What you MUST do after a knee surgery

For a few weeks after the surgery, you will need to take special care to avoid putting any pressure on the joints or the artificial knee, says Dr Subhash Jangid.

Pain in the knee area or joints affects as many as 15 crore Indians.

While there may be various forms of treatment and medications available, knee replacement is one of the most successful procedures in the medical history.

Knee or joint replacement surgery removes the dilemma of age long physical restriction due to pain and helps patients regain their confidence to lead a pain free lifestyle.

At the same time, one needs to take adequate care of the replaced knee to avoid any complications.

Here are some things you must do after your knee surgery:

• Immediately after your surgery, you will be given ice packs and a DVT pump machine to prevent inflammation, swelling and deep vein thrombosis in the leg.
• You will be advised to move your ankle and foot to maintain the circulation. 
• While sleeping, you can turn on either side for a comfortable sleep.
• As soon as the pain subsides, you may be asked to stand up and take a few steps with the aid of walker and in the presence of therapist.
• Your diet will become normal and there are no specific restrictions as far as the knee surgery is concerned.
• You must never torque or twist the operated knee. This can lead to fall and dislocation of the knee. If this happens by accident, treat it as an emergency and report to your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.
• You have to use a commode which is approximately 18 inches of height or you may use a commode chair for initial few weeks. This can be removed after 4 to 6 weeks.
• While getting up from sitting position, slide towards the edge of the seat and use arms of the chair or walker for the support to get up. You may require a walker or stick for initial 4 to 6 weeks. The comfort will increase with each passing day and regular stretching exercises.
• Avoid sitting on the floor or a low seat. While getting up from a low seat or floor, we put a lot of bending and twisting force on the replaced knee in weight bearing position. This can lead to pain in the knee and will also reduce the life of the artificial knee.
• Remember to cover the knee with a clean drape before taking a shower. While bathing you can take standing position under the shower or use a stable plastic chair. 
• Wear comfortable non-skid shoes and avoid putting on body weight.
• While climbing stairs hold the side bars of the stairs. Use your non operated leg to climb up the stairs and to come down use your operated leg. Always use one step at a time.
• Look for warning signs of swelling, redness, rashes etc. Report to your doctor urgently for further evaluation.

Physiotherapy is an integral part of recovery process. You should do regular stretching and strengthening exercises of the muscles which move the knee joint. You should rest in between the activities.

You should be able to do all activities of daily living independently when you leave for home.

You can even cook for yourself. You should take diet rich in calcium and protein to build up your muscles and make the bone strong.

You need to manage other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension in optimum way to avoid any complications.

Dr Subhash Jangid is director and unit head, Institute of Bone and Joint, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.