Post-Operative Care and Rehabilitation After Knee Replacement Surgery - Orthopedics

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Post-operative care and rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery are crucial for ensuring a successful recovery and restoring function to the knee joint. It’s great to hear that your mother is two months post-surgery and has stopped taking pain and anti-inflammatory medications. However, persistent swelling and tightness in the muscles around the knee can be concerning and warrant attention.


Post-Operative Care
1. Swelling Management: It is common for swelling to persist for several weeks or even months after knee replacement surgery. Ice therapy is beneficial for reducing swelling and should be continued as needed. Elevating the leg above heart level can also help decrease swelling.

2. Pain Management: While your mother has stopped taking pain medications, it’s essential to monitor her pain levels. If she experiences significant discomfort, it may be necessary to consult her physician for further evaluation and potential pain management strategies.

3. Wound Care: Ensure that the surgical site is clean and dry. Watch for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the incision site. If any of these symptoms occur, a prompt visit to the doctor is necessary.


Rehabilitation
1. Physical Therapy: Continuing physical therapy is vital. If your mother is experiencing tightness in her thigh and calf muscles, it may indicate that these muscles are not fully relaxed or stretched. A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to improve flexibility and strength.

2. Recommended Exercises:
- Quadriceps Sets: While sitting or lying down, tighten the thigh muscle and hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat several times.

- Heel Slides: While lying down, slide the heel of the operated leg towards the buttocks and then back out. This helps improve knee flexion.

- Calf Raises: Standing and lifting the heels off the ground can strengthen the calf muscles.

- Hamstring Stretch: Sitting with one leg extended, reach towards the toes to stretch the hamstring. This can alleviate tightness in the back of the thigh.

3. Use of CPM Machine: If your mother used a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine post-surgery, it was likely beneficial for maintaining joint mobility. If she has not been using it recently, discuss with her physical therapist whether it might be helpful to reintroduce it for a short period.

4. Monitoring Progress: It’s essential to keep track of her progress. If she continues to experience tightness or discomfort, or if the swelling does not improve, it would be wise to schedule a follow-up appointment with her orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist. They can assess her condition and adjust her rehabilitation plan accordingly.

5. Gradual Return to Activities: Encourage your mother to gradually return to her daily activities as tolerated. Walking is an excellent way to promote circulation and strengthen the knee, but it should be done without causing pain.


When to Seek Medical Attention
If your mother experiences any of the following, it’s crucial to seek medical advice:
- Increased swelling or pain that does not improve with rest and ice.

- Signs of infection at the surgical site.

- Difficulty performing daily activities or worsening mobility.

In conclusion, while some swelling and tightness can be expected after knee replacement surgery, ongoing discomfort should be addressed. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare providers and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program will be key to her recovery. Encourage her to communicate openly with her physical therapist and physician about her symptoms and progress.