Precautions After a Joint Replacement Surgery

Most people who choose to have a joint replacement do so because of conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which impair the joint, causing pain and immobility due to the destruction of the joint surface from the wear and tear of the cartilage lining. The common joints replaced are the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, wrist, and elbow.

Other reasons for a joint replacement could include post-bone fracture, severe pain and stiffness even at rest, limited movement, and being unable to perform daily activities like walking, standing, or sitting without pain, despite taking medications and injections.

The advantages of joint replacement include:

• Significant pain relief

• Improved joint mobility and function

• Enhanced quality of life along with independence in doing activities of daily living.

Before a joint replacement surgery is performed, the muscles of the involved joint are trained, along with strengthening of the upper body and legs if crutches or a walker will be used post-surgery.

The following precautions should be taken after a joint replacement surgery for full recovery and prevention of complications:

• Adequate rest must be taken.

• Proper wound care must be followed; it should be kept dry, and signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus should be looked for.

• The joint should be elevated to reduce swelling. Icing is performed if required to reduce pain as well as swelling.

• Gentle movement and early ambulation with the help of an aid can be done to prevent blood clots and enhance blood circulation.

• Mobility and strengthening exercises are to be done as recommended by your physiotherapist regularly.

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that can put added load on the new joint until it has healed.

• Slowly resuming back to daily activities and increasing the duration of walking/standing/ sitting.

• Maintain a nutritious diet and stay hydrated for a better healing process, and add vitamin supplements to be taken as directed by the doctor

All these precautions aid the joint in recovering better. These precautions help in attaining good mobility and strength, thus improving quality of life.