After the arthroplasty procedure, the quality of life changes for the better. People do not feel any pain and restore their mobility. But, like any surgical intervention, the replacement surgery is a trauma to the body. That’s why it is essential to be careful about your health and follow specific rules during the rehabilitation period. Bookimed doctors in cooperation with specialists of the Malvazinky Hospital (the Czech Republic) have prepared a list of the most common questions of patients who undergo joint prosthetics.

What is necessary for the fast recovery after the joint replacements?

Rehabilitation after surgery is complex and includes such components::

  • Drug therapy helps a patient to remove pain and to fight against infections. Vitamins have a general strengthening effect.
  • Physiotherapy provides the strengthening of muscles, especially in the area of the damaged joint and normalizes the motor function.
  • Psychotherapy allows a patient to concentrate the internal resources of the body and fasten the recovery process.
  • Diet and nutrition provide the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and minerals in the required proportions into the body.

Why is postoperative care so basic after the knee and hip replacements?

Postoperative care has the following goals:

  • Development of the damaged joints mobility;
  • The return of a patient to the usual lifestyle;
  • Achievement and preservation of correct movements during walking;
  • Strengthening the weak muscle groups;
  • Return of the precise muscular coordination of individual muscle groups.

What should a patient pay attention for after discharge from a hospital?

Before discharge from a hospital, a patient should be able to walk independently with the help of crutches. A patient should be able to walk on an even surface and the stairs. An orthopedist develops an individual unique program for each patient.

At home, a patient should continue the training program. Doing the exercises a patient should pay attention to the pain and fatigue of the injured limb. A doctor may change the activities if necessary.

If a patient has knee swelling after the replacement surgery, the specialists recommend applying ice compresses at home. Patients may make the compresses themselves. A person should wrap ice or special blue gel (cryopack) in the cotton cloth to prevent hypothermia.

Monitoring the stretching of the knee is essential. A patient should put a pillow or rolled up towel under the heel and try to straighten the knee. Be careful doing this exercise.

A necessary element of therapy is the care for the scar and the surface of the skin after the surgery. A patient may dub the skin of the knee with fat or cream, according to the prescription of the specialist. Massage of the scar may also help to recover faster.

For the prevention of vascular diseases, a patient should wear an elastic bandage (compression stockings).

What actions should a patient avoid during the recovery period?

A patient shouldn’t do in for sports after the endoprosthesis. Jumping is strictly forbidden!

Moreover, after the knee replacement orthopedists warn NOT to:

  • Stand on the operated leg;
  • Wear unsuitable shoes because of the risk of falling and injury;
  • Weight bear with long hikes;
  • Pass deep lunges during the training;
  • Misuse the crutches during the walk.

After the hip replacement specialists recommend NOT to:

  • Bend down, hunch over, squat, put on socks and shoes yourself;
  • Cross the legs (a patient should sleep with a pillow between the legs);
  • sit in low chairs (a person need to use a particular high seat for the toilet);
  • Wear heavy (over 5 kg) things;
  • Ovestrain the operated leg (it is necessary to change its position every 30 minutes);
  • Drive (driving is allowed for 3 months after the hip replacement;.

A patient should also avoid the movements associated with the risk of dislocation. Particular attention is paid to safety during sex.

What activities are recommended after the knee and hip replacements?

For the fast recovery, a patient should regularly perform exercises for the operated limb at least twice a week.

Orthopedists also recommend:

  • Daily walk in the fresh air for the development of the correct walking;
  • To go in for indoor cycling with a highly installed saddle. Afterwards, a patient may ride a bicycle, but s/he should avoid cross-country trails;
  • To swim.

If you feel pain in the waist and hip for over a week, or if you have infectious diseases, you should immediately consult your doctor!

Schedule of an orthopedist's examinations and training of an injured leg

Outpatient examination of an orthopedist

Approximate plan of exercises

X-ray diagnostics in 6 weeks after the surgery

Walking with crutches

X-ray diagnostics in 3 months after the surgery

A patient starts walking without crutches

X-ray diagnostics in 6 months after the surgery

Light sports activities and return to the healthy lifestyle

X-ray diagnostics in 1 year after the surgery

Individual rehabilitation program

In the 1-year period after the replacement, a patient should undergo X-ray examinations once in 2 years.

Why is postoperative rehabilitation is so necessary?

Doctors recommend postoperative rehabilitation for the following reasons:

  • Incorrect movements lead to pain in the area of the wound and the lumbar and sacral spine.
  • Low mobility of the operated leg increases the risks of complications during walking.
  • Not every patient may perform a set of necessary exercises at home and observe the correct postoperative regimen.