If you are experiencing joint pain, the things you formerly liked suddenly become more challenging, if not impossible. The joint discomfort can become so severe that it significantly reduces your quality of life and is both disheartening and incapacitating. Fortunately, Grants Pass joint replacement may help you return to the activities you love.

If you are considering joint replacement, you undoubtedly have many questions about what to anticipate after the procedure.

Here is what to expect after a joint replacement surgery;

Hospital stay

After a joint replacement, you may not have to spend overnight in the hospital, but if you are admitted, you probably will.

You could be wearing compression boots after surgery. This will lessen swelling and lower your risk of getting a blood clot. Moving your feet and ankles after surgery will enhance blood flow to your leg muscles, which is another reason doctors advise this.

Managing your pain

To help you heal, your doctor will collaborate with you to lessen your suffering. they will discuss with you the best form of painkiller for your circumstance. Your pain should start to reduce after a few days. If it does not, be sure to contact your doctor.

Therapy and exercise

You can test your new knee hours after that if you have had knee replacement surgery. To help you walk as soon as possible following surgery, your physical therapists will work directly with you to develop exercises that target particular regions.

This is crucial because individuals who can exercise their knee after surgery heal faster and have greater results. You may complete exercises like quadriceps, leg lifts, ankle boots, knee flexion (bed-supported and sitting-supported), and use resistance bands for work.

You could be sent home after your release, or you might need to continue physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, depending on your circumstances.

Taking care of your wound

Another crucial aspect of healing is caring for the surgery site. There will likely be a suture under your skin that doesn’t need to be taken out. If any exposed staples or stitches are left after your surgery, these will be removed at your surgeon’s office in the following weeks.

Till the wound is completely sealed, keep it dry. Following surgery, a  doctor will apply a sterile bandage to your wound and give instructions on when to remove it.

Recovery at Home

Following your doctor’s recommendations and your physical therapy “homework” religiously is crucial to your success after being released from the hospital. You will discover that exercise is essential to ensuring a full recovery and resuming the things you once loved.

Again, your particular regimen may vary based on your specific circumstances, but some beneficial workouts to think about include:

  • Walking- starting little distances and gradually building up to longer distances
  • Practice standing, sitting, and stair climbing
  • Seated cycling

Joint discomfort might keep you from engaging in your favorite hobbies. However, you may continue enjoying your life with joint replacement surgery.

Call Southern Oregon Orthopedics & Paragon Orthopedic Center to find out if you are a candidate for joint replacement surgery.