Recovering from intense knee surgery can be a serious matter, especially if you are older when you’ve undergone the procedure. Whether you have recently had serious knee surgery or a complete knee replacement, there are a few tips to remember during the healing process. The more you pay attention to your body’s signs and needs, the easier it will be for you to determine what it needs to make a complete recovery in a short time.
Listen to Your Doctor’s Advice
Always make sure you find the best doctor whenever you need intense knee surgery, regardless of the condition you may be experiencing at the time. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 surgical errors occur in the U.S. on an annual basis, according to Wilson & McQueen PLLC. Once you find the best doctor who is most qualified to take on your knee surgery, it’s important to listen to their advice, especially when it comes time to recover and heal.
Ensure You Get Adequate Rest Each Night
While you are recovering from intense knee surgery, you will want to ensure you are getting adequate rest each night. Sleeping well each night can fast-track your ability to heal, regardless of the type of knee surgery you’ve recently undergone. Without proper sleep each night, you may find that the healing process has slowed or, in some cases, even come to a halt, depending on your age and the current strength of your immune system.
Walk Frequently When the Time is Right
Once you have permission from your doctor or physical therapist, you will want to walk frequently to prevent your muscles from atrophying, even as you are recovering. While you may require a few days of rest, walking will keep your muscles limber as you recover. Always consult with your doctor before you begin walking after any knee surgery.
Eat a Healthy and Anti-Inflammatory Diet
After any type of knee surgery, you will want to ensure you’re consuming a healthy and anti-inflammatory diet. Stick to healthy meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetables while recovering. Avoid processed foods or eating fast foods, as these can lead to increased inflammation throughout the body.
Attend Physical Therapy if Necessary
Approximately 90% of all patients who undergo knee replacement surgery experience a significant reduction in pain, according to the AAOS, or the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. However, surgery alone is not always the only requirement for a complete recovery. In many instances, patients will also need to attend physical therapy or occupational therapy sessions while they are in the process of recovering, especially after intense knee surgery, such as a complete replacement.
Recover Using the Right Treatments
In 2018, it was reported that approximately 67% of all doctors in the U.S. approved of the use of marijuana medicinally. Today, it is also estimated that 85% of adult Americans also approve of the use of medical marijuana. When you are recovering from intense knee surgery, and you do not want to utilize pharmaceuticals, such as painkillers that include opioids, you may want to consider alternative treatment options, such as medical marijuana.
If you are concerned about taking on new debt, and you want to minimize the potential risks and side effects of traditional medications, speak to your doctor. Speaking to your doctor can help determine which course of action is right for you. You can also determine if marijuana may be the alternate route that is optimal for your needs at the time.
Knowing what will be necessary to recover from intense knee surgery is essential before going under the knife. Even if you have had surgery in the past, it’s important to know what to expect if your knee recovery may cause you to be immobilized for any extended time. Because knee surgery can be extremely intense, the more prepared you are, the less likely you are to find yourself overwhelmed when you are experiencing the healing process.
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