Recovery after Knee Surgery

1. Recovery after Knee Surgery A knee surgery or a total knee replacement is a complex and serious operation with an extended period of recovery, rest and rehabilitation. Recovery after surgery can be challenging and can take a while. Taking care of yourself after surgery is going to be an important part of your recovery process. To make sure you are on track to make the best recovery possible, get yourself prepared. Get your home ready for when you return, so you can move easily and prevent injuring your knee again. From compression to ice bags to mobility equipment, here are some tips to help you get ready in the first weeks and assist you with a faster recovery. Get your house prepared The most important thing you have to think when preparing your home is safe mobility and comfort. Make sure to declutter your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, hallway and living room as this is key to ease of movement. You need enough space to walk through the rooms with a walker or crutches. It you have rugs, you may consider removing them until your mobility improves. Getting out of bed to go to the toilet might be difficult the first weeks. Consider to get a folding commode near your bed. Install fall prevention equipment A loss of balance can make you prone to fall. Take some preventive measures to make sure the chance of a fall is as slim as possible. Install a hand rail. The bathroom can be a dangerous area for a fall. Install a grab bar in the shower to help you keep your balance. Or have it placed near your toilet to increase your safety during transfers. A great alternative can be a toilet surround framefrom BetterLiving. This device makes it easy to balance yourself on the way to sit and stand. Use a raised toilet seat: Your doctor will probably recommend you to get a toilet seat raiser as you are not allowed to bend your knee too much in the first weeks. If you have the choice or maybe don’t have anything

2. near your toilet as a handhold, we would suggest the 3-in-1 Toilet Seat Raiser from Aquasense. It has two handles to help you lift and sit down more easily. Get a shower chair. A shower chair is a very effective piece of equipment in your bathroom as it will help with your stability. You will not need to concentrate on keeping your balance but simply enjoy and relax your muscles in the warm water. Use a walking device at all times until you are more stable Prepare a sturdy chair: Keep a chair in each room so you have a place to rest or do light chores (like preparing a meal) as you are recuperating. Your normal small walks can be very intense in the first week of healing: set yourself up for success. We would recommend a chair with armrests and a solid back so you don’t fall. Make sure you have your necessary items at hand, within arm reach, to limit the amount of times you have to get up: your glasses, phone and tablet, remote for your TV, medication, water and snacks Our multifunctional over toilet frame is a beneficial mobility aid for the bathroom, ideal after your knee operation. It transforms as a walker, shower chair, commode, toilet seat raiser and toilet frame. It can also function as a lifting aid to help you out of your chair. To reduce the swelling and the pain Some aids are ideal after surgery as they help to maintain blood flow and aim to reduce the swelling. Cold therapy – also known as cryotherapy - is key to recovery as it reduces the swelling in the joint but also helps with pain management. Ice packs have proven to be invaluable as you move from place to place. Try the IceBag Wrap from Vulkan. It is a flexible application that will allow you be more active during your recovery. Our elastic Knee Support from Vulkan is an effective compression band for around the knee. It will help you to control and limit swelling, reducing stiffness and pain. Walking aids Immediately after your operation, you may need to use some special equipment like walking aids to ensure a safe recovery. Start with short

3. distances around the house to build up your endurance. Use a walker or crutches at first and then transition to a cane when you are able to walk confidently. Walker: this is a piece of equipment that you can use during your recovery time. They are available with 2 or 4 wheels and come in several sizes and weight capacities. The Ultra-Light Walker from Airgo is a sleek folding Zimmer Frame that is compact and easy to use indoors as well as outdoors. A pair offorearm crutches will help you feel more stable as you walk Comfort Plus Quad cane: this assistive walking device will give you extra support when walking. The wide, flat base with 4 rubber stops will ensure a better balance and decreases the likelihood of slipping. Dressing aids In the first weeks after your operation, you will not be able to reach to your feet to dress your lower half. Get some handy dressing aids to assist you. A socking aid will help you get your socks on and off without having the need to bend. Try the Sock Aid from Homecraft. The Easireach IIreacher by Homecraft can be used to pick up your skirt, dress, pants, underwear from the ground. These sticks can pick-up just about anything that’s is on the ground or on a higher level. The magnet even gets your keys! A shoehorn is very convenient and will help you guide your foot in and out your shoes. Try the Plastic Shoehorn from Homecraft. Bottom line Every recovery situation is unique, and many factors will help determine the overall outcome of your knee surgery. Proper preparation can help you successfully recover after knee surgery. The good news is that you will soon be on your way to resume your lifestyle of before the surgery, but then without the pain. Visit: https://www.bettercaremarket.com.au/