Healthy knee joints are a pivot for normal movement, mobility, and a quality life. However, accidents, illnesses, and other injuries that commonly damage knee joints can’t easily be missed during one’s lifetime, causing a big limitation. In India, hundreds annually undergo knee replacement, either partially, bilateral, or total knee replacement.
The main target of performing such knee procedures is improving one’s quality of life. The previous complaints such as pain, stiffness, and immobility are all expected to be terminated. Meanwhile, there are many activities that patients are more concerned about before and after undergoing a knee replacement surgery in India and let’s talk about them;
Driving
Formerly termed as a luxurious practice, driving has currently become part of life, with many working as drivers. Apart from that, many are extremely concerned about their ability to drive after a knee replacement. The good news is that driving after a knee replacement is certainly possible, but happens gradually. Some patients are able to drive after 6 weeks, whereas others may require more time.
However, the type of car you are driving matters a lot. Manual cars that require lifting up the leg and bending the knee to press the pedals may require total recovery and an X-ray before you embark on driving again. However, individuals who drive automatic cars may require a shorter period.
Sports activities
Modern orthopaedic surgical approaches relatively require a shorter post-operative period, however, the extent of damage or fracture extremely dictates the amount of time it may take you to return to your sport like cricket, football, or golf. Sports activities are somehow considered a significant part of rehabilitation, but your entire involvement in the game has to occur gradually.
Trips
It is vital to initially evaluate the distance before you embark on a trip. Also, what means are you using? Is it a flight, metro, bus, or train? Public transportation means like buses and trains are extremely dangerous for a recovering patient as there are higher odds of undesired injuries. Similarly, flights are also associated with their own limitations. Did you know that the metal in your new joint is likely to alert metal detectors and the pressure up there can trigger swelling or cause breathing issues?.
Unless an urgent requirement, inform your doctor to provide the necessary travel guidelines as per your condition.
Health
There are higher chances of blood clots, infection, a neurovascular damage that may occur in case the surgeon’s guidelines aren’t taken seriously. Antibiotics to prevent infections plus the narcotics to render driving after the surgery safe must be taken as prescribed.
You can prevent blood clots through stretching and walking around after the surgery. In addition, patients with joint implants are advised to have a dental checkup more often as they are liable to suffer from dental infections.
