These days many people are getting done knee replacement surgeries. The success rate of these surgeries matters a lot as these can become crucial in one’s life. Although many mistakes can happen to people after knee replacement surgery. In this article, we are exploring the top 5 common mistakes after knee replacement that can happen to anyone.
The 5 common mistakes that can happen after knee replacement is not taking medication properly, not following prescribed exercise regularly, doing too many activities too soon, lack of nutrition and inadequate hydration, and skipping physical therapy and pain management techniques.
5 Common Mistakes That Can Happen After Knee Replacement
1. Not Taking Medication Properly
This is a common mistake after knee replacement. Patients tend to not follow the medication on a regular basis. The need for post knee surgery medicines is to reduce the pain that causes in the knee area.
It also helps to lessen the inflammation of the knee and prevent infection. The first after knee replacement is the most crucial time and one has to take care of their knee more than ever during this time.
In the first week, the patient will have to intake antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications through the mouth. If the patent fails to properly follow the prescribed medicine it can result in the pain getting worse. Once the pain settles in it will be difficult to get rid of it. The knee replacement included the implant of a prosthetic joint that is prone to infection.
If it gets infected it will lead to the formation of a bacterial biofilm around the surgical site. This will end up in having to remove the entire implant to remove the infection. Another thing that can happen due to improper medication is visible inflammation around the knee which will make it stiff. It will be difficult to move the entire leg if this happens.
2. Not Following Prescribed Exercise Regularly
This is another one on the list of mistakes after knee replacement. Many think that they have to take complete bed rest after a knee replacement. But this is wrong. One should do exercises prescribed by the doctor on a regular basis.
For the implant to work properly the patient has to stretch the knee and move the knee. The exercise has to be done in the right order at the right amount of time.
One has to seriously follow the exercises and workouts prescribed by the doctor. It is also not advised to stop doing the exercises once you can move the knee. If you stop doing the exercises after knee replacement all of a sudden it will lead to serious impacts. The knee impact has run in the body for the rest of the years. Therefore you have to be consistent with the exercises.
In the beginning one might experience pain while doing the exercises, then they have to do it gently and with care. If the pain gets uncontrollable no one should hesitate and should consult the doctor as soon as possible. Just like the saying, Slow and Steady win the race, you will also be able to do exercises properly, and it is completely okay to take time.
3. Doing Too Many Activities Too Soon
This is the third mistakes after the knee replacement. Just now you read that you have to do exercises properly. But it does not mean that you have to master it on day one itself.
Yeah, you want to be able to walk again and swim again as soon as possible. But you should give your knee replacement enough time to do that. Just because you did a lot of exercises, it will not make the implant to be more perfect.
You have to do it one at a time. You have to be extremely careful in the beginning days. Gradually you will be able to master the exercises. If you face pain while doing the exercises it does not mean that you will have to go through the pain and finish the exercise. You have to stop at the moment the pain kicks in. It means something has gone wrong. It is advised to get help pf your doctor as soon as humanly possible.
4. Lack of Nutrition and Inadequate Hydration
This is another in the list of mistakes after knee replacement. This will be a time you will have to take bed rest and your movements will be restricted for sure. You might put on a few pounds. But you should not be concerned about this and start a diet.
The time period after the knee replacement is meant to be a very nutritious time. You have to intake all proteins and nutrients and don’t forget to drink a lot of water. You might be thinking that you are not moving that much or going out as much as you used to.
So you might not feel hungry or thirsty. But remember that food and water are as important as medicine. You have to help yourself and your body by providing it with the right amounts of nutrition and the needed amount of water.
5. Skipping Physical Therapy And Pain Management Techniques
This might seem less important for many and is one of the common mistakes after knee replacement. Post the surgery you might be thinking that you are intaking medicines and doing exercises so should you really go for the physical therapy sessions or not? But skipping it can be the most foolish thing you ever do.
Even if you don’t experience any pain on your implant you should go to physical therapy. It is because the sessions will help you get knowledge about the condition of your body. You can also ensure whether you are doing the exercises in the right way or not.
If you’re trying to find a reliable clinic, you can search for a term like “occupational therapy sunshine coast” on the internet and it should pull up a list that you can check out.
Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs
- What is the best sitting position after knee replacement?
The best sitting position after a knee replacement is to keep feet and knees pointed straight ahead, without being turned in or turned out.
- The best and, after knee replacement, two critical exercises?
After knee replacement, two critical exercises are walking and knee pushdowns. The patient will begin walking using a crutch or a walker. Knee push-down is an exercise that will help in quadriceps muscle strengthening.
The paint will have to lie down on a flat surface a towel rolled up and placed right under the ankles. Then the patient should press the knees downwards to the floor by applying force on the muscles on the front of the thighs.
- What to expect one year after total knee replacement?
One year after total knee replacement patients will feel strength and stability in their knees. Almost everyone who had a knee replacement should be fine with walking and climbing stairs. The majority of the patients will be able to swim and ride a bicycle.
- What are common sitting mistakes after knee replacement?
The most common sitting mistakes after knee replacement are sitting in stools, rocking chairs, sofas, low chairs, and soft chairs.
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