What You Can Do To Improve Your Recovery
Practicing these five total hip replacement recovery tips can help you to have a smooth and successful recovery.
Get in a healthy exercise routine
Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, its important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program. Recommended activities include gradually increased walking and light household activities . Movement is essential to a healthy recovery.
Pay attention to diet and weight
Excess weight can put stress on your new hip prosthesis and increase wear and the risk of complication. Maintaining a healthy body weight before and after your surgery can help to improve your recovery process and the ultimate lifespan of your prosthesis. Additionally, make sure to maintain a balanced diet during your recovery.
Exercise to Promote Blood Flow
Certain exercises can help to promote blood flow and prevent clots. These include:
Regularly squeezing the thigh and calf.
Motion exercises for the legs that utilize full range of leg motions
Walking with or without the assistance of supportive devices
Thigh Bruising After Knee Replacement
The most common area you will notice bruising after knee replacement is the thigh or inner thigh region. Thigh bruising can be caused by a few things during and after the surgery.
During the surgery your doctor will use a tourniquet around the thigh region to cut off the blood flow and limit blood loss. This tourniquet is very tight and puts strong pressure on your blood vessels in the area.
Because of this tourniquet often times you will develop significant bruising in the thigh muscle area after surgery. In fact many patients complain of post-op pain in this specific area most often caused by the tourniquet.
Secondly, once you begin your therapy in the hospital and at home you will be using muscle and placing strain on the quadriceps or thigh area. Along with this use you will have some micro tearing of the muscle fibers along with swelling, placing pressure on the blood vessels.
This forced usage will likely cause some thigh bruising after your knee replacement. This bruising is expected and normal. Be sure to ice this area for 25-30 minutes 5-7 times per day to assist in the healing of this area.
Bruising After Knee Replacement Surgery
Bruising after total knee replacement surgery is normal. I experienced mild bruising and you may experience mild or extensive bruising. Bruising will be slightly different for each individual.
After TKR there are multiple areas that have the potential to bruise. There could be bruising on the thigh, around the knee, down the shin, and even as far as your toes.
The bruising will eventually clear up and it may take several weeks to disappear.
Bruises evolve as they heal. They may turn different colors in the process. It is important to remember that these bruises have nothing to do with deep vein thrombosis or blood clots .
Dont worry, bruising is part of the healing process and they are rarely permanent. Below, Ill share a few tips to help reduce bruising after knee replacement.
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What To Expect After The Operation
Scar
You will have a single scar in the region of your hip and this will measure anywhere between 8 and 20 cms . The length of scar is dependent in part on obesity and musculature. The exact position of the scar will depend on the approach that your surgeon uses to enter the hip joint and can be on the front, side or back of your hip. The wound can be closed in a number of ways including with sutures that need to be removed, or dissolvable sutures, with staples or with glue.
Stitches
If you have stitches which need to be removed, this can usually be done by the practice nurse at your GP surgery about 10 days after your operation. You should make an appointment for this as soon as you get home. Your hospital should already have given you advice about how your wounds are closed and how to care for them.
Dressings
How your wound is closed will influence whether you need to keep your scar covered. If your surgeon has used staples or stitches then the wound should be kept covered until these are removed. If your stitches are buried, then the wound only needs to be covered for the first few days and you will not have to worry about getting the scar wet, but follow the advice given from your surgical team about how to shower and bathe. If there is leakage from the wound, you should inform the surgeon immediately.
Rehabilitation
Preventing blood clots
Discomfort
Swelling
Tiredness
Crutches and walking sticks
Constipation
S To Take After Surgery
After surgery, the following steps can help reduce the chances of infection:
- Follow your surgeons guidance on how to take care of your incision.
- Treat any cuts, wounds, burns, or scrapes as soon as they happen. Clean with an antiseptic product and then cover it with a clean bandage.
- Keep up with preventive dental health and dont delay in seeing your dentist. Your dentist or orthopedic surgeon may want you to take antibiotics about an hour before any dental procedures to reduce your chance of infection.
See your doctor if you think you might be developing any kind of infection after total knee replacement, including urinary tract infections, ingrown toenails, and skin infections.
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Exercise Maintaining A Healthy Diet And Body Weight Taking Steps To Prevent Blood Clots And Preparing Your Household For Reduced Mobility Can Help To Ensure A Successful Recovery Following Your Hip Replacement Surgery
Surgery may be the most important and intense step in any treatment plan, but it is not the only one that carries serious weight and particular risks. The recovery period following an orthopaedic surgery usually involves many important steps and processes that will determine your long-term health and mobility.
This is the case with total hip replacement surgery. Hip replacements have become a common procedure and, since the 1960s when these operations were first performed, the safety of hip replacement procedures has increased dramatically. The ultimate success of the surgery, however, will be determined by the success of the recovery process.
