What is the Healing Process Like After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgeries follow severe injuries or arthritis cases. When non-surgical treatments no longer help improve mobility or help with pain relief, surgery may become the only viable option. It’s a relatively new surgery with the first knee replacement taking place in 1968.

Statistically, more than 750,000 knee replacement surgeries happen each year. Most patients are in the range of 50 to 80 years of age when the surgery takes place.

During knee replacement surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed. Implants are placed on the ends of the two bones where the joint forms. pacers are added to keep the ends from rubbing. Finally, the kneecap may be shaped to allow a piece of plastic to prevent rubbing on the back of the bone.

After a knee replacement surgery, it will take time and care to recover. Blood clots and infection are possible risks that your parent needs to be monitored for. Following the doctor’s orders is also key to a successful recovery. That’s where home health care helps out.

What Happens Back at Home

The hospital stay following knee replacement surgery is usually no longer than three days. Back at home, your mom or dad may need pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications are preferred, but the surgeon may prescribe prescription pain relievers for a few days. Home health care nurses can help with medication administration.

As there is a risk of infection, home care nurses check incisions for signs of infection. With wound care services, the nurse makes sure the wound is clean and bandaged correctly. Bathing techniques that keep the bandage from getting wet are also important.

Physical therapy starts in the hospital. Your mom or dad may need to work with a physical therapist at home to help restore movement in the knee and strengthen the leg. Mobility exercises are important and need to be practiced daily until your parent is walking up and down the stairs with ease.

Occupational therapy may be needed to teach your parent how to use a walker until the knee is strong enough. Occupational therapy can also help your parent with daily activities like driving and stepping over objects like a bathtub side.

Make Home Health Care Part of the Recovery

A home care agency can arrange home health care services to make sure your dad’s recovery from knee replacement surgery goes well. He can have physical therapists help him strengthen his knee in his home. He’ll have a nurse to help with wound care. Senior care services can also be scheduled simultaneously, so that the activities of daily living can also be handled. Make arrangements for home health care by calling an agency and asking for more information.

Sources:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME HEALTH CARE IN LAS VEGAS, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.