| In knee replacement surgeries, the ends of the | | | | that the patient can bend the knees at least |
| damaged thigh, lower leg bones, and kneecaps are | | | | ninety-degrees to do walking, climbing stairs, sitting |
| capped with artificial surfaces lined with plastic and | | | | and getting up from chairs, getting in and out of the |
| metal. Before, doctors replace the entire surface at | | | | car, and other daily activities. A factor that affects a |
| the ends of the thigh and lower leg bones. | | | | patient's ability to bend after surgery is the extent of |
| Nowadays, it is now popular to replace just the inner | | | | bending the patient can do before surgery. |
| or outer knee surfaces, depending on the location of | | | | Recovery at Home |
| the damage. Doctors usually put together knee joint | | | | When the patient is sent home for recovery, he or |
| components to the bones with cement. After the | | | | she must be following a graduated walking program |
| procedure, though, you may be interested on the | | | | with a physical therapist. This is done from simple |
| recovery time for double knee replacement. | | | | walking to climbing the stairs. Strength building |
| How Long Is the Recovery Period? | | | | exercises should also be followed religiously every |
| There is no specific amount of downtime in total | | | | day. If soreness in the affected area is noted, a cold |
| knee replacement surgeries. For most of the patients | | | | pack can be applied, and a decrease in the activity is |
| who have no complications or other health issues, the | | | | recommended. However, activities should not be |
| main part of the recovery is done after eight weeks. | | | | stopped completely. |
| Recovery depends not only on the success of the | | | | Riding on a stationary bicycle is also recommended to |
| surgery but also on the patient's ability and willingness | | | | strengthen leg muscles and improve knee bending. |
| to follow post-surgical rehabilitation procedures and | | | | Swimming is also good after knee surgery, but this |
| doctor's orders. | | | | can be done after sutures and staples are removed. |
| A few hours after the surgery, one will be hooked to | | | | Physical ability and fitness of the patient, as well as |
| intravenous antibiotics. Medications in controlling pain | | | | commitment to the exercise program, are the main |
| and preventing blood clots will also be given. It is not | | | | factors affecting recovery period. Once recovery is |
| alarming to have an upset stomach or to be | | | | complete, some activities may not be allowed |
| constipated after surgery; this could be effects of | | | | anymore like those that involve running, jumping, and |
| anesthesia. Bandages, urinary catheter, and a | | | | landing hard on the knee or both knees. |
| compression pump may be present. Simple breathing | | | | While there have been great advances in medical |
| exercises may be advised to help prevent congestion | | | | technology, a successful outcome is determined by |
| in the lungs. One should also learn to move the feet | | | | the patient's attitude and willingness to do the |
| up and down to flex the muscles and maintain proper | | | | necessary therapy. Based on their experience, many |
| blood circulation. | | | | doctors have somewhat low expectations for |
| Recovery in the Hospital | | | | recovery and may not be very encouraging. It is up |
| The patient will be advised to stay in the hospital for | | | | to the patient to find and follow an exercise program |
| three to five days. Patients are already advised to | | | | that has already shown proven results. Equally |
| stand up a day after the surgery. They are even | | | | important is finding a trainer or mentor who has a |
| allowed to walk with a walker and crutches if they | | | | positive attitude toward recovery from knee surgery |
| can already bear weight on their knees. A few days | | | | and who can teach anyone the same mindset. |
| after, exercises are recommended to strengthen the | | | | Believing it can be done and working with someone |
| leg muscles. | | | | who has already achieved the desired results is the |
| Rehabilitation is intensive after a total knee | | | | key to returning to normal activities and remaining |
| replacement. The main goal of rehab is to make sure | | | | free from pain. |