Undergoing knee replacement surgery is a life-changing experience. Prior to undergoing joint replacement, many people who need surgery are living with daily knee pain and limited mobility. A new knee equals a new lease on life for these patients.
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, or already scheduled for an outpatient replacement procedure at OJRCA, you may be wondering what your life will look like post-surgery. We’re here to answer all your questions and give you realistic expectations about what to expect.
What Can I Expect Right After Surgery?
If your knee replacement is performed as an outpatient procedure at OJRCA, you’ll be able to return home within a few hours after surgery. After you’re awake and alert, our staff will get you up and walking as soon as you’re able. Early movement helps reduce pain and stiffness, improve range of motion, and lower the risk of blood clots. Once we’ve gone over discharge care and instructions with you, we’ll send you home. You’ll need to have someone drive you home after surgery and assist you around the house for the first few days of your recovery.
It’s normal to have some pain, stiffness, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. Medications, elevating your knee, and applying hot/cold compresses can help relieve post-surgical pain.
You’ll begin physical therapy within a few days after returning home. Therapy is THE MOST important component of your recovery process. Your physical therapist will work with you to increase strength, range of motion, and flexibility around your new knee. Work hard in physical therapy and do your home exercises as ordered — that’s the fastest and best path to recovery.
When Will I Be Able to Return to Normal Activities?
We won’t lie to you — recovery takes time. But if you work hard in physical therapy, you’ll begin to see significant improvements in mobility, flexibility, balance, and endurance within a few weeks after surgery. Remember that everyone’s healing process is different and you may need more or less time to return to normal activities than other people who had the same procedure.
Minimally invasive knee replacements like the ones we perform at OJRCA have a shorter recovery period than traditional, open knee surgeries. We use minimally invasive, tissue-sparing surgical techniques that allow for smaller incisions and less tissue disruption. Many of our patients begin returning to work, driving, traveling and other normal activities anywhere between 3-6 weeks following surgery. By three months, a lot of our patients are fully mobile and active again.
Will I Have Limitations?
Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful medical procedures and boasts a high success rate for relieving knee pain and improving mobility. However, your artificial knee will never be able to function at the same level as a natural knee joint. Many orthopedic surgeons advise against doing high-impact and contact sports because high-intensity exercise can damage or wear down artificial implants.
You’ll have full liberty (and encouragement!) to perform low-impact activities like swimming, water aerobics, yoga, biking, walking, golfing, dancing, gardening, and strength training. We recommend talking to your surgeon about the best types of exercise for your active lifestyle moving forward.
Will My Knee Feel Different?
Yes, your new knee will feel different — after all, it’s not the same joint you came into the world with. It can take three months, six months, or even a year for your new knee to feel normal. During the healing process, you can expect some swelling, warmth, and achiness. You may hear clicking or popping sounds when you move from the metal and plastic implant. All of that is normal, and soon you’ll be too busy enjoying life to think about what your implant feels like.
How Long Will My New Knee Last?
The fantastic news is that modern, durable implant materials have an extremely long life. According to the research, 90% of modern knee replacements are still in good shape after 10-15 years, with many lasting up to 20 years before needing replacement. As long as you take care of your new knee, you can expect to use it for quite a long time.
How Can I Preserve My Knee for as Long as Possible?
One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your new knee is by taking care of your overall health and well-being. Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight will go a long way toward keeping you active for years to come.
And of course, you should follow your orthopedic surgeon’s recommendations and treatment plan for your joint replacement.
Call OJRCA to Discuss Outpatient Knee Replacement Surgery
At our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center, we perform outpatient total knee replacement and partial knee replacement surgeries. We’re committed to helping everyone who comes to us find the relief they deserve and a return to a healthy and active lifestyle.
To learn more about our services and treatments, contact the caring and dedicated team at OJRCA today. You can reach out online or give us a call.