How to Properly Recover After a Serious Surgical Procedure on Your Knee

If you are scheduled for a serious surgical procedure on your knee, it is important to know what to expect in the weeks and months following surgery. Proper recovery is essential for a successful outcome. From knowing what activities to avoid to when you can expect to return to your normal routine, this guide will help ensure that recovering after knee surgery is as safe and quick as possible.

Understanding The Severity of Your Specific Surgery

Before we jump into the recovery process, it is important to first understand the severity of your specific surgery. No matter the surgery, each person will experience different levels of pain, swelling, and bruising. It is important to speak with your doctor before surgery to get an idea of what you can expect and how long your recovery may take.

There are different types of knee replacements, each with its risks and rehabilitation process. The most common type of knee surgery is arthroscopic knee surgery. This procedure is usually performed to repair torn ligaments or cartilage. It is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that only small incisions are made in the skin. Arthroscopic knee surgery has a shorter recovery time than other types of knee surgery and most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

More serious surgeries, such as total knee replacement or ACL reconstruction, require a more extensive recovery period. These procedures involve making larger incisions to replace the entire knee joint or repair damaged ligaments. Recovery times for these surgeries are typically longer, with most people taking several months to regain their full range of motion and strength.

No matter the severity of your knee surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Expect Immediately Following Knee Surgery

After your surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be closely monitored. You will likely have a drain in place to remove any excess fluid from the surgical site. You may also have a catheter in place to help relieve any urinary discomfort. These will usually be removed before you are discharged from the hospital.

• The first few days after surgery can be the most difficult. You will likely experience pain and swelling around the surgical site. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. It is important to take your medication as prescribed and not drink alcohol while taking it.
• You may also experience some bruising and drainage from the incisions. This is normal and should resolve within a few weeks. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, including when to shower and how to apply any bandages or dressings.

Leaving The Hospital

It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. This will help reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Your doctor will give you specific exercises to do and tell you how often to do them. It is important to follow these instructions and not try to do too much too soon.

You will likely be discharged from the hospital within a few days of your surgery. Before you are discharged, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself at home. These may include when to resume normal activities, how to take your medication, and when to follow up with your doctor. If you have any concerns, do call your GP.

Often, you will be experiencing something quite normal, but it is always best to check and be reassured.

In the UK, after you are discharged from hospital after knee replacement surgery, you may also be eligible for up to 6 weeks of home help.

Before you are discharged, a physiotherapist will normally give you specific exercises to help strengthen your knee and get you back to full normality as soon as possible. These exercises are an essential part of the recovery process and it is important to maintain the exercise schedules you have been given when you get home, even if these can sometimes be challenging and uncomfortable.

The Recovery Process

The first few weeks after surgery are typically the most difficult. You will likely experience pain and swelling around the surgical site. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. It is important to take your medication as prescribed and not drink alcohol while taking it.

• You may also experience some bruising and drainage from the incisions. This is normal when recovering after knee surgery and should resolve within a few weeks. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, including when to shower and how to apply any bandages or dressings.
• It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. This will help reduce your risk of developing blood clots. Your doctor will give you specific exercises to do and tell you how often to do them. It is important to follow these instructions and not try to do too much too soon.
• Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. However, it may take several months to regain your full range of motion and strength.

It is important to follow your doctor’s orders and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful recovery after knee surgery. Nonetheless, recovery times will vary depending on the severity of the surgery, but most people can expect to return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, and to follow your doctor’s instructions for care at home.

As you begin to recover, you might also consider pilates and yoga as options to help return to full mobility. Always speak to your doctor or physiotherapist first and ensure your class tutor is sufficiently experienced in working with patients recovering from knee surgery.