The first two to three weeks post-op is generally the time patients feel most discouraged due to the pain. It's hard to get up from a chair, it's difficult going up and down stairs, you're moving slowly and you have to use a walker because you have no strength or balance.
Your body just went through a major surgery and needs time to heal. Most people can resume daily activities with reduced pain approximately three to six weeks after surgery. Full recovery can take anywhere from four months to a year.
Normal Postsurgical Pain
After the anesthesia wears off, it is typical to experience moderate to severe pain, swelling and bruising. Your physician will prescribe medications for postoperative pain relief. You may experience some knee pain during daily activities and at night for several weeks following your surgery.
The initial pain of surgery needs to be addressed with fairly strong painkillers for the first few days. You should expect to need to take painkilling tablets for up to 12 weeks after your operation.
The most common causes of pain after knee replacement include: Loosening of the implant: This is most often the cause of pain years or decades after the knee replacement; however, it is seldom the cause of persistent pain right after surgery.4. Infection: Infection is a serious and worrisome concern.
The levels of your natural anti-inflammatory hormone, cortisol, are naturally lower at night. Staying still in the same position will also cause your knee joints to stiffen up. Another reason could be related to how your brain perceives pain and this may change in the small hours.
Icing the knee before bed can help relieve pain. Limit liquids before bed to help prevent bathroom use at night. If prescribed pain medication, take it an hour before sleeping unless otherwise told.
The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion. We will send a physical therapist to your house to help you with the walking, knee exercises, and gentle manipulation of the knee.
Start with small, manageable steps over short distances and use an assistive device whenever needed. Gradually work your way up until you can walk longer distances without discomfort. Doing too much exercise can lead to pain and swelling, hindering your recovery.
Over time, implants can loosen and detach from the bone, causing pain. Plastic components of the artificial knee slowly wear out, creating debris that can cause inflammation. The wear and tear can cause the knee to break.
Keep your feet and knees pointed straight ahead, not turned in or out. Your knees should be either stretched out or bent in the way your therapist instructed. Sit in a firm chair with a straight back and armrests. After your surgery, avoid stools, sofas, soft chairs, rocking chairs, and chairs that are too low.
The first two to three weeks post-op is generally the time patients feel most discouraged due to the pain. It's hard to get up from a chair, it's difficult going up and down stairs, you're moving slowly and you have to use a walker because you have no strength or balance.
Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
Walking. Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.
Best Sleep Position for Knee Pain
Sleeping with knee pain may require you to elevate the knee and leg. If so, sleeping on your back is the best option. Place pillow under both legs to elevate the knee above the level of the heart. If there is swelling in the knee, the elevation can help to reduce it.
Tip #1: Avoid Sitting With Your Knee Bent Or Cross-Legged
This can also increase the pressure on your knee joints, which can cause pain and swelling. To give your knees relief, limit the amount of time you spend with your knees bent or crossed. Try to have them straight whenever possible.
Sleeping on the side can be painful because the leg is not straight enough. However, gradually, you can start sleeping on your side as the knee heals. But avoid sleeping on the operative side at all costs, as it puts a lot of pressure on the surgery site.
The best sleeping position when recovering from knee surgery is on your back with your leg supported by a pillow. If you prefer side sleeping, prop up the recovering knee with a body pillow between the legs. Avoid putting the leg in a position where the knee is bent or hyperextended.
Patients undergoing total knee replacement are highly likely to experience fatigue before the surgery and six months following the procedure. It's normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery. Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises.
To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time.