How to reduce swelling after knee surgery ?

Swelling after knee surgery

Knee replacement surgery replaces a damaged or arthritic knee joint with a prosthesis (artificial joint) that can lead to postoperative swelling. Experiencing some swelling, bruising, and pain after knee surgery is normal, but if these symptoms are uncontrollable, it can negatively affect your recovery. 

 

Swelling is a typical and expected part of the healing process after knee surgery. 

Dr. Sartawi will provide personalized advice, strategies, and guidelines for effectively managing and addressing any concern during your recovery and reducing postoperative swelling. 

 

What happens during knee replacement surgery?

 

When knee replacement surgery is performed, an incision is made in the front of the knees to reach the diseased knee joint. The entire surgery is performed by giving the patient either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. 

 

Then, diseased thigh and shin bone ends are removed and replaced with a metal alloy prosthesis to fix the diseased knee and mimic knee joint function. Once the knee replacement is done, incisions are closed, and post-surgery rehabilitation is given.

 

What are the common causes of swelling after knee surgery? 

 

Knee swelling

 

There is the possibility of swelling after knee replacement surgery. Swelling occurs because of the accumulation of excess fluid, such as blood and lymph, in the tissues of the knee joint. 

 

Swelling is an inflammatory response to the surgical procedure which causes inflammation. Movement and weight-bearing are reduced in the operative knee, which affects blood circulation and contributes to swelling. 

 

Deep blood clots form inside the veins of the legs, resulting in deep vein thrombosis, which causes swelling. 

 

Also Read: Your Guide For Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

 

 

How long does swelling last after knee replacement surgery? 

 

Swelling is generally moderate to severe in the first week but gradually decreases for the next weeks and months. Typically, swelling may last 2 to 3 weeks after -surgery. But in some cases, it may persist for 3 to 6 months. Improvement in pain and mobility, along with changes in the symptoms, can be noticed after the initial weeks of the procedure. 

 

 

How to reduce swelling after knee surgery? 

 

How to reduce swelling after knee surgery?

 

The following methods for reducing swelling include:

 

  1. Use an ice pack: Regular icing effectively manages to swell after knee replacement. Apply an ice pack to narrow the blood vessels of the surgery region and decrease the fluid flow and swelling in the operated area. 
  2. Elevation: Keep your leg elevated at an angle of 45 degrees with the foot above the level of your heart. An elevated leg keeps fluid from pooling around the knee, contributes to healthy drainage, and reduces swelling.  
  3. Wear compressive garments: Wearing compression knee-high stockings or sleeves improves blood circulation, helps prevent deep vein thrombosis, and reduces swelling. 
  4. Medication: Take prescribed medications after surgery to reduce swelling, quick healing, and recovery. Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or enoxaparin are recommended to reduce the chances of blood clots.
  5. Physical therapy exercise: Your physical therapist will teach you effective exercises and techniques for strengthening the knee muscles, regaining knee functions, facilitating better circulation, and reducing swelling and pain. 
  6. Do ankle pumps: Do ankle pumps exercise in which ankles are repeatedly pushed up and down. The ankle movement due to calf muscle contraction prevents swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  7. Avoid putting pressure on the knee: Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for a prolonged time. Excessive pressure on the operated knee may cause many problems.


    Also read: Delaying knee joint replacement – What are the risks?
     

 

Consult Dr. Sartawi for knee replacement surgery & recovery after knee replacement surgery

 

 Dr. Muthana Sartawi  is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Dubai. Recovery from a knee replacement involves numerous stages. Dr. Muthana Sartawi, is the best orthopedic surgeon in Dubai, has developed a new technique where no muscles or tendons need to be cut during the knee replacement, markedly improving patient recovery.

 

 Moreover, he developed a comprehensive treatment program before and after the surgery. The treatment program ensures minimal pain and rapid recovery. He has performed about 1,000 total knee replacement surgeries with a 98% success rate. Peer-reviewed journals have published his method.

 

 Planning your knee replacement procedure with the help of an expert is crucial in making your journey easier. Dr. Sartawi pioneered one-day joint replacement surgery in central Illinois and the Middle East. 

 

Book an appointment today