Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement Surgery: Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that is designed to alleviate pain and restore mobility to those who suffer from severe knee damage or osteoarthritis. While the procedure is generally safe and effective, there are still some risks and potential complications that patients need to be aware of. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 5 mistakes that patients make after knee replacement surgery, and what you can do to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Neglecting Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a crucial part of the knee replacement recovery process. It helps to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce pain and swelling. However, some patients neglect their physical therapy sessions or fail to follow their therapist’s instructions, which can lead to slower recovery times and even long-term complications.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to attend all of your physical therapy sessions and follow your therapist’s instructions carefully. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for clarification.

Mistake #2: Overexerting Yourself

While it’s important to stay active after knee replacement surgery, it’s also important to avoid overexerting yourself. Doing too much too soon can lead to pain, swelling, and even damage to the new joint. Patients should gradually increase their activity level over time and avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping.

To avoid this mistake, follow your surgeon’s and therapist’s recommendations for activity levels and make sure to listen to your body. If you experience pain or swelling, take a break and rest until you feel better.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Pain Management

Pain is a natural part of the knee replacement recovery process, but it’s important to manage it effectively. Neglecting pain management can lead to decreased mobility, slower recovery times, and even depression.

To avoid this mistake, make sure to take your pain medication as prescribed and communicate with your healthcare team if you experience any changes in your pain levels or if your medication isn’t effective. Additionally, consider non-medication options such as ice or heat therapy, massage, or relaxation techniques.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Signs of Infection

Infection is a rare but serious complication of knee replacement surgery. Symptoms of infection include fever, increased pain or swelling, redness or warmth around the incision site, and drainage from the wound. If left untreated, infection can lead to further complications and even require additional surgery.

To avoid this mistake, monitor your incision site carefully and report any signs of infection to your healthcare team immediately. Additionally, make sure to follow your surgeon’s and therapist’s instructions for wound care and hygiene.

Mistake #5: Returning to Work Too Soon

Returning to work too soon after knee replacement surgery can be tempting, especially if you have a physically demanding job or limited sick leave. However, returning to work too soon can lead to overexertion and slower recovery times.

To avoid this mistake, talk to your healthcare team about when it’s safe to return to work and make sure to follow their recommendations. Additionally, consider talking to your employer about the possibility of working from home or taking on lighter duties during your recovery.

Conclusion

Knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but it’s important to take the recovery process seriously and avoid common mistakes. By attending physical therapy sessions, avoiding overexertion, managing pain effectively, monitoring for signs of infection, and returning to work at the right time, patients can increase their chances of a successful recovery and long-term joint health. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for guidance and support.