WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Chronic joint pain is not something that anyone wants to deal with, and for older athletes, joint pain in the knees, caused by arthritis or fracture, can lead to a loss of function that can put a halt to all activity, competitive or otherwise. As a degenerative disease, arthritis affects the cartilage, destroying it over time. As it breaks down the cushioning between the joints, the sufferer experiences chronic, debilitating pain and loss of function.
Arthritis of the knee can be managed for a time through methods including pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections, but these do nothing to improve or heal. For many, the only true relief comes through knee replacement surgery. Though the exact details of the surgery are dependent on the specifics of the case – whether it’s a total or partial replacement and whether it’s a replacement involving fracture or arthritis, a general plan will involve the removal of arthritic tissue and damaged bone, reshaping of the damaged area and fitting the joint with a prosthesis made from plastic and metal.
How Long Does Knee Surgery Take?
The actual knee replacement surgery takes about two hours. If you are a candidate for surgery in an outpatient setting, you’ll be home in about twenty-four hours. If your surgery requires a hospital stay, the timeline is closer to three or four days.
How Can You Reduce Swelling After Knee Surgery?
You can expect to experience swelling in the knee area, ankle and foot for two to three weeks after surgery, but depending on the individual’s recovery profile, swelling can be an issue for three to six months after surgery.
One of the best ways to manage swelling is to follow your doctor’s post-operative care recommendations and physical therapy guidelines. Post-op care including elevating your knee and applying ice can go a long way in managing the swelling, as well and controlling the impulse to do too much too soon.
What is the Recovery Time for Knee Replacement Surgery?
The overall recovery time from start to finish for a knee replacement surgery is about twelve weeks. This is a standard recovery time for being able to drive a car, bend down fully and participate in low impact sports like swimming, tennis, walking, cycling, golf, etc.
How Long Does A Knee Replacement Last?
The general guidelines for how long a knee replacement will last on average is between ten to twenty years. A recent study found that patient age appears to be a factor, however, and that patients in their fifties are more likely to require another surgery compared to patients age seventy and older. The possible need for a second surgery also went up for younger men versus younger women.
Doctor Zapf is certified for Mako Robotic navigated joint replacement for the knee and hip. Find out more about his credentials – Visit our About page now:
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