Helping Out A Loved One After A Knee Replacement
by Sasha Meyer
When a doctor recommends a knee replacement, it is usually because this extensive surgery offers the patient their best chance at a pain-free, active life. Once the patient is recovered, they'll be more agile and comfortable than ever before. However, that recovery period is not the easiest. Here are a few ways you can help your loved one navigate their knee replacement recovery.
Keep their leg on a pillow.
One of the biggest issues after knee replacement surgery, and after any extensive joint surgery for that matter, is swelling. Elevating the leg can help encourage fluid to leave the area around the knee and make its way back into circulation. You can help your loved one prop their leg up on a pillow or even on a raised footstool while they are resting. This should be their default position for at least a week after surgery. The leg should also be elevated as it is iced — and for the first week, you should be helping them apply ice at least every couple of hours for 20 - 30 minutes at a time.
Keep track of their medications.
Your loved one will be prescribed pain relievers, and they may also be given an antibiotic to take for a few days in order to reduce the risk of infection. Keep track of these medications so they don't have to stress about doing so. Make sure they take their pain reliever on-schedule, even if they don't feel like they need it. These medications are more effective if taken before the pain gets too serious.
Cook them nutritious meals.
Post-surgical recovery requires a lot of resources as far as nutrition goes. You can help your loved one recover more fully by cooking them nutritious meals containing plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and lean meats. (They really need protein as they recover.) Some patients lack an appetite in recovery, so try to make things that you know your loved one enjoys. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids, too!
Take them to physical therapy appointments and checkups.
Since a knee replacement is such an extensive surgery, your loved one will likely have checkups with their doctor every week for the first month or two post-surgery. They will also have to attend physical therapy to strengthen their knee and the surrounding muscles. Obviously, since they cannot drive, they will need someone like you to drive them to these appointments.
Recovering from knee replacement surgery can be a bit of a challenge, but there are plenty of things you can do to help your loved one along throughout this journey.
Share
About Me
It wasn't until three of my close family members were diagnosed with cancer that I started taking my personal health seriously. Between the heart problems, the diabetes and now the cancer that runs strong in my family, I know that I don't have much of a future to look forward to unless I start taking care of myself today. How do you do your best to stay healthy? What kind of diet should you follow? How much exercise do you really need? How often should you see a doctor? This blog will help you find the answers to these and many more questions about your health.