Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in severely diseased knee joints. If you’re considering this surgery in Delhi, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute is one of the premier hospitals offering this procedure with a team of highly experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. Here, we’ll discuss the recovery timeline after knee replacement surgery to help you understand what to expect and how to achieve the best possible outcome.
Week 1: Immediate Post-Operative Phase
The first week after surgery is critical for recovery. Patients typically stay in the hospital for 3-5 days.
- Pain Management: Pain and swelling are managed with medications and ice packs.
- Mobility: Physical therapy begins within 24 hours to help regain movement. Patients are encouraged to walk with the aid of a walker or crutches.
- Wound Care: Keeping the surgical site clean and dry is essential to prevent infection.
Weeks 2-3: Early Recovery Phase
During this period, the focus is on increasing mobility and beginning to resume daily activities.
- Physical Therapy: Continues with an emphasis on strengthening exercises and improving range of motion.
- Home Adjustments: Arrangements at home, such as installing grab bars and ensuring easy access to necessary areas, will aid in safe movement.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups with your surgeon to monitor healing progress.
Weeks 4-6: Mid Recovery Phase
This phase marks significant improvements in mobility and pain levels.
- Increased Activity: Patients can start walking without aids and perform more household activities.
- Continued Therapy: Physical therapy is still crucial, focusing on regaining full range of motion and strength.
- Driving: Many patients can resume driving, depending on their progress and which knee was operated on.
Weeks 7-12: Late Recovery Phase
By now, most patients experience substantial improvement.
- Normal Activities: Return to most normal activities, including work, if it is not physically demanding.
- Advanced Exercises: Incorporating more challenging exercises to enhance knee function.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Keep up with follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery.
Months 3-6: Final Recovery Phase
Complete recovery can take up to 6 months or more.
- Full Functionality: Most patients regain nearly full functionality and experience minimal pain.
- Long-Term Care: Regular exercise and periodic medical check-ups are important to maintain knee health.
FAQs
- How long will I need to stay in the hospital after knee replacement surgery? Most patients stay for 3-5 days post-surgery for monitoring and initial recovery.
- When can I start walking after the surgery? Physical therapy begins within 24 hours, and walking with a walker or crutches is encouraged.
- How soon can I return to work? This depends on the nature of your work. Typically, patients with desk jobs can return after 4-6 weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need up to 3 months.
- Will I need physical therapy after surgery? Yes, physical therapy is crucial for recovery and begins within a day after surgery.
- When can I resume driving? Usually, patients can start driving 4-6 weeks post-surgery, depending on their recovery progress and which knee was operated on.
Conclusion
Recovery after knee replacement surgery is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication to physical therapy, and following your surgeon’s advice. At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, you will receive comprehensive care from experienced professionals to guide you through each stage of your recovery.
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