Posted on 12th May, 2023 at 5:48:47 AM
Patients undergoing total knee replacement are highly likely to experience fatigue before the surgery and six months following the procedure. It’s normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery.
Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises. Note that this is absolutely normal and will disappear with time. Knowing the triggers of fatigue can help you manage it after knee replacement surgery in Mumbai. If you are wondering how long you have to live like this, worry not. This post will help you beat the post-knee replacement fatigue effortlessly.
How Long Does the Fatigue Last?
There’s no ideal time limit for the length of recovery from knee replacement. It usually varies from person to person. The same goes for fatigue. You can’t say how long you will feel exhausted after surgery, although it’s normal to experience tiredness for 3-4 months following the procedure.
Many factors can affect your recovery, like the environment at home, your sleep cycle, and emotional stress. Your age or existing medical conditions can also play a part in your recovery, which in turn, affects your energy levels. Not moving enough or moving too much can affect your recovery period. Here’s what you can do to beat fatigue after TKR.
Drink Enough Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated before and after surgery is key to speeding up your recovery and beating fatigue. Water helps flush out toxins from your system and maintains your energy level. However, you should strictly drink plain water.
Soft drinks and beverages, like coffee, can have a negative impact. You may feel energetic for a brief moment, but you will most likely end up feeling exhausted afterward. Likewise, alcohol is a big no for patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery.
Exercising Can Help
Gentle exercises like walking slowly with your cranes or walking aid are advisable only when the doctor recommends it. You can consult a therapist for assistance. The doctor will tell you the type of exercises you can perform safely.
You can also discuss your exercise plans and how to increment physical movement. Remember, light exercises can help keep your body moving and improve your blood circulation. But, performing them too frequently or practicing heavy physical exercises can put immense pressure on your body.
Get Adequate Rest
You should get enough sleep for the next few weeks following the surgery. Make it your goal to sleep for at least 8-9 hours every day. It’s not just about how much you sleep, but the sleep quality is equally important. Your doctor will advise you about the total rest you need for a quick recovery.
Limit Your Intake of Painkillers
You might need painkillers to manage pain after total knee replacement. While it’s okay to take them for a few days following the procedure, you should limit the intake of painkillers after the surgery. You can consult your knee replacement surgeon in Thane to get a better idea of when it’s safe to take painkillers and what quantity is okay. You can also discuss the intake of other medication for pain relief.
