What activities can you do post Knee Replacement Surgery?
You may be able to walk again without pain or no longer face staircases with fear. But don’t expect superhuman powers with your new knee. Here are some facts to know about your new body part once you have done Knee Replacement Surgery.
1) You can do (almost) everything as before. You can usually expect substantial
improvements in pain and movement post TKR. But if you don't have a habit of
regular walking, don't expect sprinting with your new knee. It is recommended
you avoid high-impact exercises, even if you used to engage in them before. The
sheer force can loosen or break your implant or make it wear out faster. You
can walk, swim, bike, do light hikes, and perform such routine activities.
Weight training can strengthen your muscles and bones.
2) It won’t feel exactly like your old knee: You will surely have less pain but
also may observe other newer events. For example, your new knee may click and
pop. If it doesn’t hurt, you don’t need to worry. You might have trouble
kneeling. Bending down won’t harm your new joint. But you may not like the
feeling when they kneel.
3) Your new knee will be with you for a long while: Almost 90% of
knee implants hold up for at least 20 years. Even after 20 years, people who’ve
had their knee replacement surgery tend to be more physically active as compared to their
same-age peers with natural knee joints. You can save wear and tear on your new
knee by keeping a healthy weight.
4) You may need extra time at the airport: Your knee implant will
almost always set off the airport metal detector. You should carry a small
notification card to let the person know you have an artificial knee.
5) You needn’t worry about
visits to the dentist: For decades, it is recommended that people with
artificial knees or hips take preventive antibiotics before any dental
procedures, including simple cleaning, that might cause bleeding from gums.
Reason being that bacteria in the mouth could get into your blood and reach the
site of the implant. People with knee implants whose immune systems are weak or
who may be prone to infections may surely need antibiotics before a dental procedure.
6) You may need new habits for your knee: Even if you fully
recover after your TKR, you’ll need to take care of your artificial knee for
the rest of your life. Avoid lifting more than 20 pounds of weight after your knee replacement. Don’t jerk
the leg with the implant. Turn by taking small steps. Pivoting sharply -- your
toes pointed in one direction and your thigh and upper body in another -- can
damage the implant and wear it out sooner.
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