The doctors and specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute use the best methods and equipment available to promote a successful total hip replacement recovery they will guide you through every step of the recovery process. However, there are steps for a healthy and smooth recovery that have to be taken independently. Continue reading to learn about the measures you can personally take to improve your total hip replacement recovery process.
Be Mindful Of Your Hip When In Bed
Good sleep habits and a comfortable bed will help support your recovery.
Having sex is also not advised during the first six weeks of your recovery. After this time, and when you feel ready, take things slowly.
Remember to consider the position of your hip to avoid muscle strain, injury or dislocation of the hip.
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Ankle & Foot Bruising And Swelling After Knee Replacement
The most confusing of the areas you will see bruising after TKR is your ankle and foot regions. Especially since the bruising in this area does not come with any pain in the foot or ankle. So why is this?
Your bruising starts with irritation to the knee and thigh region from the surgery. When you begin to walk and stand more with your rehab, gravity will begin to bring the bruising and swelling down your leg into your foot and ankle.
It may look like you have a sprained ankle or foot but clearly this is not the case. Often times my patients cannot get their original shoe on the foot because of the swelling. Foot swelling after knee surgery is normal and should not be of concern.
You will often see the leg bruising occur at night when your leg is more gravity dependent. Again, this is normal and should not cause any concern.
To help get rid of this bruising you should elevate the ankle above your heart level. Lay flat on your back and place 2-3 pillows full length under your leg for 60-90 minutes. You can also perform ankle pumps while elevating to help move the swelling. Ankle swelling after knee surgery again is normal and expected.
Placing ice on the foot and ankle will NOT help with the bruising. The reason for this is that the actual area of irritation is not the ankle but rather the knee. You should only use ice on the area of injury or irritation.
How Long Does Bruising Last After Knee Replacement Surgery
Typically, bruising around your surgically repaired knee will last 1 to 2 weeks. Bruising often appears as a purplish discoloration that indicates there is blood in the area .
Its common and normal to develop bruises in your thigh, calf, ankle and foot because that is where blood pools in the leg.
The blood will track along the tissue planes of your leg resulting in bruising .
In many cases patients are hooked up to compression machines right after surgery that stimulate the circulation of blood through the leg. This helps push blood in and out of the leg and may reduce the amount of bruising.
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What Not To Do After Hipreplacement
Post hip replacement surgery, you will have to take some precautions. Your doctor will give you a complete instructions about How to Elevate Leg after Hip Replacement and what not to do after the surgery.
So, here mentioned are some points that should be avoided for quick post Hip Replacement Muscle Recovery.
- No crossing or bending your leg for at least six to eight weeks
- Knees should be below than hip and sit higher
- No leaning while sitting or picking anything from floor
- Dont turn your foot inward or outward while bending
- And twisting of hips is strictly not to be carried out
- Dont bend your waist
In addition to that, diet is also important as it is the main part of the recovery. Doctors recommend patients to take vitamin, iron, and calcium supplement, and drink plenty of fluids and regular check of your weight to avoid putting stress on your joints.
What Are The Complications Of Joint Surgery
These include general complications of anaesthesia and surgery.Specific complications with any joint replacement surgery include risk of infection, bleeding, instability/dislocation, limb length discrepancy, blood clots, prosthetic loosening, stiffness, nerve/vessel damage. Other risks of surgery will be discussed by Dr. Nizam before any surgery is to be undertaken.
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How Long Will Recovery Take
The length of time itll take to recover varies depending upon the severity of your injury and the depth of the contusion. It may take as long as two to four weeks to recover fully. You can return to normal activities as soon as you feel able.
Dont massage, heat, or stretch your injured muscles while youre recovering. Doing so can hinder healing. Avoid or limit any alcohol use during recovery as well. Alcohol can also slow healing.
Dos And Don’ts To Protect Your New Hip
Dos and don’ts vary depending on your doctor’s surgical technique and preferences. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide you with a list of dos and don’ts to remember with your new hip. These precautions will help to prevent the new joint from dislocating and ensure proper healing. Some of the most common precautions are listed below. Ask your doctor if these precautions apply to you.
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S To Take Before Surgery
In the weeks before surgery, see your dentist to check for cavities or other problems that need attention. This is because an infection from your mouth, or anywhere else in your body, can go to your knee.
Before your knee surgery, the following steps can help prevent infections:
- Antibiotics. Your healthcare team will usually give you antibiotics in the hour before surgery, and then at 24 hour intervals afterwards.
- Testing for and reducing nasal bacteria. There is some evidence that testing for Staphylococcus bacteria in the nasal passages, and using intranasal antibacterial ointment before surgery, could reduce infections.
- Washing with chlorohexidine. Some evidence says that washing with cloths soaked in chlorhexidine in the days leading up to surgery could help prevent infection. Brands include Betasept and Hibiclens.
- Avoid shaving. Opt not to shave your legs before surgery as this can increase the bacterial load.
