Your journey to making a full recovery following knee replacement surgery begins shortly after the surgery when we being testing your new knee with walking and stair climbing exercises. We want to ensure that your rehab gets off on the right foot, but it’s important to realize that the majority of your recovery will take place at home. Because of this, we want to make sure that your home is ready for your return. Below, we share some tips for getting your house ready for your return from knee replacement surgery.
Coming Home After Knee Replacement Surgery
You’re not going to be as mobile as normal in the first few days and weeks following your replacement operation, so you’ll want to plan ahead to make your home life a little easier. Avoiding overexertion and stress on the knee is very important during this crucial time of recovery. Here’s a look at some things you’ll want to do around the house before you head in to have your knee replaced:
- Pick up tripping hazards – Make sure that clothes, non-stick rugs and children’s toys are picked up and moved off of the floor. Trip and falls can jeopardize the integrity of your surgery, so pick up any tripping hazards around the house.
- Healthy food prep – You’re not going to want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking healthy meals while recovering from knee surgery, but that also doesn’t mean you have free reign to order from your favorite pizza place. Eating unhealthy options can lead to weight gain, which in turn can put more stress and strain on your new knee. Combined with the fact that you’re going to be less mobile while recovering, it’s easy to see how you can pack on some pounds if you don’t consider healthy options. A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals can help provide the body with essential nutrients when it’s trying to recover from the trauma of surgery.
- Invest in safety gear – There are some innovations that make life a little easier following a major surgery like knee replacement. Depending on your situation, hand rails and seat raisers in the bathroom can be great additions, as can a grabber tool if you’re trying to pick something up off the ground. Adding non-skid tape under rugs and installing nightlights can also help you move around your home with ease during your recovery.
- Prepare your “home base” – Obviously movement is part of the recovery process, but when you’re not on your feet or doing your physical therapy exercises, you’re probably going to have a main location where you’re seated or lying down. Make sure that spot on the couch or your bedroom is stocked up with water, entertainment options like a book or television, and any medication you need to take.
- Arraign Help – Finally, make sure you talk to family and friends about helping you out while you’re recovering. If driving is inhibited for a few days, arraign rides to and from the surgical center, or plan rides for your kids if you normally shuttle them to school or practice. You may also need some assistance changing your dressing or getting some chores done around the house. Many people would be more than happy to lend you a hand during your recovery, you just need to ask!
For more tips on how to make the best recovery following knee replacement surgery, or to talk to a surgeon about your options, contact Dr. Botero’s office today.
