A knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty is a medical procedure that can help relieve pain in damaged or diseased knees. You could be asked to go through this surgery to improve the functioning and mobility of your knee joints.
While performing a knee replacement surgery, your doctor will remove the damaged cartilage and bone from your kneecap, shinbone and thighbone. An artificial joint made of metal alloys, high grade plastic and polymers will then be used as a replacement. Depending upon the severity of your knee-problem, your doctor may advise you to go in for a partial or a total knee replacement surgery.
In a partial knee replacement surgery, your doctor will only replace the affected part of your knee; your original knee structure remains intact to a great extent. In the total knee replacement surgery, all the three components as well as the ligaments of your knee are replaced. It may take your body a while to recuperate completely from the procedure.
The length of recovery from knee replacement surgery depends upon certain factors like your age, medical history, overall health, the type are surgery you undergo and your aftercare.
The recovery time from a knee replacement surgery varies from one patient to the other; though, most normal healthy people see a considerable improvement of range and mobility within 6 to 12 weeks of the surgery. On average, recovery from full knee replacement surgery may take approximately 8 to 12 weeks. For most patients, recovery from partial knee replacement surgery takes around 6 to 10 weeks.
You can also ask your doctor to prescribe some painkillers, if required.
Exerting yourself soon after the surgery could hamper your recovery. To avoid this, set up an appointment with your physician and get as much information as possible about the recovery process especially the amount of time you need to take off work and the activities you should avoid. In all probability, there are certain high-impact activities, like jogging or running that you will not be able to perform and should avoid after the knee replacement. Also inform your doctor about any long-term medication (including herbal medicines) that you are taking.
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