
5. Not Having a positive strategy
The most common mistake that knee replacement patients make is needing a postoperative strategy. After your joint replacement surgery, you should start making preparations for discharge. Patients often get knee replacements the same day or go home the day after surgery. It would help if you established a plan for managing at home after a knee replacement. You cannot simply return home, lay in bed, and wish for the best.
Wrap Up
People with severe joint pain and arthritis may find that total knee replacement surgery is an ideal option. After a total knee replacement, mistakes can slow recovery and reduce the advantages associated with it. These mistakes can range from not having a postoperative plan to returning to work too soon. We have covered the top 5 mistakes patients often make after knee replacement surgery. This article aims to inform you and improve your life.
