How to Reduce Swelling After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement is an advanced way in the medical branch of orthopedics to give new life to worn-out and degenerated joints. Various factors can lead to knee joint deterioration. So, to make the joint functional once again, a replacement is a boon.
However, recovery after the surgery might not be the same for everyone. This article discusses swelling after knee replacement in detail, covering all the important topics.
The Million Dollar Advice
Right after the knee replacement, your doctor will ensure you have no swelling issues during the course of recovery. Yet, if you are facing swelling problems postoperatively, it is best to consult your surgeon.
Don’t try anything on your own. This can even worsen the swelling and inflammation, as the prevailing swelling could be due to either internal infection or post-operative complications.
Meet with an experienced orthopedic specialist to get the right medical opinion on the condition.
If everything is normal and there is nothing to worry about, your doctor might recommend any of the following treatment options (as discussed in the rest of the article) to reduce your swelling.
It is always recommended that you don’t do anything to reduce swelling at home without the advice of a well-qualified orthopaedic surgeon.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
The first and most important part of pain management is painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Don’t ever take over-the-counter medicines, ointment, or drugs. Only take the medications prescribed by your doctor. In addition, follow all the instructions your doctor has advised you.
It will take care of your pain and swelling in due course of time and the situation will be managed without complications.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, you might be experiencing swelling because of internal infection in the replaced joint. In that case, the doctor will administer antibiotics.
Physiotherapy
Except for drugs and surgeries, physiotherapy tries to treat certain conditions including swelling with the help of exercises, oil massages and temperature compressions. To regain mobility after the knee replacement, a doctor always advises physiotherapy.
After the surgery, it is crucial that the patient starts moving the replaced knee, gradually increasing the intensity. It helps work the muscles around the replaced knee and improve their strength, enhancing overall mobility and reducing chances of subsequent swelling and stiffness issues as you might be facing right now.
Most importantly, although you have swelling, don’t overexercise. Exercise is important to reduce knee stiffness and swelling but it is only true when you do it consistently over a period of time rather than over doing it.
Topical Treatments
You must have heard of certain painkillers that are applied directly on the skin where the pain is happening. These include creams, gels, foams, lotions and ointments. Such substances to reduce pain come under the name of topical treatments.
Your healthcare professional will prescribe such treatments if they deem it fit to manage the swelling for you. Some people might have sensitive or over-reactive skin. In that case, the doctor will prefer some other treatments over topical ones.
Should Swelling After a Knee Replacement Worry You?
Under normal circumstances, it must not concern you if your knees are somewhat swollen after knee replacements, as after surgical interventions, such conditions are common. The healthcare provider will take care of such swelling conditions.
Yet, if there is so much swelling that you feel feverish and have to deal with extreme discomfort even after months, it is a cause of concern.
The best advice here is that you immediately talk to a competent orthopedic specialist and know the exact cause of post-operatively inflammatory conditions like pain, stiffness, swelling tenderness and mobility issues.
Common Experiences After Knee Replacements
Once one has undergone a knee replacement, the following are part of normal recovery:
● Bed rest for 24 hours minimally;
● Pain medications and antibiotics consumption for pain and infection management;
● You might have to use walkers or crutches for some time to allow yourself to usher into normal activity gradually;
● People also need physiotherapy for a longer period of time than normal after a total knee replacement;
● There might be swelling that would improve gradually as the recovery takes place.
For an in-depth analysis of the life right after TKR or total replacement, talk to your surgeon before the arthroplasty.
Visit to read if interested: knee replacement surgery success rate.
Things to Avoid After TKR Surgery
Take the following precautionary actions during and after the recovery post-operatively.
● Don’t over-exercise.
● Stay away from dangerous activities.
● Quit alcohol.
● Avoid smoking.
● Reduce excessive caffeine intake.
● Eat healthy.
● Avoid soft drinks and junk foods.
● Don’t wake up late at night.
● Start your morning with gentle knee exercises to improve blood circulation.
These things will help prevent mishaps post-operatively and maintain the quality of implants for long without complications.
Conclusion
These are some of the medical options that a certified orthopedic doctor can administer to reduce swelling after knee replacement surgery.
Make sure you don’t treat prolonged swelling at home or take too many painkillers on your own. Immediately consult a well-qualified orthopedic surgeon or the same surgeon who operated on your concerned knee to offer a total knee replacement.
Only the best doctor can offer long-lasting relief from swelling. If you are still planning your knee replacement and thus want to learn about the cost, visit the link: knee replacement surgery cost in India.