Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement
Getting a knee replacement is a life-changing decision. Whether it is a knee plate surgery (as it is commonly called in local terms) or a total knee arthroplasty, the goal is simple: to live a pain-free life. However, the surgery is only 50% of the battle; the remaining 50% depends on how well you manage your recovery.
As a leading orthopedic surgeon in Patna with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Ashwini Gaurav has seen thousands of patients successfully regain their mobility after surgery. At the same time, he has also observed that recovery can be delayed or complicated due to avoidable errors. Understanding the Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement can make a significant difference in achieving a smooth, faster, and pain-free recovery. If you or a loved one are entering the recovery phase after knee replacement surgery, avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial.
The Top 5 Mistakes After Knee Replacement
1. Neglecting Physical Therapy and Exercises
The most common error after knee replacement is thinking that the surgery itself will automatically restore movement. Dr. Ashwini Gaurav emphasizes that the “new knee” needs to be trained. Many patients skip their physiotherapy sessions because they find them tiring or slightly uncomfortable. However, without consistent movement, the joint can become stiff. This can lead to the build-up of scar tissue, making the knee feel permanently “tight.” To get the best results post knee replacement, you must follow the exercise chart provided by Dr. Ashwini Gaurav religiously.
2. Ignoring Pain or Swelling Symptoms
On the flip side of neglecting exercise is being over-ambitious. After a knee replacement, you might feel a sudden burst of energy because the old chronic pain is gone. Patients often try to climb stairs too many times, walk long distances without support, or drive before they are cleared. Dr. Ashwini Gaurav often tells his patients that “healing cannot be rushed.” Putting too much stress on the knee plate surgery site too early can loosen the implant or cause a fall, leading to serious complications.
3. Overdoing Activities Too Soon
Gradually increasing your activity levels and avoiding putting inordinate weight or strain on your new knee is crucial to preventing complications and ensuring a smooth reclamation. Your doctor will give you special guidelines on weight- bearing restrictions and activity modifications to follow in the weeks and months following surgery. It’s important to adhere to these recommendations to secure your new knee and promote a successful reclamation.
4. Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Once the stitches are out and the patient starts walking, many feel they no longer need to see their doctor. This is a significant mistake in the post op for knee replacement phase. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Ashwini Gaurav to check the alignment of the joint and monitor how the bone is healing around the implant. Some issues don’t show symptoms immediately, and a quick check-up can catch a minor problem before it becomes a major crisis. Consistency is key, so keep every appointment scheduled with Dr. Ashwini Gaurav.
5. Unhealthy Diet and Lifestyle
Your body needs “fuel” to repair tissues after a knee replacement surgery. A major mistake is returning to a sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet. Every extra kilo of body weight puts four times the amount of pressure on your new knee. Dr. Ashwini Gaurav advises maintaining a healthy weight to extend the life of your implant. Furthermore, smoking or a lack of protein can slow down bone healing significantly. Dr. Ashwini Gaurav recommends a protein-rich diet and staying hydrated to ensure the blood supply to the knee remains optimal for recovery.
Conclusion
A knee replacement is a second chance at an active life. While the surgeon’s skill is paramount, your commitment to the post op knee replacement care determines the final result. By avoiding these top 5 mistakes after knee replacement, you ensure that your investment in your health pays off for decades to come.
As a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Patna, Dr. Ashwini Gaurav is committed to walking with you through every step of this journey. Remember, a little patience and discipline today will lead to a lifetime of painless walking tomorrow. If you are experiencing any unusual pain in knee after knee replacement, reach out to Dr. Ashwini Gaurav for expert guidance backed by 15 years of surgical excellence.
