Knee replacement surgery can be life-changing, providing relief from chronic knee pain and improving mobility. However, your recovery path significantly impacts how successful the surgery will be in the long run. While the surgical procedure is vital, what happens afterward is just as important. Many patients unknowingly make avoidable mistakes during recovery that can hinder progress, cause complications, or prolong healing.
This guide will address the top 5 mistakes patients often make post-surgery and explain how to avoid them. Additionally, we’ll provide actionable advice on proper rehabilitation, aftercare, and exercises to abstain from to ensure a smooth recovery.
Mistake #1: Avoiding Movement
Why It’s a Problem
It’s natural to want to rest completely after surgery due to discomfort or fear of pain. However, avoiding movement after knee replacement surgery can lead to stiffness, weakened muscles, and even more pain over time. Lack of physical activity may hinder blood circulation, increase the risk of blood clots, and slow your recovery significantly.
Solution
- Start Gentle Movements Early: Under the guidance of your physiotherapist, begin gentle exercises within the first few days post-surgery. Movements as simple as bending and straightening your knee or taking short walks can prevent stiffness.
- Follow Your Physiotherapist’s Plan: Work with a physical therapist to create a structured mobilization plan designed to restore mobility and strength gradually.
- Set Small Goals: Daily goals, such as walking a short distance or completing a few leg extensions, can help you stay motivated while avoiding overexertion.
Pro Tip: Start with easy exercises like seated knee bends or short walks around your house before progressing to more challenging activities.
Mistake #2: Doing Too Much Too Soon
Why It’s a Problem
While staying mobile is crucial, pushing yourself too hard can backfire. Overactivity can irritate your knee joint, cause swelling, or even damage the surgical site. High-impact activities or prolonged movement may result in setbacks that can add weeks or months to your recovery.
Solution
- Balance Activity and Rest: Alternate periods of light activity with periods of rest to allow your body to recover.
- Follow Medical Advice: Stick to your surgeon’s instructions about returning to work, driving, and engaging in recreational activities. For example, avoid driving for at least 6 weeks unless cleared by your doctor.
- Avoid High-Risk Activities: Activities like heavy lifting, running, and climbing ladders are best avoided until your knee has healed completely.
Pro Tip: Listen to your body. If you experience pain, swelling, or fatigue after an activity, take a step back and consult your healthcare provider.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Red Flags
Why It’s a Problem
Failure to recognize the warning signs of complications can lead to severe issues, such as infections, blood clots, or misaligned implants. Many patients assume certain levels of pain or swelling are normal and delay seeking medical help.
Signs to Watch For
- Excessive Pain: Severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by medication could indicate a problem with your implant or surrounding tissues.
- Swelling and Heat: Swelling that worsens instead of improving, especially with redness or warmth, might be a sign of an infection.
- Calf Pain: Tenderness or pain in your calf could signal a blood clot and requires immediate medical attention.
- Knee Instability: If your knee feels like it might buckle or give way, it’s crucial to contact your surgeon.
Solution
- Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: Reach out to your medical team immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms. Quick action can prevent complications.
- Keep Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-ups with your surgeon and physiotherapist will ensure any potential issues are caught early.
Pro Tip: Minor swelling is common, but if it gets worse after the first week or is accompanied by fever, contact your doctor immediately.
Mistake #4: Straying from the Pain Relief Plan
Why It’s a Problem
Some patients skip or delay their prescribed pain medications, believing this will toughen them up or reduce dependency. However, this can make recovery more challenging by limiting your ability to exercise or sleep, both of which are vital for healing.
Solution
- Follow Medication Schedules: Take prescribed painkillers on time to maintain manageable pain levels. If you wait until the pain becomes severe, it’s harder to get relief.
- Supplement with Other Pain Relief Methods: Incorporate non-medication strategies such as applying ice packs, elevating your leg, or using compression to reduce discomfort and swelling.
- Communicate Pain Issues: If your medication doesn’t seem effective or causes side effects, consult your doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
Pro Tip: To maximize effectiveness, time your pain medication around physical therapy or exercise sessions.
Mistake #5: Trying to Go It Alone
Why It’s a Problem
Recovery can be isolating, and many patients hesitate to ask for help, fearing they’ll be a burden. Attempting to manage alone can lead to skipped therapy sessions, poor progress, and even accidents at home.
Solution
- Lean on Your Support System: Friends, family, or even a hired caregiver can assist with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or transportation to appointments.
- Attend Physical Therapy: A skilled physiotherapist will guide you through exercises tailored to build strength without overexertion. Missing sessions can significantly delay progress.
- Use Assistive Devices: Don’t rush to abandon walkers, crutches, or canes. These tools help reduce strain and prevent falls during the initial stages of recovery.
Pro Tip: Share your recovery goals with loved ones so they can help hold you accountable and cheer you on.
Post-Surgery “Do’s” for Successful Recovery
- Attend all follow-up appointments.
- Regularly perform low-impact exercises like walking or cycling on a stationary bike.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing.
- Use ice packs and elevate your leg to manage swelling.
Exercises and Activities to Avoid
While staying active is vital, some activities can harm your new knee joint:
- High-Impact Sports: Avoid running, basketball, skiing, or similar activities that put undue stress on the joint.
- Heavy Lifting: Refrain from squats, deadlifts, or carrying heavy objects in the early stages of recovery.
- Uneven Terrain: Hiking or walking on unstable surfaces can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
- Sitting for Too Long: Stay mobile in manageable intervals; long periods of sitting can stiffen your knee and slow healing.
Also Read: Dangers of Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery
FAQs
Reclaim Your Mobility and Confidence
Avoiding these common mistakes is the starting point for a smooth recovery and the promise of renewed mobility. With patience, a supportive network, and guidance from your healthcare team, you can achieve excellent long-term results.
Feeling unsure about your recovery plan or the exercises you should be doing? Schedule a session with your physiotherapist or healthcare provider. A tailored recovery strategy can make all the difference in your knee replacement success story.
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.