Image: Loretta Conway
Consider the story of Loretta Conway, a tennis coach who was back on the court, after undergoing bilateral knee replacements, within just three months! Her story not only highlights her resilience but also the importance of avoiding the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement to ensure a smooth recovery process1.
Despite the story of Loretta Conway’s recovery being amazingly speedy, patients must understand the fact that recovery is a gradual process, consisting of continuous improvements rather than sudden changes and it can vary significantly from person to person.
Knee replacement recovery timeline
Initially, patients might have to stay in the hospital for a few days or they might get a discharge on the same day, with the advice of using assistive devices like walkers or crutches. Physical therapy starts immediately within the first 2 weeks to restore movement and strength, manage pain and swelling and prevent complications. Most patients do go home after surgery, while some receive home health services.
The next few weeks, patients have to gradually go on increasing their range of motion and mobility to resume daily activities. By 6-12 weeks, many patients transition from therapy to independent management of their recovery. A full recovery period can vary from 6 months to 1 year, with gradual improvements in strength, mobility and reduction in pain and swelling2.
Top 5 mistakes after knee replacement
Knowing what to expect and how to be prepared can significantly affect your recovery journey, emphasizing that A little knowledge can indeed be dangerous if it leads to misconceptions or unrealistic expectations.
Here are the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement that you need to avoid:
1. Going into surgery unprepared
Not following the pre-surgery preparation advice, like physical exercises, managing your weight, diet and health, adjusting your home environment, etc. can affect your recovery. Proper preparation helps you understand what needs to be done and the actions that can lead to better post-surgery outcomes2.
2. Expecting miracles
Many people expect a quick recovery and complete symptom resolution within a few weeks. However, full recovery may require 6 months up to 1 year, and some symptoms like pain and stiffness may still persist. It’s important for the patients to talk with their physician to be aware about the recovery timeline, recovery process and the extent of improvement feasible within a given period3.
3. Ignoring the silent recovery killer
Pain management is crucial, especially in the early stages after surgery. This includes taking prescribed medications on time and using non-pharmacological methods like icing and compression. Proper pain control is essential for participating in physical therapy (post-surgery exercises) and preventing constant movement restriction post-surgery3.
4. Going to extremes – when balance is the key
Many people may think that heavy exercise (like running and doing squats) for pushing their knee to its maximum intensity or level of activity will help in regaining mobility quickly. However, this can lead to an exact opposite effect causing increased pain and delayed recovery. Also, very little movement can hinder progress by not allowing the knee to regain strength and flexibility. Instead, it’s better to do the exercises consistently and moderately with many repetitions. This helps to gradually regain the range of motion without causing excessive stress3.
5. Skipping homework, delaying recovery
Attending physical therapy sessions alone is not enough for an effective recovery. Active engagement in prescribed exercises and adherence to post-surgery care instructions consistently at home is equally essential. Daily commitment to exercises and care helps facilitate healing and improved outcomes2.
Best practices to follow post-surgery
Prevention is always better than cure – A focus on preventing mistakes and being well-informed is essential to avoid common pitfalls. Following best practices (Do) like adhering to physiotherapy routine, performing gentle knee exercises, using crutches or a walker as directed, keeping wound clean and dry and taking prescribed pain medications on time, is recommended for speedy recovery2.
Lastly, patients need to be mindful that they Don’t put weight on their operated leg too soon or attempt walking without support or perform twisting movements and high-impact activities like running. By adhering to these practices and staying attentive to the body’s needs, patients can ensure an effective recovery and a stronger, more functional knee2.
Do you think you might be making any of these mistakes?
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to consult a specialist.
For expert guidance and support, visit the Walk Foundation, dedicated to helping you achieve better recovery.
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