Knee replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged parts of your knee joint with artificial parts. It is usually recommended when conservative treatments and medications are not effective. Knee replacement surgery can help reduce pain and improve mobility, and can also help improve the quality of life. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is usually recommended when knee pain and stiffness become so severe that they interfere with daily activities. Knee replacement surgery can be done on one or both of the knees, depending on the severity of the condition. Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure, and is usually done under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for further monitoring and treatment.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from knee replacement surgery can take several weeks or even months. The recovery timeline can vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. Immediately after surgery, the patient will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for further monitoring and treatment. During this time, the patient may need to wear a brace to support the knee joint.
After the patient is discharged from the hospital, they will need to follow the instructions of their doctor and physical therapist to ensure a safe and successful recovery. During the first few weeks of recovery, the patient will need to take pain medications and use crutches or a walker to support their body weight.
Physical therapy will be necessary to help the patient regain strength and range of motion in their knee joint. Physical therapy will normally start a few weeks after surgery and may involve stretching exercises, strength training, balance exercises, and other activities.
After about 6-8 weeks, the patient should be able to move around independently without any assistance. At this point, the patient will no longer need to use crutches or a walker, and can start to gradually return to their normal activities.
However, it may take up to 12 weeks or even longer for the patient to fully recover from the surgery. During this time, the patient will need to continue doing physical therapy to regain full movement and strength in the knee joint.
Pain Management During Recovery
Pain management is an important part of the recovery process. During the recovery period, the patient may experience pain in the knee joint due to the surgery and physical therapy.
Pain medications can be used to reduce the pain and make the recovery process more comfortable. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. If these medications are not effective, the doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
In addition to medications, the patient can also try some other methods to reduce pain during the recovery period. Cold therapy and heat therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint. The patient can also try using a brace or support device to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
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Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada