5 Ways to Deal with Knee Surgery Pain and Swelling

Knee surgery, like a total knee replacement or an arthroscopic procedure, is a common way to help people with knee pain or injuries. Knee surgery can make a big difference in a person’s mobility and quality of life, but it’s important to deal with pain and swelling after the surgery. In this article, we’ll talk about five ways to deal with pain and swelling after knee surgery so that you can recover faster and more comfortably.

Follow what your doctor tells you to do.

The most important and first tip for dealing with pain and swelling after knee surgery is to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. Your surgeon will give you a detailed plan for how to take care of yourself after surgery. This plan may include information about pain medications, physical therapy, and what you can and can’t do. It is important to stick to this plan for proper healing and to avoid problems.

• Painkillers: Your doctor will probably give you painkillers after surgery to help you deal with the pain. It’s important to take this medicine as prescribed and talk to your doctor about any worries or side effects.
• Physical therapy: Getting physical therapy is an important part of getting better. Your physical therapist will lead you through a series of exercises and stretches that will help you move around better, strengthen your knee, and reduce swelling.
• Restrictions on activities: Your doctor may tell you that you can’t do certain things after surgery, like bearing weight or making certain movements. It’s important to follow these rules to avoid getting hurt and make sure you heal properly.

Put ice on the leg and raise it up

Putting ice on the knee and raising the leg with the injury can help reduce pain and swelling. Ice helps to narrow the blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and numbs the nerves. On the other hand, raising the affected area helps keep fluid from building up there, which makes the swelling go down.

Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or cloth to keep your skin from getting frostbite when you use it. Your doctor may tell you to put the ice pack on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Also, keep your leg above the level of your heart as much as possible, especially in the first few days after surgery.

Put on tight socks or bandages

Compression socks or bandages can give the knee more support and help keep swelling down. The way these clothes work is by putting light pressure on the area. This increases blood flow and decreases fluid buildup. After surgery, your doctor may tell you to wear compression stockings or bandages for a certain amount of time. Make sure you do what they say about how and when to wear these clothes.

Do some light exercises and movement

During the healing process, it is important to rest, but gentle movement and exercises can help reduce pain and swelling. As your doctor and physical therapist tell you, moving around as soon as possible can improve circulation, help you heal, and keep you from getting stiff. Ankle pumps, quad sets, and heel slides are all examples of exercises that are easy on the body.

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s recovery process is different, and that the exercises you do should be based on your needs and abilities. Before starting a new exercise plan, you should always talk to your doctor.

Keep yourself well-hydrated and eat a balanced diet

Getting enough water and food is very important to the healing process. Keeping yourself hydrated can help your body get rid of extra fluids, which can help reduce swelling. Aim to drink a lot of water and stay away from drinks with too much caffeine or alcohol, which can make you dehydrated.

A well-balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, like protein, can help the body heal and reduce inflammation. To help your body recover, include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats in your meals.

To sum it up, one of the most important parts of getting better after knee surgery is dealing with pain and swelling. By doing what your doctor tells you to do, like putting ice on the leg and propping it up, wearing compression clothing, moving and exercising gently, and staying hydrated and eating well, you can help your recovery go more smoothly and comfortably. Remember that everyone’s healing process is different, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about any worries or questions you might have.

At Max Healthcare, we know how hard it can be to get better after knee surgery, so we’re committed to giving our patients all the help and support they need during their recovery. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to create a personalized care plan that meets your specific needs and gets you back to living your best life as soon as possible. With hard work, patience, and the right plans in place, you can deal with the pain and swelling that come after knee surgery and enjoy the long-term benefits.

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Myths and Facts on Total Knee Replacement (TKR)