knee replacement recovery time for elderly: When considering knee replacement surgery as a treatment option, you may be concerned about how quickly you will recover and whether you will be able to get back to your normal activities. An article from the University of Michigan Health System explains that recovery time depends on several factors, such as your age and overall health.
Whether you are an active adult or an elderly person, the important thing is to have a consultation with your doctor and know all the details about this surgical process before moving forward with the surgery. Let’s take a look at some of the recovery processes for elderly patients who undergo knee replacement surgery.
Elderly Recovery Time From Knee Replacement Surgery
When you are over 65, knee replacement surgery is no longer a “last resort.” Many seniors need it to live independently and happily. However, the recovery process will be more challenging than younger patients. If you are considering a knee replacement surgery at this stage of your life, here is what you should know about its effects on the elderly in recovering from this procedure:
Recovery Time After Knee Replacement Surgery
The recovery after knee replacement surgery is between 8 and 12 weeks. During this time, it is likely that you will need help with daily tasks such as dressing, walking, and cooking. It is possible that you will also need a short-term stay in a rehabilitation facility. It is important to know that the amount of time it takes for you to recover after knee replacement surgery will depend on several factors. These include your health, your ability to heal, your age, the type of knee replacement surgery you receive, and your activity level following the procedure.
Which Knee Is Replaced?
It is not uncommon for an elderly patient to have a partial knee replacement in one knee and a full knee replacement in the other knee. This is because knees have different conditions and are loaded differently in daily life. The most common reason for having a partial knee replacement is due to severe arthritis in the knee. Sometimes, the knee replacement surgery is done because of the damage with previous surgery.
Stiffness and pain after knee replacement surgery
The knee is a joint and it involves soft tissues, bone, and a lot of vascular structures. When you have a knee replacement surgery, the goal is to get the knee to move again and have the patient walk better. The knee replacement surgery does not get rid of the pain completely. You will still continue to have some pain in the knee, especially after walking or after a long period at rest. The knee joint is a very vascular structure, and blood and fluid flow in and out of it continuously. This means that your knee will swell after surgery. You may experience significant stiffness and/or pain at the knee joint.
Bed Rest After Knee Replacement Surgery
You may be prescribed to stay in bed for a couple of days after knee replacement surgery. This will prevent you from moving and will help your knee heal and decrease swelling.
Returning to Activities After Knee Replacement Surgery
After a few weeks, you can begin to walk short distances with a walker or crutches. As the knee continues to heal, you will be able to walk farther and with less assistance. You should be able to drive after 4–6 weeks. Driving restrictions will vary depending on your doctor’s protocol. As you progress in your knee recovery, you may be able to return to work gradually. Typically, it takes patients 6–8 weeks to return to work.
Adverse Events Following Knee Replacement Surgery in Elderly
Knee replacement surgery is a very safe procedure. However, it is possible for elderly patients to experience adverse events. These may include blood clots, infection, heart attack, stroke, and death. Some of these events are more likely in elderly patients, and others can happen to anyone following knee replacement surgery. Common adverse events that occur following knee replacement surgery include: Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the knee joint or travel to other parts of the body. Symptoms include swelling and pain in one or both legs. Heart attack: Blood flow is reduced to the heart after knee replacement surgery. Stroke: Blood flow to the brain is reduced after knee replacement surgery. Death: Although it is rare, death can occur after knee replacement surgery.
Final Words
Arthritis can cause joint pain and limit a person’s ability to move around. Knee replacement surgery is a common surgery used to treat arthritis of the knee. While knee replacement surgery can be helpful, it also comes with risks and is not always a successful option. Complications can occur following knee replacement surgery, including infection, blood clots, and knee stiffness. If you are considering knee replacement surgery, it is important to understand the benefits and risks associated with the procedure. Make sure you meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and get your questions answered. It is also important to follow your surgeon’s instructions after the surgery to ensure a successful outcome.