There are many changes that you must adapt to and manage in the months and years following your surgery and as your new knee does not come with the owner’s manual. Recognize the potential issues and preparing for them can really help to boost your quality of life.
Some popping and clicking sound from your knee
It is not unusual for the artificial knee to make some popping and clicking sound when it’s in motion. This is normal, and you should not get alarmed. If there is some other sound that the device is making you can check with your doctor.
Different sensations
After knee replacement its very common to experience new sensation and feeling around your knee. You may feel some skin numbness on the outer part of your knee and have the sensation of pins and needles around the incision. In some cases, the bump may appear on the skin surrounding the incision. This is common and most of the time it does not shows any kind of issue. If you are uncomfortable you can consult your doctor.
Weight gain
You may experience some weight gain after the surgery. A study has found that 66% of the knee replacement surgery patients gain weight after two years of the surgery. You can fight this by staying active and adhering to the healthy diet. You must remember that it is very important to avoid putting those extra kilos which will unnecessarily put a strain on the implant.
Warmth around the knee
It is normal to experience some swelling and warmth in your knee. Some people describe this as a feeling of the hotness and generally, this will subside over a period of several months. Some patients even long after complaint about mild warmth particularly after exercising. Icing may help you reduce these feeling.
Weak or sore leg muscles
There may be some soreness and weakness in your leg after the surgery. Your muscles and joints need some strengthening especially when they are cut during the surgical process. Adhering to the exercise program can make your artificial knee as strong as that of a healthy adult of the same age.
Bruising
Little bruising after the surgery is natural. It will also disappear as the wound drains. However, if you are taking the blood thinner you may experience ongoing bruising. You can talk to a doctor if there is something other than normal bruising.
Stiffness
Mild to moderate stiffness it not unusual particularly after the exercise. Your range of motion may not be the same as before the surgery. However, the stiffness generally subsides over the first year. Remain in moving condition and stretch as instructed your physical therapist ask you. If you will face extreme or worsening stiffness and soreness which significantly restricts the motion of your knee check with the doctor.
