When it comes to total knee replacement, it is usually considered when all the cartilage in the knee joint is gone and daily activities can cause severe pain. The knee is the biggest weight-bearing joint in the body which is responsible for cushioning stress during activities such as bending, walking and jogging.
In most cases, once the cartilage cushion has deteriorated and disappeared, the individual will experience severe pain. It is important to note that a total knee replacement often minimizes the pain drastically while allowing the individual to take part in daily activities once again.
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Falls
The doctor will warn the individual that a fall during the first few weeks after surgery can cause permanent damage on the joint can lead to additional surgery. With the help of physical therapy, it will help improve balance, flexibility and strength in order to reduce the risk for falling. Until that time, the individual should use a cane or walker for assistance.
Blood clot formation
After a knee replacement procedure, the individual faces a higher risk for blood clots. Medications are usually prescribed that increases the clotting time of blood to reduce the risk. The doctor should continue to monitor the effectiveness of the medications with regular blood tests.
The individual should wear elastic stockings for at least six weeks after surgery and must sleep using them in order to reduce the potential for clot formation. If there is swelling or pain in the leg along with redness or tenderness above or below the knee and chest pain, it is considered as a medical emergency.
Infections
An infection affecting the joint is a possible complication that can result during knee replacement. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream from dental procedures, skin infections and urinary tract infections. The bacteria can lodge around the joint replacement and cause infection. Proper preventive measures must be taken before dental or surgical procedures that will allow bacteria into the bloodstream. If you want to learn how to manage infections, read here.
Activity
After the knee replacement procedure, the doctor will advise the individual regarding the types of activities that are possible and those that must be avoided. Some of the activities that are risky for the knee that must be avoided include jumping, jogging, high impact aerobics and contact sports. Activities that are normally avoided include skiing, hiking, tennis as well as activities involving repetitive motion. Those with knee replacement must engage in recreational walking, golf, swimming, biking or normal stair climbing in order to maintain cardiovascular health.
Sleeping
The positioning of the leg during sleep is vital in extending the life of the knee replacement as well as maintaining the mobility of the individual. The individual should never sleep with a pillow under the knee joint. Take note that flexion at the knee and hip can increase the possibility of the shortening of the muscles, thus making walking difficult. When a pillow is used, it must be positioned under the ankle or a knee immobilizer can be used at night time in order to keep the knee straight while the individual sleeps.