Pre & Post Precautions of Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement surgery is considered as one of the most successful surgical procedures. This surgery is considered when a knee is badly damaged and it requires urgent metal implant. This surgery is gaining popularity due to the improved implants, surgical expertise and latest technology. This article contains a wholesome set of pre and post precautions by best knee surgeon in Bhopal M.P. that have should be taken after the knee replacement surgery.

Pre-operative Measures

Here are some of the essential domains of one’s lifestyle that should be altered:

·         Home Set-Up: The hallways, walkways, rooms and stairs should be made free of clutter and tripping hazards. For this, you can use scatter rugs, footstools and non-slip surfaces. The areas that are frequently to be used should be properly lighted. 

·         Bathroom: The toilet seats should be raised till a certain level. A hand-held shower hose should be installed, bathtubs should have grab bars and sliding doors should be replaced with curtains. Also, do not use the toilet racks or towel racks for standing or sitting. 

·         Exercise: By exercising before the surgery will eventually result in making your muscles stronger. Go for doing some of the activities such as stretching, swimming or walking should be done as these exercises put less strain on the joints. 

Post-operative Measures

Some of the measures that are necessary for after the knee replacement surgery are as follows:

·         Physical Therapy: If you ask your physical therapist for the exercises that can be done after the surgery, then those will be quad sets, dangles, leg extension and straight leg raises. CPM machine or Continuous Passive Motion machine is recommended to be used for at least 4 hours every day. But for better results you must consult your knee replacement surgeon in M.P. 

·         Pain and Swelling: You would be observing pain and swelling in the operative leg. But it is vital that you take your prescribed medications on the routine basis after every 4 hours. You can reduce the swelling in your legs by lying down for 30 minutes or an hour during the day.

·         Incision: It is vital that you keep your wounds dry till the staples are removed. 

·         Temperature: You would observe temperature of your body slightly elevated for several days post-surgery. But if you see that temperature goes above 101°F and it is accompanied with chills, sweats, increased pain then contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Do’s & Don’ts for Knee Pain

You would be aware of the fact that the knee is the largest joint in the body and thus, it is only responsible for the bending and straightening of your legs. But what if your knee and joints are affecting your routine activities? There are a number of solutions for getting rid of knee pain, whether the pain is arisen because of the recent injury or due to injury.  

Here is the list of do’s and don’ts that is listed out by one of the best orthopedic doctors Bhopal which is vital for an individual to consider for influencing the progression of your knee pain. 

·         Resting too much isn’t good: If you have a habit of resting too much, then it could result in weakening of your muscles which could further lead to increase in the joint pains. Thus, it is vital that you follow exercises that are safe and comfortable for your knee. If you aren’t aware of the exercise, then ask your physiotherapist about it. 

·         It is good to exercise: By doing cardio exercises, your muscles would be strengthened enough and would help in supporting your knees and increase the flexibility. Also, you must go for walking, stationary cycling, water aerobics, swimming and elliptical machines. 

·         Avoid falling: There are more chances of falling because of the painful or unstable knee. This would further result in damaging the knee. It is vital that you have well-lit house with handrails on the staircases. 

·         Don’t be overweight: If an individual with overweight, then the stress is caused on the joint. Thus it is advised to reduce some weight so that it results in reducing some of the stress on your knee.

·         Don’t be shy of using Walking Aid: You can also use a crutch or cane so that it takes some of the stress of your knees. The top orthopedic doctors Bhopal suggest using the crutch or caning so that you can stay stable.

·         Consider using acupuncture: By going for acupuncture can also help in reducing the pain. This involves insertion of fine needles at specific area of the body as it help in getting relieve from certain kinds of pain.

·         Don’t let you shoe adds more to the problem: If you have cushioned sole in your shoe, then it can help in the reduction of pain and distress till certain aspect. Thus, it is vital to add sole to your shoes.

All about Joint Stiffness and how to Deal with it?

Any part of your body like fingers, hands, knees, elbows or any joint in your body could be affected by stiffness. Whenever you walk, stand or perform any other task, then this stiffness affects it in the adverse manner. This is the reason so as to why you must consider seeking treatment from best orthopedic surgeon in Bhopal is you notice some of the symptoms of stiffness. 

What is joint stiffness?

If you have to face challenges in moving a joint or if you notice that it has reduced range of motion, then it probably means that you have joint stiffness. It even occurs just after you sit or wake up. In some of the severe cases, you would notice pain with the stiffness. If you are facing issues while you’re walking, standing or performing any usual tasks, then it is vital that you consult best orthopedic doctor in Bhopal as ask for undergoing a surgery. 

What factors or conditions cause Joint Stiffness?

·         Arthritis: This disorder causes your immune system to display aggression over the lining of your joints. It affects wrists, hands and feet. 

·         Osteoarthritis: This condition occurs when cushioning of your joints breaks down with the age.

·         Gout: This disorder can affect any joint. Big toe is often the first one to be affected. 

·         Lupus: This affects the knees, wrists, and finger joints. 

What is the treatment for joint stiffness?

While experiencing stiffness in the joints, you must address its underlying causes and take preventive measures for getting relief. Choose from the below options: 

·         Heat or cold: You can used cold compressor at least 15 to 20 minutes so as to reduce the swelling and pain. Also, make use of heating pad or hot bath so that you can get relief. 

·         Over-the-counter medications: If your stiffness is caused due to arthritis, then you can make use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin so as to get relief in your pain.

·         Steroids: If the stiffness is accompanied with pain, then you can go for the corticosteroid injections so that it can result in reducing inflammation. 

·         Physiotherapy: You can perform some of the exercises as guided by the physiotherapists as it can result in increasing mobility and help in relieving the stiffness.

·         Losing Extra Weight: As weight puts on extra force on the joints, thus, by reducing some weight can help in reducing some of your symptoms.

Dr. RP Singh is renowned Joint Replacement surgeon in Bhopal & central India.