What to Expect After a Knee Replacement Frisco TX

A knee replacement is a major surgery that over 650,000 people received in 2010. With increasing technology, that number is only rising. Whether a knee replacement Frisco TX surgery takes place because of an injury or from wear and tear, recovery is the same. Here’s what patients who undergo a total knee replacement can expect:

First Day of Rehab

A vital part of healing after a knee replacement Frisco TX surgery is getting the new knee moving as soon as possible. Most doctors have a physical therapist working with patients as soon as they wake up from surgery and the anesthesia wears off. Most patients say the first few movements are the most painful ones as they put pressure on the new joint. However, with these first movements (and beyond), patients use a walker or other devices to take the weight off their knees.

First Week

Most patients are kept in the hospital under doctor supervision for a few days, depending on their situation and the success of their rehabilitation. Physical therapists typically visit a patient’s room several times a day to encourage movement and use of new joints.
Each patient recovers differently, so physical therapists and doctors take this into consideration. Some people, especially those who are younger, recover more quickly while others may take extra time.

After Hospital Discharge

Most people are able to go home after they’re discharged from the hospital following a knee replacement surgery. However, people who don’t have someone back home to help them, or those whose homes aren’t accessible (too many stairs) go to rehabilitation facilities. Patients who get double knee replacements often go to rehab centers too. It’s a safe place for the new knee(s) to heal.

By Week 6

By the sixth week after a knee replacement Frisco TX, most patients can resume their regular activities, within reason. They should be able to walk around without too much discomfort by this point.

By Weeks 11-13

Eleven to thirteen weeks after surgery, the knee should be functioning better than the original knee. Range of motion is improved and participation in most activities is possible. The swelling and pain are significantly reduced, if not gone completely.

Medications

Keep in mind that those with knee replacement surgery typically stay on painkillers for several weeks after surgery. Anti-inflammatory medications help keep swelling down and painkillers help ease the pain of using the new joint. The medications given immediately after surgery are strong prescription-strength painkillers, and as a patient improves, the medication doses are tapered down.

Considerations

Every person’s body reacts differently to surgery, medications, and rehabilitation exercises. Not everyone will experience these results at these specified times, but these are the standard expectations after surgery. With a professional and experienced team like those at Texas Ortho Partners, we’ll help you every step of the way.  Call us today if you’re considering having knee surgery.

knee replacement Frisco TX
Frisco Texas Ortho Partners
4401 Coit Rd, Suite 203
Frisco, 75035
469-287-7179