Avoiding Problems After Knee Surgery
Preventing Blood Clots
Blood clots are a real hazard following surgery. Your orthopedist will give you complete instructions on how to avoid blood clots. You must follow these instructions closely.
What to Watch For
If you have a blood clot in your leg, you may experience the following:
Foot, ankle, calf and general lower leg swelling.
You may feel calf pain.
You may experience redness and tenderness below or above your knee.
Chest pain without warning.
Your chest pain may be accompanied by coughing.
If your blood clot has traveled to your lung, you may experience:
Shortness of breath without warning.
If this happens, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Click here for more on Portland Knee Surgery.
Infection: What to Do to Prevent It
Infection following a total knee replacement surgery is sometimes caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream by various methods. Sometimes it is because of a skin infection. Other times, this may occur because of a urinary tract infection or even dental procedures. When this happens, the bacteria may become lodged in the area of your knee replacement. This can result in infection.
You will be given a prescription for antibiotics after your surgery. It is very important that you take these as directed to avoid having an infection develop.
Knee Replacement Infection: What to Watch Out For
Your knee may hurt, even if you are resting.
You may experience shaking and chills.
Your knee replacement may be tender, red and swollen.
You may experience a persistent oral temperature of over 100F.
There may be drainage from your knee wound.
Call your physician if you have any of these signs.
How to Avoid Falls
If you fall soon after your surgery, it can damage your new knee. Then you may need more surgery. Try to avoid stairs until your knee has completely recovered and it is mobile and strong. Be sure to use a support device such as hand rails, walker, crutches or a cane. At least have someone assist you until your knee is completely strong and flexible and you have regained your balance.
Ask your surgeon or your physical therapist how long you will need to use an assistive device. Also, discuss which sort of device will be most appropriate for your recovery and level of activity.
Blood clots are a real hazard following surgery. Your orthopedist will give you complete instructions on how to avoid blood clots. You must follow these instructions closely.
What to Watch For
If you have a blood clot in your leg, you may experience the following:
Foot, ankle, calf and general lower leg swelling.
You may feel calf pain.
You may experience redness and tenderness below or above your knee.
Chest pain without warning.
Your chest pain may be accompanied by coughing.
If your blood clot has traveled to your lung, you may experience:
Shortness of breath without warning.
If this happens, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Click here for more on Portland Knee Surgery.
Infection: What to Do to Prevent It
Infection following a total knee replacement surgery is sometimes caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream by various methods. Sometimes it is because of a skin infection. Other times, this may occur because of a urinary tract infection or even dental procedures. When this happens, the bacteria may become lodged in the area of your knee replacement. This can result in infection.
You will be given a prescription for antibiotics after your surgery. It is very important that you take these as directed to avoid having an infection develop.
Knee Replacement Infection: What to Watch Out For
Your knee may hurt, even if you are resting.
You may experience shaking and chills.
Your knee replacement may be tender, red and swollen.
You may experience a persistent oral temperature of over 100F.
There may be drainage from your knee wound.
Call your physician if you have any of these signs.
How to Avoid Falls
If you fall soon after your surgery, it can damage your new knee. Then you may need more surgery. Try to avoid stairs until your knee has completely recovered and it is mobile and strong. Be sure to use a support device such as hand rails, walker, crutches or a cane. At least have someone assist you until your knee is completely strong and flexible and you have regained your balance.
Ask your surgeon or your physical therapist how long you will need to use an assistive device. Also, discuss which sort of device will be most appropriate for your recovery and level of activity.
About the Author:
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Labral Tear Repairs in Oregon and Shoulder Doctors in Tigard.
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