Knee replacement surgery is a very safe procedure, but as is the case with any surgery, it’s impossible to get the risk of a potential issue down to zero. While it might seem like you’re in the clear once your surgery is complete, there are still a few issues you’ll want to try to prevent during your rehabilitation period. Perhaps the most notable of these potential concerns is deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot issue that can be deadly if you aren’t careful, so it’s important to be mindful of your risk while you’re working to recover after knee replacement surgery. Below, we explore why your risk of deep vein thrombosis is elevated after knee replacement surgery, and we discuss some ways to prevent the issues.
Knee Replacement And DVT Risk
DVT occurs when blood thickens and forms a clot inside your body, oftentimes in one of the deeper veins within your leg, hence the name deep vein thrombosis. Clots are more likely to occur in the legs for two specific reasons after knee replacement surgery:
- Limited Movement – Movement and exercise helps to keep blood flowing optimally throughout our body. If you’re inactive for an extended period, blood flow around the body can slow, which can contribute to clotting in your deeper veins. You’re likely not going to be able to be as active as you’d like for an extended period while you recover from knee replacement surgery.
- Localized Tissue Trauma – Blood can end up collecting around miniscule particles that can be released during the trauma that occurs to the body during the surgical procedure. Veins can also be damaged or irritated during the procedure, which increases your risk of blood clot formation.
Limited movement ability and the natural trauma of surgery are two things you’re not going to be able to avoid, so it’s important you work to lower your risk of DVT in spite of these factors.
Reducing DVT Risk After Knee Replacement Surgery
If you really want to lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis, talk with your physician. They’ll know your individual risk factors and can provide you with personalized recommendations for your unique situation. With that in mind, here are some general tips for lowering your DVT risk after knee replacement surgery:
- OTC Medications – You should talk with your surgeon before starting any new medication regimen after knee replacement, but many physicians recommend a daily dose of an over-the-counter antiplatelet medication like Aspirin. Most physicians recommend taking Aspirin for 2-3 weeks after your operation.
- Early Movement – We push for early movement at our clinic for a number of reasons. Not only does early movement lower your risk of blood clots, but it also has been shown to improve flexibility and functionality in knee replacement patients. Laying in bed won’t lead to the strongest recovery, so help your knee get stronger and lower your blood clot risk by partaking in controlled and appropriate movements during the early stages of rehabilitation.
- Stay Hydrated – when you’re dehydrated, your blood vessels constrict and blood can become a little thicker, so it’s imperative that you stay well hydrated after your knee replacement surgery. It may not feel like you’re losing a lot of fluids since you’re not that active, but your body is working hard behind the scenes to recover from the trauma of surgery, and that can be surprisingly dehydrating.
- Compression Sleeves and Socks – Compression clothing and devices fit tightly around your legs and ankles, and this gentle pressure actually helps to open up blood vessels and make it easier for blood to circulate around your body. Compression socks or a compression sleeve are devices that are commonly used by patients who are recovering from knee surgery and are hoping to lower their DVT risk.
Don’t let deep vein thrombosis derail your progress or lead to a life threatening situation after knee replacement surgery. Work with a care team who can understand your personal risks and help set you up for success. For more information, or to talk to a specialist about a specific knee issue, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4444.
