Knee Replacement Recovery – When Pain & Swelling Are Not Normal

Knee replacement surgery is a significant change that can make the life of people with chronic pain, arthritis or damage due to injury. In this era of medical technology, surgery can be performed more safely and successfully and provides a restored range of movement and a better standard of living. Nevertheless, the surgery is not as crucial as the rehabilitation period.

Although a little bit of pain and swelling should be expected, it is essential to understand normalcy and what is abnormal. Some symptoms should not be disregarded since they may prolong the recovery process or cause severe complications. The blog will assist you in telling the difference between the normal post-operative reactions and those that should be treated medically. To help you understand the basics of healthy recovery, we will provide you with the help of the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra.

What is Normal After Knee Replacement Surgery?

All surgeries are accompanied by certain discomfort caused by healing. The following are some of the symptoms that you will experience in the first few weeks after a knee replacement:

• Pain: The pain is mild to moderate when moving the joint. It usually improves with medication and physiotherapy.
• Swelling: It is normal to have local swelling around the knee, which can take several weeks. It can be activity-increased and rest/elevation-improved.
• Bruising and stiffness: There is the possibility of bruising as a result of the surgical trauma. The stiffness is expected to progressively disappear through normal physiotherapy.

These symptoms should slowly improve over 4 to 6 weeks with guided recovery.

When Pain and Swelling are NOT Normal

Even though discomfort is a normal occurrence, there are certain signs that could mean complications. You need to see your orthopaedic surgeon in case you experience:

• Swelling that remains the same or gets worse after 6 weeks
• Severe, stabbing, or pounding pain, which does not get better with rest or painkillers
• Redness, heat or pus at the site of the incision
• Fever or chills of a grade higher than normal
• A popping feeling, unsteadiness, and absence of weight on the operated leg

These symptoms can be a sign of infections, implant problems, blood clots or non-healing.

Suggest to Read :- How To Know If You Sprained Your Ankle?

Possible Complications After Knee Replacement

In the hands of the experienced, there is always a possibility of complications. Among the most widespread ones there are:

• Infection: A post-op concern that is considered to be among the most serious. The symptoms are fever, swelling, redness, and drainage. It may need early antibiotic or surgical cleaning.
• Blood Clots (DVT): Decreased mobility may result in deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms that can be observed include swelling of the calf or thigh, tenderness and redness. Possible preventive treatments are blood thinners, exercises of the legs, and compression stockings.
• Implant Loosening or Misalignment: It may cause pain and instability of the joints. In certain instances, revision surgery could be necessary.
• Joint Stiffness: Reduced mobility because of minimal rehab compliance, or intrapartition scarring. This is prevented by physiotherapy.
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels: Uncommon, but may cause numbness, weakness or circulation problems.

Tips for a Healthy Recovery

The most important point in the successful recovery is adherence to a strictly organised post-op care plan:

• Follow through with physiotherapy- Exercises regain flexibility and strength.
• Properly treat your pain - Take prescribed drugs and use cold compresses.
• Raise and elevate the leg- This decreases the swelling and helps in circulation.
• Be aware of red flags- Show unusual symptoms as soon as possible.
• Follow-up visits- Follow-up visits help to make sure that you are recovering.

Why Does Surgeon Experience Matter?

The success of knee replacement is not only concerned with precision surgeries but also the entire continuum of care. Selection of the finest knee replacement surgeon in Delhi guarantees:

• Low chance of complications
• Availability of the most recent surgical methods
• Professional follow-up care
• Good rates of success and satisfaction

With his vast experience, minimal invasive procedures and the patient-first approach, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra is one of the most relied on names in the knee replacement surgery industry in India.

Conclusion

It is normal to have pain and swelling after the knee replacement, but to some extent. Being aware of the things expected and those that are worrying can save you from long-term complications. Always remain in touch with your surgeon, stick to your plan of recovery and never be afraid to tell about unusual symptoms.

Whether you want to undergo knee replacement or have some issues about your recovery, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, the best knee replacement surgeon in Delhi, can provide you with the necessary help and advice.

Need Help With Knee Recovery?

Book your consultation now at www.drrajeshmalhotra.com and get in charge of your joint health.