Tips for Stiff Knee Post Knee Replacement?
Going through knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing event for a person. This procedure will give you the relief that you have been dreaming of for months.
It will remove chronic pain and give you back your mobility.
But, there is no doubt that it also takes a toll on the patient’s physical body. This is why many patients report having Knee replacement stiffness after 1 year, one month, or one week.
According to Dr. Ramakant Kumar who is a Knee Replacement Surgeon in Patna, stiffness is part of the healing process which stays for some time and goes away with proper aftercare.
Inflammatory response, scar tissue formation, and muscle weakness are some of the common causes of stiffness.
But, how do you get rid of stiffness after knee replacement? As we have discussed it will go away with proper aftercare. So, here are some tips for stiff knee post knee replacement that will be helpful during the recovery period.
Contents
Tips for Stiff Knee Post-Knee Replacement
Knee stiffness is a common physical condition that occurs after knee replacement.
However, it doesn’t mean one should take it lightly as it may start interfering with day-to-day lifestyle. So, here’s how you treat post-operative knee stiffness:
#1. Exercise
Doing exercise for a stiff knee after surgery is the best way to deal with this post-operative issue. Performing certain activities regularly helps you get back your range of motion by reducing knee stiffness.
Remember that consistency is the main thing in treating knee stiffness through exercise. Not only stiffness but it will also relieve pain and support the healing process.
This is because physical activities improve the blood circulation in the affected area which provides needed oxygen and nutrition.
So, exercise regularly and don’t overstretch yourself because it may lead to another injury. If you feel unsafe while performing these exercises then you must opt for physical therapy.
#2. Physical therapy
What is the best exercise for stiff knees? Well if you search this on the internet then you will get numerous different exercises.
But, it’s a well-known fact that not all of them will work and some of them may be risky too. As a knee surgery patient, you should not take risks as it may result in another health disaster.
This is why knee arthroscopy specialists in Patna suggest their clients opt for physical therapy. A trained physical therapist will provide you with a tailored exercise program to your specific needs.
Engaging in these exercises will help you prevent scar tissue formation, improve joint flexibility, and reduce stiffness.
Additionally, if you have some concerns about a specific exercise and questions like “Should I force my knee to bend after knee replacement?” then make sure your doctor and physical therapist collaborate to create a customized rehabilitation plan.
#3. Heat and Cold therapy
If you are wondering, why is my knee still stiff after replacement? Then you must know that there can be many reasons for it. But, if swelling is the culprit behind it then ice packs will come in handy.
Ice packs reduce blood circulation which as a result decreases swelling along with stiffness. Some health experts also suggest applying heat plays a role in reducing swelling.
Ice packs will generally be effective in the early stages. Whereas heat therapy will be helpful in the later stages. If you feel any skin discomfort while following these methods then don’t forget to talk to your doctor.
#4. Manipulation Under Anesthesia
How long does pain and stiffness last after knee replacement? The knee stiffness may last for three to six months after the surgery.
But, if it stays longer than six months then patients have to opt for more serious treatment. Manipulation under anesthesia is one such treatment that is a nonoperative technique.
During the procedure, a doctor injects the patients with general anesthesia through IV.
After that, the doctor moves the patient’s knee forcefully, which breaks the scar tissues. This manipulation technique is very useful for those patients who are unable to move their knees more than 90 degrees.
Those who are experiencing Stiffness 3 months after knee replacement must opt for this method. However, not all patients are good candidates for manipulation as it carries risks of fracture too.
#5. Massage and Stretching
Not massaging and stretching your knee muscles are some of the top 5 mistakes after knee replacement. These two methods are very easy to perform and helpful in breaking the scar tissue.
It enhances flexibility and range of motion which helps you move properly. Not only that it will improve blood flow which will support the healing process.
Additionally, messaging and stretching are also helpful in reducing swelling and pain around the knee joint.
However, remember to don’t overdo these methods as this may result in another injury. Perform gentle stretching and consult your doctor to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
#6. Hydration and Nutrition
Some patients have experienced Knee replacement stiffness after 5 years.
Health experts say that this can happen when the patients fall behind in providing their bodies with needed nutrition during the recovery.
The body needs energy and nutrition to heal itself, especially during the recovery period. This is one of the reasons why the doctors who provide keyhole surgery in Patna advise their patients to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, drinking adequate water is also crucial because it supports tissue health and prevents muscle cramps. Not only that, hydrating your body also lubricates joints which reduces stiffness and joint mobility.
So, these were some of the effective tips for stiff knee post-knee replacement. These tips will not only help you reduce stiffness but other discomforts also like the tight band feeling after TKR.
How Do You Treat Post Operative Knee Stiffness?
Opting for knee replacement surgery is very beneficial for dealing with knee joint issues like arthritis. But, sometimes it also comes with some complications and stiffness is the most common one.
This is why in this blog we have provided you with 5 tips for stiff knee post-knee replacement.
However, if somehow you don’t find these tips helpful then you must contact Dr. Ramakant Kumar who is famous as the name of, Knee Replacement doctor Patna.
According to the regional folks, he is also the best Doctor for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Patna. Dr. Ramakant Kuamr will help you find the real cause of your stiffness and then provide you with a suitable treatment.
He believes in providing their patients with personalized treatments as it leads to better results. So, wait no more and get in touch with Dr. Ramakant Kumar to get rid of your knee stiffness and have a complication-free recovery.
