What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery?
The actual surgical procedure usually takes one to two hours. You will either stay in your hospital room for one to three days after surgery to recover or go home the same day, depending on your condition.
You will feel pain after surgery,
a natural part of the healing process. Your doctor may likely prescribe medications for short-term pain relief after surgery and medications to prevent blood clots and decrease leg swelling. Most patients are encouraged to exercise their knee hours
after surgery with the supervision of a physical therapist.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Knee Replacement?
The success of your recovery after knee replacement surgery depends on how well you follow your orthopedic knee surgeon's instructions at home. Exercise is critical to improving knee movement. Below are some knee replacement recovery tips after surgery:
- Perform regular light exercises to maintain proper strength and mobility of your new knee.
- Avoid falls and injuries. You may require more surgery if you break a bone in your leg.
- Inform your dentist about your knee replacement before undergoing dental procedures requiring antibiotics.
- Consult your orthopedic knee surgeon periodically for routine follow-up examinations and X-rays.
It is normal to experience temporary pain at the surgery site because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity, and the body is adjusting to the new joint while the tissues are healing. This pain should resolve in a few months.
How Long Does a Knee Replacement Last?
Modern total knee replacements can still function 15 years after the surgery. However, its performance and lifespan may be affected by wear and tear caused by a lifetime of movement. Younger patients may need knee revision surgery at some point during
their lifetime. It is important to note that joint replacement's effects differ from person to person.
You may have heard that you should delay knee replacement surgery for as long as possible. The truth is that recommendations for surgery depend on a patient's pain and disability, not age. Learn the five myths about knee surgery here.