After knee surgery, it’s crucial to improve knee flexion, with knee extension being vital. The rehabilitation protocol for total knee replacement suggests bending the knee 90 degrees by the second week, transitioning from a walker to a cane, and achieving pain control by the eighth week. If tightness persists, try gentle stretching exercises, massaging, and heating pads. If severe tightness persists, consult a doctor.
Knee surgery is a medical procedure where a surgeon treats various conditions or injuries in the knee joint. There are various types, each designed to address specific issues. The choice depends on the underlying condition, damage extent, patient’s health, and treatment goals. Knee surgery can range from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to more extensive open surgeries. Patients undergo a pre-operative evaluation and work closely with their surgeon to determine the best surgical approach.
The top things to follow for the flexibility of the knee after surgery:
Post-surgery, enhancing knee flexion is crucial for regaining normal mobility, with specific recommendations varying based on the type of surgery and individual circumstances.
1.Follow your surgeon and physical therapist’s instructions:
Your healthcare team will create a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your surgery type, health status, and limitations, requiring diligent follow-up.
2. Commit to a structured physical therapy program:
Post-surgery recovery involves physical therapy, which involves exercises and stretches to enhance knee flexion, including passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion exercises.
3. Consistent home exercise program:
Regularly perform prescribed exercises at home, in addition to supervised physical therapy sessions, to help regain knee flexion and maintain consistency.
4. Monitor your pain and swelling:
Manage knee pain and swelling with medication, ice, compression, and elevation, following healthcare team recommendations to improve knee flexion.
5. Gradual progression:
As you recover, gradually increase the intensity and range of your exercises and activities, being patient and avoiding excessive pushing to avoid setbacks, with your healthcare team providing guidance.
6. Use assistive device:
Following the instructions provided by your surgeon, ensure that you use crutches, a walker, or a knee brace to protect your knee and enhance mobility.
7. Elevate your leg:
Elevating your leg while sitting or lying down can reduce swelling by using pillows or cushions to prop it up above your heart.
8. Maintain a healthy diet:
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is crucial for tissue repair and supporting the healing process.
9. Stay hydrated:
Consuming sufficient water is crucial for a healthy recovery and can help prevent complications like blood clots.
10. Avoid activities that strain the knee:
Avoid activities that could strain your healing knee, such as running or jumping, and adhere to weight-bearing restrictions as advised by your surgeon.
11. Gradual return to normal activities:
As your recovery progresses, gradually reintroduce daily activities and exercises as per your healthcare team’s recommendations, avoiding rushing to prevent re-injury.
12. Perform a range of motion exercises:
Your physical therapist will instruct you on exercises to enhance knee flexibility, including passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion exercises, which should be consistently performed.
13. Maintain a healthy weight:
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the knees, aid in faster recovery, and reduce strain on the healing knee.
14. Use heat and ice:
Consult your healthcare provider on when and how to use heat or ice to reduce muscle tension and pain, aiding in better knee flexion.
15. Pain management:
Effective pain management is crucial for enhancing knee bend, and it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, particularly before engaging in exercises or therapy.
16. Massage and myofascial release:
Consult a massage therapist or physical therapist who can use techniques like myofascial release to enhance knee flexibility and function.
17. Be patient:
Recovery is a gradual process, so it’s crucial not to overexert yourself. Instead, set achievable goals and celebrate small progress.
18. Stretching:
To enhance knee flexibility, incorporate gentle stretching exercises like quadriceps and hamstring stretches, ensuring you stretch within your comfort range and avoid overstretching.
19. Consult your surgeon for scar management:
If your surgery resulted in a significant scar limiting knee flexibility, consult your surgeon about scar management techniques, such as massage or other methods.
20. Communicate with your healthcare team:
If you experience any unexpected pain, swelling, or other concerns during your recovery, it’s crucial to contact your surgeon or physical therapist immediately.
The recovery timeline for knee surgery varies depending on the type of surgery. Your healthcare team will provide detailed guidance and monitor progress. You must follow the advice to recover as quickly as possible. The timeline for improving knee flexion also varies. Consult your surgeon and physical therapist for personalized advice and adjustments to your rehabilitation plan.
Diet restrictions to be followed after the knee surgery for flexibility:
Following a healthy, balanced diet post-knee surgery is crucial for healing and recovery, with general guidelines to improve knee flexibility.
- Protein: Protein is crucial for healing and repair, and good sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, tofu, eggs, and dairy.
- Fruits and vegetables: Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for body healing, as they are rich in nutrients.
- Whole foods: Avoid processed and sugary foods as they can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
- Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas, and juices, is crucial for healing and maintaining hydration.
After surgery, individuals should avoid high-acidity foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles, and vinegar. Drinking water or other liquids is recommended for the first few days, as there are no specific foods recommended for this situation.
About Dr Anjani Kumar
As an orthopaedic surgeon in Hyderabad, I try to provide patients with as many options as possible for hip and knee treatments to help each patient have the greatest results. I carefully consider the specific sorts of injuries and need to be comfortable offering a specialised solution before recommending the best course of therapy for each patient. My patients’ enhanced mobility and pain reduction are always my top priorities, as these will enable them to resume an active lifestyle. In more severe cases, especially when the joint has collapsed, or the bone has suffered extensive deformation, knee replacement surgery may be advised.
Knee replacement surgery may be recommended in advanced cases, especially if the joint has collapsed or the bone has become severely deformed.
Dr. Anjani Kumar has 20 years of experience and successfully performed 2000 knee replacement surgeries, 350 hip replacement surgeries, and 500 pelvic acetabular surgeries throughout his career. Please get in touch with us on Mobile: at +91 9989112411 and by E-mail: anjanikumar@ gmail.com.
