Due to a rapid change in lifestyle, people who do not work out commonly face knee pain problems. Knee pain often causes problems such as difficulty walking and climbing stairs in many people. With such advanced technology today, almost every problem can be cured with medical treatments. Injured parts or damaged knee joints are replaced in robotic knee replacement surgery, which is also called knee arthroplasty. During surgery, damaged parts are replaced with parts that are made of metal or plastic. Knee replacement surgery can help relieve the pain in the knee and improve its condition. To make an informed decision whether robotic knee replacement surgery is right for you or not, you have to consult the surgeon. To check your knee’s range of motion and stability, knee surgeons generally recommend physical examination or diagnostic tests. This is called partial knee replacement if only one part of the knee is damaged and replaced by a surgeon. If the thighbone and shinbone are reshaped, it means the entire joint needs to be reshaped, and it is called total knee replacement.
Tips After Knee Replacement Surgery
Without the help of family and friends, recovering from knee replacement surgery can be challenging. The first few days at home are the most difficult for many people as they are likely to be tired and in pain after knee surgery. Patients may be frustrated and scared because they cannot do things on their own. To handle this situation, family or friends are the most needed, and it is important to be patient with your loved one. There are a few things you can do to make this situation smooth and pleasant for the patients.
Prepare The Home
To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to get your house ready before the patient arrives home. If possible, set up the recovery room on the first floor, as it may be difficult to climb stairs for patients. Here is the list of things that should be available in the recovery room.
- A bed that is not too high or low off the ground
- Pillows for elevating the lower leg
- Icepack for the knee
- A walker or crutches
- Lights or lamps with easy control
- The room should be neat and clean to prevent germs and infection
- You may need to be around the patient and help them complete daily tasks.
- Preparing meals or helping with personal hygiene is a basic and important task.
Help With Wound Care and Medications
Keep in mind that the person should take all the medication on time as their doctor prescribed. You have to gather medicines near the patient and make sure they take them on schedule. You can use a medication dispenser that can help you to store, organize and release the pills or doses on a scheduled time. Monitor wounds regularly for swelling and inflammation; they may involve changing dressing on time as needed. If the wound gets redder or swollen, then you should seek medical help and make sure to wash your hands properly before or after touching bandages.
Provide Motivation For Exercise
Some people may think that walking for 30 minutes a day is enough, but doctors may recommend exercising for an extra twenty to thirty minutes two or three times per day. If the person may feel walking or exercising painful, then remind them that what they are feeling is common and that exercising will speed up their recovery.
Observe the Changes
It is important to contact the doctor if you notice a significant change in the mental and physical health of the patient.
Keep Up With The Paper Work
A knee replacement is a complicated procedure as it requires many professional services. As a result, you may receive many bills and reports from multiple health providers within the span of a couple of weeks. If patients on their own will look up the paperwork and bills that may lead to anxiety, handling the paperwork can help the person you are caring for.
Provide Emotional Support
A person you are caring for may feel exhausted and frustrated due to pain or lack of progress. Some people may experience post-surgery depression, and providing emotional and physical support may help to speed up the recovery.
Take Care of Yourself
If you are not feeling good, then it may be difficult to care for someone else, so it is important to take some time for yourself. You can take a break and do things that you like the most, which will help you feel better. If you feel overworked, don’t hesitate to ask family members for help.
Conclusion
Proper preparation before arriving at a patient’s home can help you to feel relaxed and prepared; it becomes difficult to take care of patients in a hustle and bustle. But robotic knee replacement surgery does not take as much time as traditional surgeries, as patients now experience less pain and recover faster. If you are struggling with knee pain and you have problems climbing stairs and difficulty standing for a long time, then you can visit Kalyan Hospital. The professionals of Kalyan Hospital have gained experience in robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery. Dr. Rajinder Singh is a professional and experienced in the field of microscopic spine and knee replacement.
FAQs
- In how many days can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
It depends on the condition of the patient or the surgeon’s advice, but most people begin walking with a walker or crutches within a few days after surgery.
2. How long will a patient need caregiver support after robotic knee replacement surgery?
Some people need someone from family or friends as a caregiver for one to two weeks, or it may take 4-6 weeks after surgery, depending on the condition of the patient.
