Knee pain can significantly impact a person’s daily routine. It can considerably hamper their quality of life. Factors like obesity, genes, age, deficiencies, lifestyle habits, etc. can cause knee pain. Along with knee pain, there may be stiffness and swelling in the knees, making walking, climbing stairs, and daily household chores difficult. When this happens, most doctors recommend knee replacement surgery. Some pain after a knee replacement surgery is inevitable. However, it should subside with time, after ensuring proper knee care.
Types of knee replacement surgeries
There are two types of knee replacement surgeries to provide knee support.
- Total knee replacement: Most knee surgeries replace the three parts of a knee joint – medial, lateral, and patellofemoral.
- Partial knee replacement: This surgery is performed when the damage is limited to one or two knee areas. It is prevalent among younger adults who suffer from any kind of injury or trauma.
Potential complications after knee surgery
Following surgery, some patients may continue to have pain and other issues. Additionally, rare complications may arise. Some common problems that emerge are
- Blood clots
- Infection inside of your knee
- Nerve issues
- Blood vessel issues
- Problems with the prosthetic implant
- Scar tissue inside of your knee
- Reduced range of motion and
- Knee stiffness
Recovery from a knee replacement can be more challenging for individuals with certain health conditions, like haemophilia, diabetes and other autoimmune disorders (like lupus).
Recovery phases after knee surgery
The recovery after a knee replacement surgery happens in phases. Let us discuss these phases now.
First few days post-surgery
- After surgery, the patients are transferred to the recovery room. During this time, you will be rested, and rehabilitation will begin.
- Within hours of knee joint replacement, the physiotherapists begin working closely with you. Early mobilisation and returning home reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and infections.
First six weeks
- This is when the significant resting period begins, and patients are more likely to feel tired in the first six weeks.
- Then, you will gradually start walking using walking aids. Physiotherapy sessions will begin to help you regain knee mobility and strength.
- Swelling and discomfort are the most common symptoms noticed, and they improve gradually.
Three months
- Around 10 to 12 weeks, the patient’s condition will improve to the next stage, where you will start noticing better pain management and mobility.
- You will attend sessions with a physiotherapist regularly to practise increasingly challenging exercises. These exercises will strengthen the knee and improve overall knee functionality and mobility.
- Most patients can walk with minimal assistance during this time, reducing the need for walking aids.
Mid-term recovery – six months
- Many patients see progress in their knee function during this time. Pain and swelling should continue to decrease, and you should be able to perform daily physical activities more efficiently.
- Your physiotherapist may introduce dynamic exercises and activities to enhance knee stability.
Late recovery phase – one year
- This is when the patients achieve a significant level of recovery. Most patients can engage in low-impact activities, such as cycling or swimming, and most are back to comfortably performing regular tasks.
Recovery tips after a knee surgery
The following tips will give you the best chance of fully recovering.
- Use assistive devices or walking aids, such as crutches or walkers, to improve stability and rebuild strength.
- Proper wound care is crucial after knee surgery. Following the surgeon’s instructions for wound care is important, like keeping the incision area clean and dry.
- Swelling is normal after knee replacement surgery, and you can relieve it by elevating your leg or applying ice packs to the incision area. It can help reduce swelling and provide pain relief. Follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments and seeing a physiotherapist is essential to monitoring the progress and addressing any related concerns regarding the surgery.
- Prioritising exercise is crucial to promote healing. Continue doing prescribed exercises at home to improve strength, flexibility, and knee function.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding pain management, including using prescribed medications or other recommended methods.
- When resuming daily activities, gradually increase activity levels to avoid putting too much strain on the knee joint.
- Do not engage in high-impact activities like running and jumping, as these exercises strain the knee and cause discomfort.
- As advised by your physiotherapist, it is essential to practise gentle movement regularly to improve mobility.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Use knee support devices
What is a knee support device?
A knee support device is designed to provide warmth, compression, stability, and protection to the knee joint. When you’re recovering from a knee injury, knee support can be helpful. Let us explore a few common knee support devices and their various uses.
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Knee cap
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Knee sleeve
These are soft, flexible sleeves made from neoprene or other stretchy materials that slide over your knee. Knee sleeve gently squeeze your knee, which can boost blood flow, reduce swelling, and offer a bit of extra stability when you are on the move.
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Open patella knee cap vs. Closed patella knee cap
You will find knee supporters with either an open or closed design over the kneecap. The open patella ones have a cutout over the kneecap, which can be more flexible and relieve some pressure on your kneecap. The closed patella versions cover the whole knee, providing more compression and support.
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Knee Braces
Knee braces are a step up from sleeves in terms of support. They are more rigid and can offer more stability. There are different kinds of knee braces:
- Hinged braces have metal or plastic hinges on the sides, keeping your knee from bending too much to the side.
- Patellar supports are knee straps that offer targeted compression and support to the patella. These are ideal for people with patellar tendonitis or a runner’s knee.
Choosing the right support
When selecting a knee support, consider the below-stated factors to ensure it meets your needs:
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Kind of Knee Pain
Know the type and severity of your knee pain. A sleeve might do the trick if it is mild. In case of recovery from an injury, a brace is the best choice.
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Amount of support required
Make sure to choose the support that matches your activity level. You might need a different level of support if you are recovering from an injury.
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Size and fit
A good fit is crucial. You want the knee support to feel snug but not too tight—it shouldn’t block your blood circulation or make the knee movement hard. Check the size as mentioned on the packaging and measure your knee to find the right size.
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High-quality fabric
The knee cap should be made of highly breathable fabric, especially for extended wear.
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Quality and durability
A high-quality knee support can handle regular use and won’t fall apart. The durable construction ensures a long functional life and provides optimal support.
Conclusion
Recovery from knee surgery is undoubtedly a challenging yet manageable journey. Understanding the phases of healing, adhering to your physician’s advice, and making necessary lifestyle modifications can help to regain movement ability. One key way of lessening pain, enhancing functionality, and stabilising the knee is selecting an appropriate knee support that offers the best compression and stability. You can effectively manage knee pain and work towards full recovery by using knee support, attending physiotherapy sessions, and gradually increasing your activity levels.