Partial knee replacement can be just what a patient needs to put their knee pain in the past and get back to the activities they love, but the operation itself is only part of the total recovery equation. How you care for your knee while you’re recovering at home is just as important to your long-term health. But what are some things you should be doing at home to help progress your rehab after partial knee replacement. We share some tips in today’s blog.
Home Recovery After Partial Knee Replacement
Dr. Botero uses some of the most advanced minimally invasive techniques to perform your partial knee replacement, which helps lessen the toll on your knee. Because of this, many patients are walking, climbing up and down stairs and even trying out our car simulator just hours after their surgery is complete. This helps us know that they are capable of continuing their care routine at home. Most patients are discharged home the same day as surgery, although you will need someone to drive you home.
Once you get home, you’re going to want to follow the instructions set forth by your doctor and their therapy team. Odds are they’ve given you specific instructions for changing your dressing and caring for your surgical site. Keep the wound site clean and clear of infection by following their care guidelines.
Next, you’ll want to focus on the physical aspect of your recovery. Again, listening to your specific instructions is best, but in general, most times your surgeon will want you to find a healthy balance between activity and avoiding overstress. Simple walking exercises can help to get blood pumping to the surgery site, which promotes healing. You’ll also want to dive into your physical therapy routine. You may have been taught a physical therapy routine before leaving the surgery center, or you may have to schedule a visit once discharged, but make no mistake, physical therapy will be your best bet for making a full recovery.
Twin Cities Physical Therapy Clinics
Physical therapy helps to target ligaments and muscles in the knee to promote joint stability, which is important following a partial knee replacement. This area of your body is weakened from the trauma of surgery, and while time can help heal the wound, you’re not going to get complete healing from time alone. You need to strengthen the knee joint and the surrounding structures through physical therapy in order to get back to full health. Now is a crucial time in the recovery process, and if you ignore physical therapy during this time, your knee may always be weaker than the other. Not only can this feel uncomfortable, but it can put you at risk of developing a gait abnormality, which can negatively affect your hips, knees and feet.
Another key aspect of your home care routine following partial knee replacement is your diet. You want to make sure you’re regularly eating healthy meals that provide your body with essential vitamins and nutrients that aid in recovery. Odds are you’re going to be less mobile during this time, so poor eating habits can lead to weight gain if you’re not careful, and handling more stress is the last thing that your recovering knee needs. Staying hydrated also helps to improve circulation and move healthy blood to the injury site, so always have a glass of water nearby.
So if you are smart about following your doctor’s orders, you fully commit to your physical therapy routine and you make smart dietary choices, we’re confident that you will be well on your way to a full recovery following partial knee replacement. If you have any questions about the procedure, or if you want to see if you’d be a candidate for partial knee replacement, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
