How Long Does It Take to Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery?

Update Date: 2024-05-29 Source: Network

The recovery time after knee replacement surgery is 3 months, and the recovery of the knee joint should be observed postoperatively. On the third day after knee surgery, patients can use a walker for appropriate rehabilitation training. When there are still injuries to the incision and joint capsule, patients will have severe pain, and most patients need to take painkillers for rehabilitation training. It is necessary to strengthen functional exercises, such as squatting, walking, and massaging the knee, and also combine traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, physical therapy, moxibustion, etc. However, it is essential to persevere with these exercises. Usually, it is recommended to consume foods rich in calcium, such as milk, shrimp skins, and sesame paste, and reduce activities like climbing stairs.

The capsular membrane and ligaments of the knee joint after replacement require at least 4 weeks to fully recover. People with better physical conditions may recover faster. Therefore, the pain of patients will disappear after four weeks, but they are still in the recovery period. Further leg strength training is needed to ensure the complete resolution of knee replacement. Functional training can be performed from the fourth week to the eighth week after surgery, mainly focusing on exercising joint strength and flexion and extension functions of the knee joint. After general exercise, most patients can resume normal life and walk normally without the need for a walker.

When the knee joint replacement is fragile, it is essential to wear protective equipment, keep warm, and avoid intense exercise, which is crucial for the recovery of the condition. The general review schedule is 3 weeks, 1.5 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually. Normal activities and exercises should be noted after joint replacement surgery. Joint surgery differs from other surgeries in that joints require exercise and have certain specificities. If the joint is not active for a long time, it may lead to stiffness and muscle atrophy. Therefore, functional exercises should be performed in the few days following joint replacement surgery. Generally, these exercises should be performed under the guidance of a professional doctor. Daily activities, such as heat application and gentle massage of the surgical site, are recommended. However, it is crucial to avoid strenuous activities like climbing stairs that can cause severe wear and tear on the joint.

After joint replacement surgery, the body may be in a calcium-deficient state and prone to osteoporosis, which can lead to subsidence of the replaced joint and pain and discomfort in the joint area. Therefore, it is essential to consume calcium-rich foods during the recovery period to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid greasy foods and maintain a balanced diet.