Recovery and rehabilitation is crucial after any surgery, especially TKR, total knee replacement,
This surgery’s primary recovery period is about 12 weeks or around three months.
The 12 weeks following surgery are imperative for rehabilitation. Perpetrating a recovery plan and pushing yourself to do the recommended activities and exercises as much as possible each day. Keeping up with the daily practices and actions will help you heal faster from surgery. This will also improve your chances for long-term benefits and longevity of knee replacements.
Read more to get the information about the 12-week recovery plan and how to set the recovery goals.
Risks of Total Knee Replacement Surgery :
Total knee replacement is a standard procedure that thousands of people undergo every year. Many of them have no complications. It would also be best to choose a good and reliable Hospital for your surgery like Asian Hospitals.
It is essential to know what the risks are and how to spot the signs of a complication.
The risks of TKR surgery are very low. Only 1–2% of people suffer from any side effects or risks.
- About 1% of people develop an infection after surgery, and Fewer than 2% of people develop blood clots.
- Developing a blood clot after surgery is a risk, Blood clots can occur during or after any surgery, but they are more common after orthopedic surgeries like knee replacements.
- Infections are rare, but they can occur. Conditions are incredibly complex, and you should immediately seek medical attention.
Some people can have a reaction to the metal in the artificial knee.
- Implants may contain titanium or a cobalt-chromium-based alloy. Most people with a metal allergy already know they have one.
- Sometimes, there may be a problem with the implant. For example; The knee may not bend properly, or The implant might become loose or unstable over time.
Recovery Period Of TKR:
The following is a guide on what you should do and what you can expect in your recovery period of 12 weeks.
Week 1 :-
Rehabilitation starts right after a total knee replacement surgery. During your first week, you should get plenty of rest. Your Therapist will assist you out of bed and will help you to walk a short distance. Try to bend and straighten your knee, and use a CPM (continuous passive motion) machine if you need one. These activities will help prevent a buildup of scar tissue and joint stiffness. Try to use your new knees as soon as possible, but you should avoid straining yourself too far too soon. Your doctor will help you set practical and sensible goals.
Within a week, you should be discharged from the hospital, and you should be able to: stand with little or without any assistance, go on long walks outside and rely on assistive devices less. You should be able to dress, wash, use the toilet on your own.
Week 2, 3 :-
By this time, you would be able to move around more easily while feeling decreased pain. You should follow the exercise plan recommended by your physiotherapist daily to improve your mobility and range of motion.
You may walk and stand for about 10 minutes or more, and other daily activities should be more comfortable.
Within this time, your knee will technically be able to extend fully and should bend at 90', though it will still be difficult because of the pain and swelling. At this point, your knee may be strong enough that you won’t require a walker or crutches anymore.
Weeks 4 to 6 :-
If you’ve stayed on the recommended exercise schedule, The inflammation should have gone down, and you won’t have much pain. The aim at this stage is to increase your knee strength and motion using physical exercises.
You can work in 4 to 6 weeks at a desk job. Some people begin driving within 4 to 6 weeks of the surgery; you should make sure to get approval from your surgeon.
Week 6–11 :-
This may be a critical time in your recovery. Committing to rehab can verify how quickly you’ll be {able to} come to a standard, active mode and the way well your knee works within the future.
What are you able to do at this stage?
At this point, you must be on the road to recovery. You must have considerably less stiffness and pain.
You could also be able to walk one or two blocks with no helpful device. you’ll do additional physical activities, as well as recreational swimming and bicycling
Week 12 :-
At this point, you will have much less pain; many people start enjoying activities like dancing. The more dedicated you are to rehab, the sooner you will recover.
At week 12, you will likely have no pain during everyday activities and exercise and a full range of motion in your knee. After these 12 weeks, you can start to relax. There’s a 90–95% percent chance that your knee will last ten years and an 80–85%chance it will last 20 years. Stay in contact with your medical team and have regular checkups to ensure that your knee stays healthy.
Exercises :-
Your exercise routine goals after Total Knee Replacement Surgery will include increasing your knee and surrounding muscles’ strength.
Your Therapist will revise your exercises as your knee improves. Conditioning might include:
- Toe and heel raise.
- Partial knee bends: bend your knees While standing and move upward and downward.
- Hip abductions: While lying on your side, raise your leg in the air.
- Leg balances: Stand on one foot at a time for as long as possible.
- Step-ups: Step up and down one stairs or a box, alternating that foot you begin with every time.
- Bicycling on a stationary bike.
