Joints may develop certain issues with growing age. Some issues are inherited while others may happen due to an accident or gradually grow over time. The knee and hip replacement surgeon in Pakistan ensures your painless tread through apt advice and an effective treatment program.
The hip is a ball and socket joint while the knee is a hinge joint that bears the upper body weight thus more susceptible to wear and tear due to unusual stress. When you reach to knee and hip replacement surgeon in Lahore, they conduct a thorough examination including physical tests followed by imaging and laboratory tests for internal evaluation. Every possible method for cure is tried before recommending a surgical solution. When conventional, non-surgical methods don’t work anymore, joint replacement is suggested after a complete health checkup.
The job of knee and hip replacement surgeon in Pakistan doesn’t end after surgery. They discharge a patient with advice and precautions to take during the recovery period. Your orthopedist will make sure that your new joint works well and do not develop complications. Here mentioned important pieces of advice they give:
Be watchful about your activities
After hip or knee replacement surgery, patients desire to get back abruptly to the old activities they enjoyed under healthy conditions. Doctors suggest returning slowly to the activities as immediate stress could damage the new joint. Wait until the wound heals properly. When you resume the activities make sure to do it in the right way as guided by your therapist
Accomplish certain goals before hospital discharge
As a knee and hip replacement surgeon in Pakistan uses modern means of surgery, a hospital stay is not more than 1 or 2 days. To keep you safe your surgeon will advise remaining in the hospital until you can:
- Walk with crutches or any supporting device and can ascend and descend two to three stairs at least.
- Get in bed and get out of bed yourself.
- Bear the mild pain that is expected after any surgical procedure
- Eat, drink, and go to the bathroom by yourself
- To practice guided exercises at home
- Understand the necessary precautions to observe to keep your new joint safe from injury
Those who do not achieve these goals are directed toward a rehabilitation program under the observation of proficient nurses.
Look for infection or blood clot
Infection or clots around the newly implanted joint is expected which can be noticed through the following signs:
- Continuous fever above 100 degrees
- Chills that make you shiver
- Increase in the intensity of swelling and redness around the joint.
- The Joint feels more tender
- Discharge of fluid from the wound
- Unbearable pain during activity or even at rest
Immediately consult your surgeon such developments could be life-threatening specifically clots that may travel to the lungs causing chest pain and shortness of breath.
Make necessary arrangements at home
The hip or knee injury doctor in Lahore advises you to pre-prepare your home so that when you return after surgery your proper care is assured. Ask for help from other family members or friends for a few days to assist you in routine activities as exertion could have an abrasive effect on the new implant. An orthopedic surgeon will suggest these tips:
- Minimize frequent use of stairs, shift to the ground floor if you reside on the upper floor.
- Rearrange furniture so you can easily walk around with the help of crutches, a walker, or a cane.
- Place routine use items such as glass, cellphones, tablets, mobile chargers, remote control, etc. at the easy approach. Avoid frequent bending and standing from the sitting position.
- Remove rugs and mats from the floor that may become a source to slip you down.
- Organize electrical
- Make your sitting chair comfortable with cushions and it must be a bit higher than a normal chair seat.
- Prepare your bathroom by placing a shower chair, and bars to grip while sitting or raising from a toilet seat.
Care for your wound
As per your knee and hip replacement surgeon instructions follow a few important tips to care for your wounds. Keep the area around your wound clean. Make sure it remains dry as wetness could lead to infection. Ask for instructions from your consultant on how to change the dressing and keenly follow it. Get the help of a family member in this matter. Ask your consultant how much you should wait before taking the first shower after surgery, however, most dressings are waterproof but still following doctors’ guidelines is appropriate. Do not delay consulting your surgeon, reach him at once if signs of infection dwells.
Notice swelling around a treated joint
Mild to severe swelling is expected within starting few weeks after surgery which may prolong to 6 months in some cases. Elevate your feet above heart level which could be done by placing a pillow beneath the knee in case of knee replacement surgery as suggested by the knee injury doctor in Lahore. Moreover, winding compression bandages around the swelled joint or wearing stockings may also be helpful. Inform your surgeon if the swelling becomes severe as it may be an indication of blood clots.
Don’t skip any prescribed medicine
Follow the prescription of your knee and hip replacement surgeon because it includes a combination of medicines that help manage symptoms like pain, infection, swelling, nausea, etc. to ease your recovery period. Discuss with your doctor if you desire to take any food supplement for energy, he or she will suggest the best one.
Follow a healthy diet plan
Your diet plan must include routine healthy food. It must include iron and vitamins rich supplements. Food rich in vitamin K must be avoided by patients who are taking blood-thinning medicines. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and maintain a healthy weight because an overweight body stresses out hip and knee joints.
Always follow your doctor’s advice
Knee and hip replacement surgeon in Pakistan never leaves their patients without necessary instructions as they are much concerned about their patient’s successful recovery. You must abide by their guidelines and never miss follow-up checkups as they are necessary to monitor progress.