Orthopedic Knee Surgeon Pottstown PA
If you have been experiencing knee pain for a long time, your orthopedic knee surgeon Pottstown PA residents trust may have recommended knee replacement surgery. What you do and don’t do after your surgery can have a big impact on your recovery. Here are some do’s and don’ts of recovering from knee surgery.
Do Use Ice
It is common to have swelling around your knee for a few months after your surgery. To reduce some of the swelling, put an ice pack around the surgical site. Try to do this a few times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. If the ice pack is too cold, try putting a towel between the ice pack and your skin.
Don’t Put Extra Pressure on Your Knee
After knee surgery, your knee will be very sensitive, so you should not apply extra stress on it. Your orthopedic knee doctor Pottstown, PA residents trust will want you to avoid lifting heavy objects and be extra careful when kneeling and bending down.
Do Live a Healthy Lifestyle
The healthier you are, the faster you will recover from knee surgery. That is why you should try to take extra good care of your body after your procedure. Eat a nutritious diet filled with fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats. If you are a smoker, you should make the effort to quit. Smoking tobacco constricts your blood vessels, which can delay the healing process. You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the time being, as they can thin the blood.
Get at least eight hours of sleep a night and ask your orthopedic knee surgeon in Pottstown about the types of exercises you can do. Low-impact exercises, like walking and swimming, are easy on the knees and may help you regain your strength.
Don’t Undergo Other Surgical Treatments Until You Recover
Knee surgery naturally puts your body in trauma. That is why you should not have any other surgical procedures during your recovery period. If you do, it can prolong your recovery and even put your knee at risk of infection.
Do You Use Your Walking Aids
After knee surgery, your doctor will give you crutches to walk on. This walking aid is designed to help you take weight off your knee and improve your balance. Make sure to use your crutches until your doctor says otherwise.
Don’t Lose Patience
Not everyone heals from surgery at the same times. If your recovery from knee surgery is taking a little longer than you’d like, you should not lose hope. Be patient with the recovery process and recognize that the end results will be worth it.
If you have additional questions about getting knee surgery, you should contact an orthopedic knee surgeon in Pottstown PA as soon as possible.