Types of Knee Surgeries and Some Recovery Tips

As you age, you may have arthritis in your knees, which damages structures and requires surgery. Or you may be very active in sports and have injured cartilage or ligaments that may require surgery. It is not as bad as it used to be in the past, but it is still not fun to go under the knives. Depending on the type of knee surgery, your recovery time will be much faster, and you will have to get up and running again with minimal pain. There are a few things to know if you are going to have knee surgery. Let us look into the types of knee surgeries first.

Arthroscopy

This type of surgery is mainly performed to analyze knee problems or exclude tendons or bones or expel tendons. In some cases, several small incisions are made around the knee to make a “pass” in which a medical device known as an arthroscope can be placed to examine the knee’s inside. This is an outpatient method that will help you get up and running in no time. However, the total treatment time is usually 1 to 2 months. You may need a cane or crutches. Movement restriction, ice buildup and leg height are important during follow-up.

Arthroplasty

This type of surgery is done to protect the knee from damage internally to the knee structure. Synthetic replicas made of metal or plastic replace the worn strap. It is a major surgical procedure, and you may have to spend 7-10 days in a health centre. You will have to undergo physical therapy to learn how to stand on your knees/how to gain weight and walk with help before going home. The prosthetic joint takes about 20 days to load fully. With this method, the patient must complete a physiotherapy course with the knee with new prosthetic pieces. Make sure you meet with the best knee surgery specialist to achieve the results you want. If you live in or around St Helens you should consult with Mr. Ravi Pydisetty.

Knee replacement

This is by far the most complex, comprehensive and time-consuming knee surgery concerning the duration of therapy and restriction of physical activity. In general, prostheses replace the entire knee or a significant part of it. It may take up to a year for the leg/knee to fully recover or develop. Many doctors recommend physical therapy after this surgery.

How to speed up your healing process

You should always follow your physician’s advice regarding the operation, treatment and re-operation of your knee. However, there are some essential things that you can do to rebuild your knee healing and strengthen existing muscles, cartilage and ligaments.

Nutrition

It is recommended to increase the intake of food rich in protein like beef, chicken, fish, legumes, pork and soybeans. Food rich in Vitamin C is also essential to speed up your recovery after having knee surgery or any kind of surgery. Krill oil or fish oil is also good as it provides Omega 3, which helps provide lubrication to the joints, and it also helps reduce inflammation or pain. Other food good after surgery can be any Collagen supplements, MSM, Chondroitin and Glucosamine.

Behavioural

A major portion of people who undergo knee surgery are people who struggle with problems related to their weight. It is, therefore, highly recommended to keep a check on your weight after the surgery. One should also quit smoking as it aggravates inflammation in the entire body. It is very important to get enough sleep and rest for the healing process to speed up.