Hi my favorite readers! I am honored to present this informative guest post written by an Austrailian physiotherapist. Take the following information into consideration during your tkr recuperation process.

Being a candidate of a total Knee replacement surgery, you probably have been told that life after surgery will be the same as before. However, just like with any other treatment, the healing process does not take place overnight and you must follow your healthcare providerâ€s instructions for successful recovery.

Post-surgery activities
Your knee is the largest joint in your body. Therefore, a complete replacement is a major surgery. The following measures will help you adapt to your new knee and gradually start physical activity.

In the hospital
Before your discharge, the following steps will be undertaken:
* Early mobilization
Due to prolonged rest, your knee and muscles may have become very weak. Therefore, you may be instructed to resume subtle activity in order to strengthen the quadriceps muscles and be better able to control your new joint. Moreover, early activity is also essential to neutralize the after-effects of anesthesia and promote healing.

* Pain control and physical therapy
Even though pain after surgery is present in variable degrees, it can be effectively controlled with medication.

Your physical therapist will help you to control your new knee. Your knee may be aided with a continuous passive motion exercise machine that will subtly bend and straighten your knee. While you rest, you can also pedal your feet in order to encourage efficient blood flow in the legs.

After discharge
Your stay at the hospital may last for 3 to 7 days after surgery depending on how well you have progressed.

Before your discharge, you must be able to perform the following tasks:
* Bend your knee at a right angle and/or show adequate progress in straightening and bending the knee
* Get in bed and out of bed without any help
* Walk with a walker or crutches

You may have a mild swelling following your discharge. This can be treated with elevating the leg, applying an ice pack for 15 minutes and wearing a compression hose.

You must continue the prescribed exercises for at least two months after your total Knee Replacement Surgery.

To tone your muscles and maintain the flexibility of your knee, low-impact exercises such as riding a stationary bike can help.

What can you do at home?
For several weeks, you may need some help with your everyday activities. If sufficient help is not available, you may have to join a rehabilitation center.

You can also follow these tips to make your home more comfortable:
* Shift your room if you live on an upper floor in order to avoid using stairs
* Rearrange your furniture so you can walk with crutches without any interference
* Get rid of any rugs and unwanted cords to prevent falling
* To avoid bending too far use devices with long handles

Nutrition
After discharge, you should be able to resume your normal eating habits. Your doctor may also recommend taking vitamin C supplements to help in the absorption of iron in the body. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and try to limit your intake of caffeine or coffee and alcohol.

Avoid consuming too many foods with vitamin K, such as green beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, soybeans, soybean oil, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnip greens, lettuce, onions, cabbage and liver, while taking blood-thinning medication.

Your vitamin K intake should be the same every day while you take blood-thinning medications as too much vitamin K can interfere with the medications and risk to blood clotting. Watch your weight as well in order to prevent excessive stress on the joint.

Author Bio:
This article was written by Jeff from www.BodyHeal.com.au, Australia’s premier physiotherapy and sports injury rehabilitation store. Visit their sports injury blog for more valuable information. Feel free to contact him through the website.

Thank you, Jeff! Hope this helps others going through the same thing.

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