Recovering from knee surgery need not be an ordeal. With the right strategy and approach, you can regain mobility and resume normal life as quickly as possible.
Full recovery after knee surgery can take up to a year. However, you should be able to resume most of your regular activities after a recovery period.
Initially, however, it is likely that you will need to remain in hospital for 1-3 days. One of the main concerns patients often worry about is how they will be able to manage pain in (and after) this short period after the knee surgery.
Luckily, the field of orthopaedic pain management has progressed significantly. Now, there is a range of various tips and tools you can utilise to minimise pain and maximise recovery after knee surgery. In this article, we’ll share our practical advice about ensuring the smoothest and most painless recovery journey.
5 Tips and Tools for Managing Postoperative Pain
Don’t be deterred if you feel pain or discomfort – this is a normal step following knee surgery. By adhering to the following guidance, you can reduce this pain while hopefully decreasing recovery time.
Take your prescribed pain medication
You will be prescribed pain medications, which will likely be opioid medications. Do not drink or operate vehicles while taking this medication. The medication should be fast-acting and alleviate the pain from the surgery. If you have any concerns about your prescribed medications, don’t hesitate to speak to your surgeon.
Try gentle exercises
When recommended by your physiotherapist, don’t be afraid to try out gentle exercises. These might include standing knee bends, step-ups, cycling on a stationary bike and mini squats. Your physiotherapist or specialist will likely recommend that these should be undertaken daily so you benefit from strengthening the muscles around your knee. If completed regularly, these exercises have a multitude of benefits, including:
- Reduced stiffness around the knee joint.
- Improved joint flexibility.
- Better circulation.
However, consistency is key. If these exercises are inciting pain, consult with your specialist.
Raise your joint
Raise your joint to above heart level. You can use cushions, chairs and so forth to lift your leg comfortably.
Raising your leg boosts your blood flow while reducing blood pressure in your leg. The necessary blood and fluids will drain from your leg, promoting recovery.
Use ice as appropriate
Ice excels at reducing inflammation. To access its benefits, apply an ice pack or frozen gel pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time or as instructed by your surgeon.
For frozen gel packs, ensure they are placed inside the provided sleeve pocket before applying them to your skin to avoid direct contact. When using an ice pack, always place a clean, dry towel between the pack and your skin to prevent direct contact.
Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours between each application of the ice pack or gel pack, and always inspect your skin’s colour, temperature, and sensation both before and after applying cold therapy. Avoid using ice packs or gel packs on areas that appear red or where you experience burning or numbness.
The right diet
Though eating well will not immediately reduce pain, choosing a diet high in the right ingredients will expedite recovery and assist in managing long-term pain. Here are a few dietary staples to ensure you include in your postoperative diet plan:
- Complex carbohydrates. During your recovery, you’ll need to ensure that you’re meeting a raised calorie demand. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes and starchy vegetables.
- Vitamin C, which the body repurposes to make collagen, which, in turn, strengthens ligaments and tendons. High levels of Vitamin C are contained in citrus fruits and vegetables like capsicums, garlic and broccoli.
- Foods that are high in anti-inflammatory compounds, like Omega-3 Fatty Acids (found in fish like herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna, as well as nuts and seeds).
Following the right diet will supply your body with what it needs to regulate pain while promoting recovery naturally.
Call your surgeon or orthopaedic specialist if you have any concerns or questions
Your surgeon or specialist should be available to answer any questions you might have. If something doesn’t seem right, get in touch. They should be able to answer your question quickly and clearly.
However, not all specialists are made equal. For the best personalised care, why not get in touch with Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists?
Contact Us for Support During Your Knee Surgery Journey
If you’re looking for orthopaedic expertise to support you through every step of the knee surgery journey, Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists is here to help. Dr David Slattery and his team have assisted hundreds of patients through knee surgery recovery, using empathy and expertise.
If you’d like to discuss how we can make your knee surgery a success, get in touch with us today.
