Choosing to have a hip or knee replacement is a big decision. Once you’ve made it through your surgery, you may feel a sense of relief, and deservedly so. Putting your surgery behind you is one big step in your joint replacement experience, but not the final one.
“As you begin your recovery, you’ll likely experience some pain and setbacks along the way,” says Amanda Ujazdowski, an Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. “While the first couple of weeks post-surgery aren’t always easy, remind yourself why you chose surgery in the first place and the relief that lies ahead for you.”
Several strategies can help you recover from your surgery more quickly and smoothly. Having a solid plan in place can ease worries and doubts and help you feel more capable and empowered in this next phase.
Here, Ujazdowski shares tips for streamlining the recovery process.
Steps for a Smoother Recovery
1. Follow your care team’s instructions.
Before you leave the hospital, you’ll receive detailed instructions around pain management, medications, bathing, wound care, activity and exercise, and navigating your home safely. Follow all instructions carefully, and contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions or concerns.
2. Navigate your home safely.
Have a loved one or caregiver remove any obstacles and trip hazards. Walk slowly, and wear shoes with non-skid soles.
If possible, avoid climbing stairs during your first few weeks of recovery. If you must use stairs, do so only once a day. Plan to spend most of your day on the same floor of your living space. The Therapy Services will give you recommendations on how to navigate stairs safely. Have someone nearby to help as you’re walking and navigating stairs during the first few weeks.
Go slowly from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing.
Your care team can help you address any concerns and discuss recommendations for using an assistive device such as a cane or walker.
3. Manage pain and inflammation.
Your surgeon will recommend a combination of prescription and over-the-counter pain medications to help you manage pain and inflammation.
“Follow your care team’s instructions on what to take and how often,” Ujazdowski says. “Reach out if you have questions or concerns about how much pain you’re experiencing or any side effects from medications you’re taking.”
You’ll also receive recommendations around icing and elevating your joint, both of which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Balance rest and activity.
Your care team will have you up and walking the same day as your surgery. Once home, follow instructions about how to incorporate movement and exercises into your day during recovery
It’s important for you to focus on rest and elevation following a hip or knee replacement. The first few weeks, resting and elevating should be your main focus to help reduce swelling and pain.
As you begin to heal and recover from surgery, you’ll gradually incorporate more activity into your day. You’ll also begin to resume normal daily actives, as tolerated by pain, Ujazdowski says.
5. Continue strengthening exercises.
Exercise improves range of motion, strengthens muscles, reduces pain, and prevents complications like blood clots and stiffness. Depending on whether you have a hip or knee replacement, your surgeon will recommend physical therapy, a home exercise regimen or a combination of the two.
“It’s crucial for you to do your exercises as prescribed,” Ujazdowski says. “Patients who follow their exercise program often report experiencing a smoother and faster recovery.”
6. Focus on good nutrition.
You may find your appetite decreases after surgery. This is typically temporary. Ujazdowski recommends focusing on hydration along with:
- Eating a diet that’s made up of mostly whole foods — after surgery and beyond.
- Prioritizing protein, including lean cuts of chicken, pork and beef, along with fish and non-meat proteins such as eggs, beans and tofu. Protein aids in tissue repair, helps maintain muscle mass and supports immunity.
- Incorporating a variety of fiber sources, including whole grains, vegetables and fruits to keep you regular and help you get needed vitamins and minerals.
- Low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese will help you get the calcium you need.
7. Prevent infection.
Follow your care team’s instructions around wound care and bathing.
- You’ll receive specific instructions on when it’s safe for you to bathe and how best to do so. A walk-in shower outfitted with a bench is the safest option.
- Keep your home environment clean.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Keep your surgical bandage clean and dry, and do not remove it on your own.
- Call your surgeon’s office if you have concerns regarding your bandage or incision.
8. Seek support.
You’ll need a loved one or other support person to stay with you in the days and possibly weeks following surgery. They can help manage your aftercare and take over household tasks that you’ll need to avoid while recovering.
“Having joint replacement surgery can also take an emotional toll,” Ujazdowski says. “Lean on your friends and loved ones for support. If you need additional help, we can refer you to our colleagues in ThedaCare Behavioral Health.”
Recovery and Resilience
The first days and weeks following joint replacement surgery can feel long and at times difficult, Ujazdowski says. Most people begin to see steady improvement after the first two weeks.
“Remind yourself that the recovery period won’t last forever,” Ujazdowski says. “As you progress, you’ll see that you’ll soon be on your way to reaching your goal of less joint pain and a return to the activities you love.”
