Knee pain is a problem that can turn your daily life into a living hell. Fortunately, this condition can be addressed. The total knee replacement surgeon in Bellaire, Texas, Dr. Eric F. Berkman, and his team assure a smooth, comfortable, and safe surgical procedure focused on neutralizing your pain and helping you regain your knee stability. Due to this procedure, you will have to undergo different phases of recovery. Today, we want to help you prepare mentally for every step of the way.
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Total Knee Replacement Surgeon Explains The Recovery Process
Total knee replacement is an effective treatment option for individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis. This option is an effective and cost-effective strategy for treating end-stage knee osteoarthritis and reducing the risk of complications. It is recorded that can dramatically improve pain, mobility, and quality of life. It’s essential to remember that such surgery is an investment in long-term health and will require a significant amount of time for full recovery.
Now, you may be asking yourself: How will my recovery be? Well, we can divide it into the following phases:
The First Two Weeks
The first weeks are, without a doubt, the hardest. You will experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility. This is entirely normal since your body has just begun the early stages of healing. Our total knee replacement surgeon, Dr. Erick Berkman, and his team will recommend a personalized pain management plan with various medication options. So you can feel more comfortable, and we can reduce your pain.
Dr. Berkman often recommends that patients in this stage elevate their knee above heart level for 4-6 hours a day to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Icing is also important for recovery, with 20 minutes of ice followed by 20 minutes off, advised to ease discomfort.
Weeks 2 to 6
As pain decreases, our next milestone is to restore the knee’s full range of motion. We need to prevent any type of atrophy to get a good result from the surgery. If we fail in our attempt to regain mobility, we risk developing long-term stiffness; therefore, physical therapy is essential, as patients perform exercises to improve flexibility and mobility. Stretching and bending activities aid in increasing the knee’s movement, allowing for better bending and straightening effectively.
During this period, it’s still too soon to lose entirely the swelling and mild discomfort. In fact, it can become more pronounced after physical therapy or intense physical activity. Nonetheless, consistent exercise and proper rest are necessary to achieve significant advancements in movement and flexibility by the end of this phase.
Weeks 6 to 12
By six weeks, most patients have become more accustomed and experience significantly less pain at rest and during light activities. However, prolonged weight-bearing activities, such as standing for extended periods or walking long distances, can still trigger mild swelling or tenderness. Our total knee replacement surgeon, Dr. Berkman, recommends building strength and stamina in the knee joint and surrounding muscles. Patients may begin walking, climbing stairs, and even returning to low-impact exercises.
The pain at this stage should be manageable with over-the-counter medications or prescribed painkillers. While you can expect increased mobility, it’s important not to push yourself too hard.
3 to 12 Months
Most patients typically recover enough to resume normal activities like walking, standing for extended periods, and even jogging about three months after the procedure. By this point, your knee should feel more stable and mobile. However, complete recovery might take up to a year, during which most swelling and tenderness should diminish. Some patients may experience mild numbness on the outer part of the knee from surgery, which usually resolves over time but can persist longer in some cases.
Your Total Knee Replacement Surgeon in Bellaire, Texas
Recovery after such surgery is a gradual and multifaceted process. Each phase serves an important purpose, from managing pain and swelling to regaining strength and mobility. With patience, dedication, and guidance from healthcare providers, most patients can return to a whole, active life within a year. Your total knee replacement surgeon can guide you through your recovery journey, providing the expertise needed for a smoother recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with our Total Knee Replacement Surgeon, Dr. Eric Berkman, MD, through this link.
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