During hip replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased or damaged parts of your hip joint and inserts the artificial joint. Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your doctor.Aspirin or certain other pain medications may increase the chance ofbleeding. Nerves or blood vessels in the area of surgery may be injured, resulting inweakness or numbness.
The ends of the femur and tibia are each replaced with a smooth piece of metal. Between these metal components, the surgeon inserts a piece of resilient and long-lasting plastic. This acts as a weight-bearing surface, and mimics the protective function of cartilage to permit full range of motion.
You can start higher-intensity strength training during the first week after surgery if your physical therapist and surgeon give you the go-ahead. When you can leave the hospital depends on factors such as your health before surgery and your age. Before leaving the hospital, the PT will likely instruct you on exercises you’ll do at home.
Chronic pain and mobility issues can increase the risk of social isolation. Joining an exercise class may be a good way to connect with other people, some of whom may have similar health issues. Let your provider know right away if you have an increase in redness, swelling, or draining at the incision site. You should also let your provider know if you have a high fever, chills, or severe pain that does not improve. Follow any other instructions from your healthcare provider.
Your medical team will tell you when you no longer need to come for checkups. Keep talking with your healthcare team, and avoid starting any new activities before checking with them first. It’s important to continue your exercises as you progress in your recovery. Committing to rehab will determine how quickly you can return to your typical lifestyle and how well your knee works in the future. You’ll typically keep working on physical therapy for up to 12 weeks, and potentially longer.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. One common treatment option for severe osteoarthritis in the knee is a knee replacement surgery. This procedure can provide relief from pain and improve mobility for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
How Does Knee Replacement Surgery Work?
In a knee replacement surgery, the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic. This new joint allows for smoother movement and reduced pain, ultimately improving the quality of life for the patient.
Benefits of Knee Replacement Surgery
Another supplement, called SAMe, has been shown to work as well as nonprescription pain relievers and may have fewer side effects. Before you start taking any supplements, even if they’re natural, tell your doctor so they can check for any side effects. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of themost exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal. The decision to try knee injections should be made in concert with a knowledgeable doctor and with the understanding that they may not work. In the next few years, researchers predict that more effective knee injections and effective regenerative injections will likely be refined or discovered. To help you wade (knee-deep) through the confusing world of injections, here’s a rundown of the most common kinds of shots and what the experts say about them.
- Pain Relief: One of the most significant benefits of knee replacement surgery is the relief of chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- Improved Mobility: With a new artificial joint, patients often experience improved range of motion and increased mobility in their knee.
- Better Quality of Life: Knee replacement surgery can help patients return to activities they once enjoyed, such as walking, hiking, and playing sports.
FAQs about Knee Replacement Surgery
- How long does it take to recover from knee replacement surgery?
Recovery time can vary, but most patients can expect to see significant improvement within a few weeks to months after surgery.
- Are there risks associated with knee replacement surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with knee replacement surgery, such as infection, blood clots, and nerve damage. However, these risks are minimal when compared to the potential benefits of the surgery.
In conclusion, knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing treatment option for individuals suffering from severe osteoarthritis in the knee. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if this procedure is right for you.
