4 Tips for Faster Recovery after Knee Surgery
If you've recently undergone knee surgery in Atlanta, it may seem like your recovery will last forever. There are a few important things that you can do to help the recovery go more quickly and more smoothly. Here are 4 tips to help hasten you along the road to recovery.
Keep the Knee Straight
While it may not be incredibly comfortable, it's important that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after your surgery. You should minimize the amount of time you're on your feet, and be sure to use crutches or a wheelchair if you must move about. When seated and lying down, keep your leg straight out in front of you, with no bend in the joint. It's important that you give the joint ample time to heal; your doctor will let you know when it's safe to begin bending and moving the joint.
Wear Your Knee Brace
After your surgery, your doctor may give you a knee brace. Wear it! As much as you possibly can, keep your knee brace on to help keep your knee straight and prevent any unnecessary strain. Remember, the brace is protecting and stabilizing your knee, and it's an essential piece of medical equipment that will aid in your recovery.
Appropriate Exercise
After you've undergone surgery, it's important that you only participate in exercises and activities that are approved by your doctor. The exact exercises that are approved for you will depend on the complexity of your surgery, your overall physical health, and the amount of time that has passed since your surgery. Exercises that your doctor may approve include the following:
- Bending and extending the joint while seated
- Leg presses using a resistance band
- Walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- And more
If your doctor has not approved an exercise yet, do not try it without consulting him or her. Doing so could cause you to agitate the surgery site, or re-injure the knee, which would only lengthen your journey to recovery.
Physical Therapy
Often, the exercises approved by your doctor will first be introduced to you at a regular physical therapy appointment. This allows you to try the exercise under the supervision of a certified physical therapist, who can monitor your knee and ensure that no agitation or other problems arise from the exercise. Regular physical therapy sessions are essential to your recovery, so be sure that you make an effort to attend every single session. Doing so is your best bet for a fast recovery.
If you've had knee surgery in Atlanta, the most important thing you can do is to always follow your doctor's advice. He or she will help you recover as quickly as possible.