Recovery after knee surgery, these things need to be done & bull; hello healthy

After knee joint replacement surgery, you enter a period of recovery. Usually after knee surgery, the leg muscles weaken because you don't use them very often. Hence, there are a number of things to do after knee surgery during the recovery period.

Things to do after knee surgery recovery

Strengthening the leg muscles is required in the postoperative recovery phase of the knee. Usually doctors recommend doing physiotherapy to improve the function of your leg muscles. In addition, there are other things that you need to pay attention to while undergoing outpatient treatment in post-surgery knee recovery.

In order for optimal recovery, do the following tips after undergoing knee surgery.

1. Perform routine therapy

You will get a regular therapy schedule from your doctor or therapist. Resist feeling lazy or afraid while undergoing this therapy because you are always there for a therapist. Therapy is done to improve blood circulation to your feet.

Usually the therapist will also tell you when you have an infection or swelling in the knee. Swelling generally occurs after knee surgery. If this happens, compress with an ice pack, keep moving your feet, do not force yourself to do heavy activities, or you can also take painkillers. However, you can adapt the method of treating a swollen knee to the therapist.

2. Eat healthy foods

Usually, the appetite is slightly reduced after undergoing surgery. However you need to eat foods that are high in nutrition. Especially foods that contain iron such as meat, eggs, broccoli, and tofu.

During surgery the body loses iron in the blood. Therefore, iron is needed for postoperative knee recovery. Iron is able to trigger the production of hemoglobin, so that red blood cells can circulate oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

3. Preparation of a conducive room

When the doctor allows you to go home after knee surgery and undergo recovery at home, you can ask your family to help prepare the room area. You may not move much during the recovery period at home.

The recommended mattress height during the recovery period is at least 40-50 cm above the floor. Don't forget to ask to put important items near your bed, such as glasses, medicines, cell phones, tissues, snacks, and others.

4. Move but don't push yourself

When you are already undergoing outpatient treatment at home after knee surgery, don't forget to keep moving your legs to restore muscle function.

Do this walking exercise frequently in the company of a family member. Try walking slowly for stability training over short distances. This method can restore strength to your leg muscles slowly. Remember, while moving is important, you shouldn't push yourself through your recovery period.

5. Don't be shy about asking for help

There are people who are reluctant to ask for help to do something after knee surgery, even though he is currently recovering. During this healing stage, it may be difficult for you to perform a variety of activities.

Therefore, there is nothing wrong with asking family members to do something. For example, changing bandages, helping to shower and dressing, preparing food for you, or other activities that you find difficult to do on your own. So, there is no need to be embarrassed to ask for help, surely your family members understand your situation.

6. Do moderate exercise

During the recovery period after knee surgery, your physical activity is not as frequent as before the surgery. When the doctor says you are allowed to do normal activities, don't forget to do light exercise to strengthen your knees and leg muscles.

Some of the sports that can be done include swimming and cycling. For activities such as dancing or playing golf, you can do it. But for the time being, avoid sports that place more emphasis on your feet, such as jogging or playing basketball.