If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, you probably have some questions about the procedure. Read below to see if we have addressed your concerns. If not, please contact one of our trusted orthopedic surgeons.
If you’re considering knee replacement surgery, you probably have some questions about the procedure. Read below to see if we have addressed your concerns. If not, please contact one of our trusted orthopedic surgeons.
When Should I Have Knee Replacement Surgery?
It depends on your situation, but if knee pain prevents you from walking across a room, you may not have a choice. An orthopedic surgeon can assess your situation and help you determine the course of action — every person is different when it comes to treatment.
How Long Does Surgery Take?
Your surgeon will remove the damaged sections of bone and cartilage and replace them with synthetic components that move like your natural knee. Your scar will be anywhere from four to 10 inches long. Most knee replacement surgeries take about two hours.
What Happens Immediately After Surgery?
Your knee will be bandaged and may have a drain to remove excess fluid. Your knee will be placed in a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine that extends and flexes your knee while you recline. You’ll also receive antibiotics, anti-nausea medication and blood thinners through your IV.
Will I Feel Pain Following Surgery?
You will have some pain after surgery, but it won’t last long. On the days you experience pain, you’ll take prescription pain killers for relief. In the hospital, you’ll receive pain relievers via an IV. After discharge, you’ll take pills.
What Is Recovery Like?
You’ll start walking the day after your surgery. You’ll probably need a walker or crutches at first. A physical therapist will assist you in the hospital as you learn to use your new knee. After you are discharged from the hospital, you’ll continue to receive physical therapy either at home or an outpatient rehab center. You can read more about the recovery process on our blog.
Do I Need to Modify my Home?
If you live in a multi-story home, you’ll need to set up an area on the ground floor where you can sleep until you can safely manage stairs. Make sure you remove obstacles like throw rugs, electrical cords, furniture and clutter from walking paths. You may also want to install handrails or grab bars in your bathroom to help during bathing.
How Long Is Recovery?
You can resume normal activities within several days of surgery. Low-impact exercises can start within six weeks, depending on your recovery. Your physical therapist can help you determine when you’re ready for more strenuous activity.
If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville. Call us at (904) 634-0640 or use our convenient online contact form.
Education: Benefits of Acupuncture
If you have a sports-related injury, you’re probably aware that working with a physical therapist is a great way to rehab and return to the field. But did you know acupuncture actually complements physical therapy nicely?
The benefits of acupuncture for athletes are many. Acupuncture can improve your physical performance, reduce the negative effects of overtraining and prevent future injuries. It can also:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Promote circulation to injured tissues
- Promote balance among all your body’s systems
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for injuries and conditions such as: (more…)
Teach Posture Habits Young
Good posture is important for people of any age, but it’s particularly important for children who are still growing and developing. Learning good posture at a young age is also key to preventing muscle soreness, headaches and back pain as an adult.
So how can you teach your children about good posture? Here are some tips that can help. (more…)
Education: Exercises You Can Do At Work
Research indicates that prolonged sitting is detrimental to your health. So if you sit at a desk for eight hours every day, you’re at risk for a variety of health concerns. Along with back pain and other assorted ailments, one study found your chance of developing cancer increased by more than 60 percent if you sit for long periods of time.
So can you do anything to alleviate a your sedentary work life? How about some deskercises? These exercises you can do at your desk will keep you moving but subtle enough not to be a distraction to your coworkers. (more…)
Are Flip Flops Good For Your Feet?
They may be fun to wear, but flip flops are simply not good for your feet. In fact, wearing flip flops for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your feet and toes, causing you to need an orthopedic surgeon.
Wearing flip flops when you walk across the locker room floor or from your patio chair to the pool won’t damage your feet. But if they become your everyday footwear, your feet and ankles could pay the price.
Read on to learn about how flip flops can lead to joint problems, the need for physical therapy or even orthopedic surgery. (more…)
Staying Germ-Free at Your Gym
You know working out at the gym is important to your overall health and well being. But with so many people using the equipment and facilities, it can also be a rather unsanitary environment where germs thrive.
So what to do? Here are some ways to stay germ-free at the gym, courtesy of southern orthopedic specialists physicians. (more…)
Tips for Getting Back Into Exercise After Recovering From an Injury
Recovering from an injury takes time and patience. Even after your physical therapist gives you the go-ahead to return to exercise, it can feel daunting. After all, you don’t want to reverse your weeks or months of hard work by risking another injury. Following this guide to getting back into exercise after recovering from an injury will help you stay safe during this critical period.
How to Get Through the Mental Blocks When Rehabbing Your Injury
Rehab is the most challenging part of an orthopedic injury. Long after the acute pain of the injury fades, you may be left with seemingly endless exercises and physical therapy appointments. This can be a significant mental challenge that leaves even the most motivated patients feeling mentally drained. Use the following tips from our physical therapy experts to get yourself through mental blocks when rehabbing your injury.
The Importance of Getting Back on Your Feet 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.
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.