The surgeon may recommend rescheduling your surgery if there are any changes in your medical condition, cuts or scratches on the skin, signs of a urinary tract infection, or symptoms of a cold.
Dont Drive Until Youre Cleared By Your Doctor
Driving after hip replacement is different for everyone. Some people are able to drive within a couple of weeks of their hip replacement surgery, and others need more time to heal and drive safely. Before you drive, its important to discuss it with your doctor so that you know youre safe on the road and that doing so wont disrupt your healing process.
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How Soon After Hip Replacement Surgery Will I Resume Walking And Taking Part In Daily Activities
The rapid recovery approach enables patients to walk within three to four hours after joint replacement with less pain, less discomfort, less nausea/vomiting, less muscle weakness and rapid recovery.
Patients are encouraged to wear their own clothing the night of surgery ensuring they are street ready, up and around and walking.
What Should I Expect After My Total Hip Or Total Knee Replacement
NOTE: The following is a general guide to care following your procedure. Your healthcare provider may have somewhat different instructions for you. Please follow those.
After total knee or total hip replacement surgery you can expect gradual improvement over the coming months. You should gradually expect less pain, stiffness and swelling, and a more independent lifestyle. Returning to work depends on how quickly you heal and how demanding your job may be on a new joint.
After you are discharged from the hospital or rehabilitation facility, there will be a few weeks before you return for a follow-up visit with your surgeon. This period of time is critical in your rehabilitation and you may require outpatient therapy services for positive long-term results from your surgery.
In general, patients do very well after discharge. However, its important that you contact the surgeons office if any of these occur:
- You have increasing pain in the operative site.
- There is new or increased redness or warmth since discharge.
- There is new or increased drainage from your incision.
- The operative site is increasingly swollen.
- Your calf becomes swollen, tender, warm or reddened.
- You have a temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours.
- For total knee replacement, your ability to flex has decreased or remains the same as when you were discharged from the hospital.
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How Will I Feel The First Few Days Back From Joint Replacement Surgery
No matter how much you prepared for your homecoming, it will be an adjustment. You will likely experience anxiety and question whether you were discharged too early. This is a normal feeling, so relax and focus on your recovery.
Depending on your surgeon’s policy, you may get a call from a care coordinator. This is your opportunity to report any problems and ask any questions. You may also get a visit from the physical therapist or occupational therapist within 48 hours of discharge. Your provider will let you know what to expect and the timelines involved.
Why Dr Ramakant Kumar Is The Best Doctor For Hip Joint Replacement Patna
Dr. Ramakant Kumar has developed an enviable reputation as the Best Total Hip Replacement Doctor in Patna. He has successfully performed numerous cases of hip & knee joint surgeries including revision surgery.
Additionally, his Advanced Bone & Joint Clinic is the premier orthopedic clinic focused on delivering the highest quality care to people with chronic conditions.
He has also done many international fellowships in minimally invasive joint replacement and arthroscopy surgery. And is a committed high profile surgeon of international reckoning with several publications of PUBMED repute.
Being the finest Hip Replacement Doctor in Patna, he has also introduced and integrated newer advances such as usage of allograft in the surgery. Thus, if looking for a Hip Replacement Surgery Best Hospital in Patna, then you must visit Dr. Ramakants Clinic.
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Why Is There Postoperative Bruising
Bruising occurs due to a leakage of blood from the tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries. Even though most of these blood vessels are carefully cauterized during the surgical procedure, they may ooze again when the blood pressure returns to normal, causing bleeding. Bruising also occurs in cases when the surgeon has not used the vacuum wound drain.
There is no need for you to worry, as this bleeding is not severe. The bruising will fade away after a few days. However, if you have fever, heat in the surgical area and other changes at the operation site, please consult your doctor immediately, as you are likely to have an infection.
What Should I Expect During The First Six Weeks After Discharge
During the first six weeks after discharge, you should be making progress week by week. Most patients are eager to report their progress at follow-up visits and are ready to move to the next level in their recovery. Most patients can accomplish the following during the first six weeks after total joint replacement:
- Walk without help on a level surface with the use of walker, crutches or cane as appropriate.
- Climb stairs as tolerated.
- Get in and out of bed without help.
- Get in and out of a chair or car without help.
- Shower using a tub bench once staples are removed as long as there are no issues with the incision.
- Resume your activities of daily living including cooking, light chores, walking and going outside the home. You should certainly be awake and moving around most of the day.
- Some patients return to work before the first follow-up visit. This is approved on an individual basis and should be discussed with your surgeon.
Icing and elevation
After a joint replacement, swelling is expected. Swelling can cause increased pain and limit your range of motion, so taking steps to reduce the swelling is important. Continue using ice packs or some form of cold therapy to help reduce swelling.
Sexual activity after joint replacement
Many people worry about resuming sexual activity after a joint replacement.
Resuming your diet
If youre not eating well after surgery, contact your healthcare provider about nutritional supplements.
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