For any surgery or significant procedure you’re considering, recovery time is naturally a common theme you’ll be wondering about. Knee replacement surgery is no exception, and there are a few key factors that tend to impact the recovery time you can expect for such a procedure.
At The Orthopaedic Center, we provide comprehensive knee and hip replacement surgery solutions for patients around Tulsa, in addition to other orthopedic surgeon and doctor services across the entire body. Here are some of the key factors that tend to play a role in recovery time for a knee replacement surgery, plus how to consider them and some basic tips on how to improve recovery time while also maintaining the quality of your replacement.
Type of Procedure
The single largest factor in determining how long your recovery will take is the type of procedure you’re undergoing. A full knee replacement surgery, for example, will typically require a longer period of recovery than a partial knee replacement due to the additional incisions and work involved.
Also of note is whether the surgery was performed using robotic assistance, which can often provide more precise and less invasive results. This will typically reduce recovery time compared to traditional methods. Make sure to discuss all of these options with your doctor beforehand so you have a better idea of what to expect in terms of recovery – at The Orthopaedic Center, we utilize the Mako robotic arm and 3D scanning technology to provide our patients with the most advanced surgical options available.
Age and Overall Health
As with any surgery, age and overall health can play a significant role in recovery time for knee replacement procedures. Older individuals or those with underlying health conditions may require more time to recover fully from the procedure. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor before scheduling surgery and follow their post-operative instructions closely.
Goals of Knee Replacement
It’s also important to note that “recovery time” itself can be a bit of a moving target, and this is typically based on the goals you have for your knee replacement. If your primary goal is to regain a significant amount of mobility and strength, this may take longer compared to someone who simply wants to address pain or discomfort in the knee.
This is one area where detailed discussion with your doctor is crucial – they’ll be able to give you a much more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case and your goals.
Sticking to Doctor Recommendations
Finally, while we wish it didn’t have to be mentioned here, we can’t stress enough how important it is to follow your doctor’s recommendations for pre and post-operative care. This includes avoiding certain activities during the recovery period and following all medication or physical therapy guidelines. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that your knee replacement procedure has the best chance of success possible – leading to a faster and more complete recovery overall.
On the flip side, even if it seems like you’re progressing faster than expected, it’s important to always check in with your doctor before making any changes to your recovery plan. Doing so can help prevent setbacks or complications that could prolong the recovery process.
Tips for Safely Decreasing Recovery Time
While you want to avoid any unsafe methods that could risk the quality of your knee replacement, here are some general tips that often help decrease your overall period in healthy ways:
- Infection prevention: Make sure to follow all instructions for keeping the surgical area clean and avoiding infection. These may include regular dressing changes and the use of antibiotics.
- Gentle exercises: Once your doctor approves, light stretches and exercises can help keep the knee joint mobile and reduce soreness or stiffness. Be sure to only do this under supervision and with approval from your doctor.
- Diet and hydration: Good nutrition is crucial for healing from any surgery, so make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated. You may also consider taking supplements like vitamin C or calcium to support your recovery.
- Physical therapy: Finally, make sure to follow all physical therapy instructions closely. These exercises are specifically designed to help you regain strength and mobility in the knee joint, so sticking to them is key if you want a speedy recovery.
By following these tips and working closely with your doctor, you can expect to see a faster recovery time and better overall results from your knee replacement surgery. Remember, everyone’s case is unique, so be sure to communicate openly and frequently with your healthcare team throughout the entire process.
The Orthopaedic Center is dedicated to providing our Tulsa patients with top-quality care and support before, during, and after their procedures – so if you have any questions or concerns about your knee replacement recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today!
