Introduction
After undergoing joint replacement surgery, many patients wonder how they can best follow up with their health and lifestyle after the procedure. The first few weeks are considered the most crucial time to ensure your recovery goes smoothly and that your new joints function optimally. Many assume that it’s more or less impossible to maintain regular physical activity after joint replacement surgery. However, this is not always the case. Changes in your lifestyle can be much easier than you think once you know what you should be doing instead of regularly doing before the surgery. Stay tuned for more tips on changing your lifestyle after joint replacement surgery.
Eat healthy, Get plenty of rest, and Exercise
Although you might be craving your favorite pizza after the joint replacement surgery, your body needs increased nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and calories to heal and rebuild properly. This also applies to your new joints. Therefore, it’s important to eat healthily and get plenty of rest so you can recover faster and avoid complications. Exercise is also recommended as it keeps your joints healthy and helps to prevent future joint problems. One interesting fact about the human body is that the replaced parts are often stronger than the original ones. So, you can keep active and increase your joint strength while recovering from joint replacement surgery with no restrictions. Even better, you can do it while enjoying the benefits of improved joint function.
Staying hydrated is key
Dehydration is one of the most common health problems among joint replacement patients. It makes your joints more likely to develop inflammation and can even damage your new prosthetic joints. Even though you might feel fine now, your symptoms can worsen if you don’t drink enough water. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day and keep a bottle by your bedside.
Don’t forget about your core muscles
It’s essential to keep your core muscles strong while recovering from joint replacement surgery. This will help to support your back while standing and climbing stairs and prevent dozing off while lying down. It is recommended to do exercises designed to strengthen your core muscles every day, prevent back pain, and improve your general health and well-being. You can find plenty of online exercises that you can do at home.
Keep your feet up!
Your feet are especially prone to injury during recovery from joint replacement surgery. Therefore, make sure you keep them elevated on a footrest, elevated stool, or in a foot gargle. Foot elevation is especially important when you sleep, as it will help prevent your legs from moving, which may lead to pressure sores. Also, you can use socks with arch supports to help to prevent arch collapse, which may lead to serious foot problems, including heel pain and ankle sprains.
What about swimming?
Swimming after joint replacement surgery is not recommended, as it is a vigorous exercise that places a lot of stress on your new body parts, increasing the risk of infections and joint damage. Lower-impact activities are safe if you don’t push yourself too hard. Swimming is helpful for people suffering from joint pain or osteoarthritis, as it can be very beneficial for joint health, especially when combined with stretching exercises. However, it is advisable to avoid it after your joint replacement surgery.
Biking and other outdoor activities
You can still safely bike and participate in other outdoor activities like tennis, gardening and walking. However, it would be best if you were extra careful while doing these activities. Overdoing these activities can put too much stress on your joints and lead to joint damage.
Wrapping Up
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most significant life events that can happen to you. And while you’re recovering, you’ll want to ensure you stay as active and healthy as possible. As you can see, there are many ways you can change your lifestyle after joint replacement surgery to continue enjoying all the activities you love.
FAQs
Can you live an everyday life after knee replacement?
Yes, most patients with knee replacement surgery can return to their everyday active life within weeks and resume activities that they had given up due to knee pain. However, one should not rush into any activity but take it slow.
Is life better after knee replacement?
Yes, most patients after knee replacements have reported less knee pain and significant improvement in their overall quality of life.
What activities are prohibited after knee replacement?
It is advisable to avoid running, jogging, hiking, any form of weight training, high-impact sports, skateboarding, or rollerblading.
How long does it take to recover from a joint replacement?
After a joint replacement procedure, most patients obtain hospital discharge in less than five days. They can resume self-care and routine life and daily activities within six weeks. Ninety percent of recovery happens in 3 months, and some patients may take longer.
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