How to Avoid the Long Term Complications of Knee Replacement

Having knee replacement surgery is an important decision. Even though several hundred of these procedures are performed every day in hospitals around the country, the surgery is not a minor one. You should be fully aware of all the short and long term risks and complications that are associated with knee replacements. You need to know the signs and symptoms of possible complications so you can get treatment before the problems become severe.

After you get home from your surgery, you will likely be a little groggy for a few days as your body heals and you adjust to your pain medication. Your knee will be swollen and sore. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible in the first few days at home. You will need to get that knee moving, but while you are resting, be sure that you keep your leg elevated above the heart level as much as is possible. This will help prevent the two most common complications of severe swelling and blood clots. Wearing the compression stockings as instructed in your discharge papers will also help to prevent issues related to blood clots. You may experience a low-grade fever in the first few days following your procedure, but if the temperature spikes or continues on, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Once your body starts to heal from the surgery, it is time to implement a proper rehabilitation program to avoid the long-term complications of knee replacements. If you choose to ignore the instructions of your physical therapist by not doing your exercises, you risk not gaining the proper use out of the new joint. You can also push yourself to do too much. You don't want to do any unapproved exercises that place too much pressure on your artificial knee. You should not be involved in any high impact activities without the advice of your doctor.

If you want to get back to enjoying your busy life, you need to put effort into your recovery. When you apply yourself to the appropriate workout regime, you can get your new joint working in ways you might not have imagined. You can escape the long-term complications associated with knee replacements if you take the proper precautions in exercising your new joint. Have a plan in place to speed your recovery before you even schedule the date for your surgery.