Knee Replacement Surgery
Knoxville’s Best Choice for Knee Replacement Surgery in Eastern Tennessee
Knee Replacement Surgery
Achy knees that haven’t improved with rest, medication, or physical therapy? You may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance helps patients in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee finally, get back on their feet without pain with partial and total knee replacement surgery.
WHEN IS KNEE REPLACEMENT NEEDED?
Most knee replacements are done to help people with arthritis feel less pain. Most people who need knee replacement surgery have trouble walking, going up and down stairs, and getting out of chairs.
HOW KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY WORKS
Knee replacement surgery works by removing the damaged parts of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial parts. Depending on whether your surgeon recommends a partial or total knee replacement, some or all of the knee joints may be replaced.
Knee replacement parts may include the patella, the ends of the upper and lower leg bones that make up the knee joint, and the interior cartilage of the knee.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Recovery time for most knee replacement patients is about six weeks. If your knee feels well enough and you’re no longer taking narcotic painkillers, you can resume activities like driving between three and six weeks after surgery.
KNEE REPLACEMENT RECOVERY
Physical therapy will be a vital part of your recovery. With strength and mobility exercises, you should be able to stop using your crutches and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. You can also drive after 6 to 8 weeks once you can get in and out, and operate a vehicle safely.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT RECOVERY
You will need to use crutches or a walker for a few weeks after the surgery. It is important someone takes you home from the hospital and helps you with things like cooking, bathing, and doing the laundry.
Here are some tips to prepare for your recovery at home:
- Since climbing stairs can be hard, make a living space on the first floor
- Install safety bars or a sturdy handrail in your shower or bath
- Get a bench or chair that is stable for your shower
- If you have a low toilet, get a toilet seat lift with arms
- Secure the handrails on the stairs
- Remove loose rugs or cords
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Most patients who undergo knee replacement surgery find long-term relief from knee pain and stiffness, as well as a restored range of motion. After the recovery period, patients can go back to most daily activities such as swimming, walking, biking, and playing golf. Some higher-impact sports like skiing, tennis, and other activities that put excessive strain on the knee joint may need to be avoided, even after the recovery period.
Knee replacement parts last 20 years or more. Most patients never need to undergo a second knee replacement operation, especially those that had a total knee replacement surgery.
IS KNEE REPLACEMENT PAINFUL?
This is a common question we hear from our patients. Your recovery depends on how severe your injury is and how well you follow your physical therapy routine. Check out this blog to learn more about knee replacement pain.
VISIT A KNEE REPLACEMENT SPECIALIST IN KNOXVILLE
If you are experiencing knee pain or chronic knee-related issues book an appointment to see one of our knee doctors.
TOA is the clinic to call in East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, and Sevierville.
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