In short, it depends on how well you are recovering and how much stress the operated knee can bear at any given point during recovery.
Recent studies, published on the NIH website, show that most patients need at least 4-6 weeks to start driving comfortably after surgery. Based on that, 2 weeks seem too early. Yet, if your surgeon permits, you can drive.
Visit these links to access the published studies: https://bit.ly/3TOmq9f and https://bit.ly/4eHTM1w.
If you have any other queries, go through this article.
How Much Time Does It Take to Recover Fully After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Recovery isn’t the same for every patient.
More than one factor affects the recovery process, for example, age, general health, type of intervention, etc. Thus, total knee replacement recovery time varies from person to person.
Yet, on average, it takes at least 2-3 months for a patient to start all activities.
Will I Have to Wait Several Weeks to Walk After Surgery?
No. You are supposed to walk as early as possible because it helps prevent blood clots and speed up recovery.
A patient is made to stand on their feet after 24 hours of surgery. Medical staff provide assistance in walking and mobilising the operated knee.
You can use an assistive device like a pair of crutches or a walker to support yourself initially. However, you will not need such devices forever.
Most people quit walking aids normally 2 weeks after surgery.
So, you don’t have to wait several weeks. Instead, you start walking after 24 hours of the surgery.
Does This Surgery Have Any Permanent Limitations?
No. This surgery doesn’t have any permanent limitations.
People who require this surgery are already suffering from chronic knee pain and living with a lot of limitations. They cannot even walk without pain and discomfort. Life has become totally inactive.
So, it is the exact opposite: this surgery doesn’t cause limitations. Instead, it helps people break out of limitations caused by chronic knee pain and embrace a restriction-free lifestyle.
Is It A Successful Surgery?
Every year, many people opt for knee replacement surgery to get rid of intense and chronic pain in the knee. They get 100% results and the surgery improves their quality of life.
It is a safe and successful procedure.
The following are the major advantages of the surgery.
- Permanent relief from knee pain
- Pain-free mobility, i.e., walking
- Active lifestyle
- Better physical health
- Better social life
- Improved mental well-being
All of these factors are ensured by knee replacement surgery and it ultimately leads to a better standard of living.
How Can One Speed Up Recovery?
Pay attention to the following points.
- Stick to the instructions of your surgeon.
- Don’t skip any physiotherapy sessions.
- Don’t walk without crutches or a walker if advised.
- Take your medicines on time.
- Eat healthy and nutritious meals.
- Avoid junk foods as much as possible.
- Stay away from alcohol and smoking.
- Take adequate sleep each night.
- If your incisions don’t heal as they are expected and they look inflamed, talk to your surgeon. It might need medical attention.
- Avoid falling and getting involved in accidents.
- Don’t drive too early without consulting your surgeon.
Are There Any Tests Before Surgery?
Yes. A surgeon will examine the knee before performing the surgery. The surgeon can order any of the following imaging tests.
- X-Ray
- MRI
- CT Scan
These tests help learn about the intensity of the damage inside the knee. An X-ray test helps diagnose bone conditions while MRIs and CT scans are meant for soft-tissue examination.
When Should You Consider Knee Replacement Surgery?
You should consider knee replacement surgery under the following circumstances.
- Knee pain has made you physically disabled.
- Walking has become painful and extremely difficult.
- Knee pain interferes with your sleep.
- Morning stiffness has become part of life.
- You have to take painkillers frequently.
These are the common symptoms of totally damaged knees. Such knees cannot be treated without surgery. So, knee replacement surgery becomes inevitable.
Furthermore, knee deformities can also be treated with this surgical intervention. So, if you are a young adult and your knees are deformed, this surgery will help.
If you are planning this surgery for yourself or your loved one, you might also want to learn about the procedure of the surgery, its types and other crucial things. Let’s discuss these topics below.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
It is a surgical intervention in which damaged parts of the knee are removed. After that, with implant components, removed parts are resurfaced.
Many conditions can damage the knee completely if the right treatment isn’t provided on time. Major conditions are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis (or PTA)
However, no matter what, debilitating knee pain can be treated with knee replacement surgery effectively.
Types of Knee Replacement Surgery?
There are mainly two types as follows.
- Total knee replacement surgery
- Partial knee replacement surgery
When the knee is completely damaged, a surgeon recommends total knee replacement surgery or TKR. Furthermore, TKR is also of two types, i.e., unilateral and bilateral. Under the unilateral procedure, only one knee is operated. However, under the bilateral procedure, both knees are operated.
When only the partially damaged part of the knee is being operated, it is called partial knee replacement surgery.
Anaesthesia Involved
Under total knee replacement surgery, usually General Anaesthesia is used. The patient falls completely unconscious while being operated.
However, the surgeon can also choose regional anaesthesia, which only makes half of the body down the waist unconscious. Thus, you don’t fall totally asleep. It is the best type of anaesthesia for partial knee replacement surgery.
The surgeon will decide which anaesthesia is most suitable for you.
Conclusion
You can drive 2 weeks after the knee replacement surgery if your surgeon gives permission. However, on average, most patients require at least 4-6 weeks of recovery before starting to drive.
If you need to connect with the best surgeon, visit the following link: knee replacement surgeon in India.
