Knee replacement surgeries are the 14th most common inpatient procedure performed in the United States, with 4.5 million Americans currently living with at least one knee replacement. As techniques for total knee replacement have grown more refined, orthopedic specialists have discovered factors that predict successful functional outcomes. One of the most important factors in restoring mobility and range of motion is getting back on your feet after a knee replacement surgery. Follow this guide to ensure you safely return to walking after a knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgeries are the 14th most common inpatient procedure performed in the United States, with 4.5 million Americans currently living with at least one knee replacement. As techniques for total knee replacement have grown more refined, orthopedic specialists have discovered factors that predict successful functional outcomes. One of the most important factors in restoring mobility and range of motion is getting back on your feet after a knee replacement surgery. Follow this guide to ensure you safely return to walking after a knee replacement.
Why Getting Back on Your Feet Is So Important After a Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery involves resurfacing the knee and replacing damaged tissue. After the surgery, moving the knee increases blood flow to the area, which can promote healing. Keeping your knee moving also prevents scar tissue from building up inside the knee. Staying immobile for too long can contribute to stiffness that may plague you for a long time. As a result, most doctors recommend starting to walk within 24 hours after knee replacement surgery. Walking soon after surgery also has psychological benefits, as you will begin to feel a sense of mastery that encourages you to keep moving in the future.
Guide to Beginning Physical Activity after a Knee Replacement
Your recovery after a knee replacement will begin shortly after leaving the operating room. Many patients are surprised at how soon they are asked to move the joint and test it out. During the earliest stages of recovery, your doctor will give you a series of exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and move the knee joint. Your nurses can help you do the exercises safely.
Most people are encouraged to begin walking within 24 hours of knee replacement surgery. At first, you will use a walker or crutches to stabilize yourself while walking. Your doctor will tell you how much weight you can safely put on your knee joint. Be conscious of your gait while walking, striving to make it as smooth and rhythmic as possible. As your endurance improves, you can increase the distance that you walk and practice walking independently.
If you have questions about your recovery from a knee replacement, ask our orthopedic surgeons. They can make individualized recommendations based on your unique situation to advise you about the recovery process. Contact us today to learn more.
How to Exercise Smart This Summer
Summer is a great time to get exercise. The sun is shining, the pool is sparkling and summertime classics like baseball and beach volleyball await. However, summer is also prime time for exercise-related injuries. Making an exercise mistake can derail your whole summer, keeping you out of commission for your favorite activities. Our sports medicine experts recommend the following tips to exercise smart this summer.
Common Causes of Knee Pain in Women
Women are more likely than men to suffer knee injuries. Even for women who do not experience an acute injury, complaints about knee pain are common. This is not simply a difference in who tends to report injuries more often. Rather, some specific physiological factors may make women more vulnerable to knee injuries.
The Form and Function of Each Ligament in Your Knee
The knee is one of our most critical joints for walking and playing sports, but it is also highly vulnerable. As a hinge joint, the knee is meant only to move in one direction. Blows from the front or sides, twisting and other movements can cause stretching or tearing of the knee ligaments. Understanding the anatomy of the knee can help you understand the origin of common knee injuries and how to avoid them.
How Yoga Helps the Back and Spine
Yoga has dramatically gained popularity in the United States over the past few decades. Originally a spiritual practice that was employed by Hindus, yoga now is recognized for its myriad health benefits. There are many types of yoga, from gentle yoga poses combined with meditation to more physically active poses intended to strengthen muscles. For people with back pain, yoga can be a fantastic way to strengthen muscles and improve spine health.
Do Compression Socks and Sleeves Give You an Advantage in Running?
When you watch a major race such as the Boston Marathon, you may notice that the gear the elite runners wear differs from the shorts and tank top you throw on for a casual run. In particular, compression socks and calf sleeves have become a popular part of the elite runner look. Adopting these compression garments could give you an advantage in your running training.
How Strength Training Can Help Reduce Sports Injuries
Most athletes focus on aerobic exercise to build their endurance, but some athletes neglect an equally important area of exercise: strength training. Even for sports such as swimming or running in which packing on muscle mass is undesirable, strength training can be tremendously beneficial. One of the biggest benefits of strength training is its ability to reduce sports injuries.
Exercises to Relieve Arthritis Pain
Approximately 52.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, representing nearly 1 in 4 people, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure jumps to about 50 percent among adults older than 65 years of age. Although arthritis is a more common condition among older adults, it is possible to experience arthritis at any age. One of the most effective ways to treat arthritis pain is to engage in physical therapy or other exercises that lengthen muscles, diminish bone-on-bone contact and promote healing. Consider the following exercises to relieve arthritis pain.
What Is Carpal Tunnel?
Aching wrists or tingling palms could be more than simple fatigue after a long day of typing on a computer — they may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Understanding the causes and effects of carpal tunnel may help you reduce your risk of this painful condition.
Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are experts in treating pain and restoring your functional abilities after surgery or an injury. If you have an injury, visiting a physical therapist can actually decrease recovery time or prevent you from needing surgery in the future. However, it is important to get the best physical therapy services possible. Asking questions of
your physical therapist before making an appointment will ensure that you have an excellent physical therapy experience.
