Arthroplasty (joint replacement) surgery is only the first step to a full, pain-free life. After the orthopedic surgeon has successfully installed a high-tech implant, the responsibility for the result partially passes to the patient himself. An artificial joint (whether hip, knee, or shoulder) has its own biomechanical features. In order for it to serve for 15-20 years or more, it is necessary to change some household habits.
Many patients go to extremes: either they begin to take excessive care and hardly move, or, on the contrary, feeling the absence of pain, they immediately give extreme loads. Both approaches are flawed.
What CAN and SHOULD be done after endoprosthesis:
Regularly perform PE exercises. Movement is life for your new joint. Physical therapy prescribed by your doctor and rehabilitation specialist helps to strengthen the muscles around the prosthesis. It is the muscle corset that takes part of the load and ensures the stability of the structure.
A lot of walking. First with crutches or a walker, then with a cane, and later on independently. Moderate but regular walking stimulates blood circulation, prevents the formation of blood clots and accelerates the process of implantation of the implant to the bone.
Do swimming and aqua aerobics. Once the surgeon removes the stitches and the wound is completely healed, the pool will be your best friend. Water removes the axial load from the joints, allowing you to safely train your muscles and develop the range of motion.
Ride a bike. Initially, it is recommended to use an exercise bike in the hall (without resistance), and later you can switch to a regular bike on flat terrain. This is an excellent prevention of contractures (stiffness).
Control weight. Each extra kilogram creates additional pressure on the prosthesis (especially hip or knee), accelerating the wear of its polyethylene or ceramic components.
What is categorically PROHIBITED:
Deep squats and crossed legs. This is especially true for patients after hip replacement. In the first months, you cannot bend the leg in the hip joint more than 90 degrees. You need to sleep with a roller or a pillow between your legs to avoid accidental dislocation of the prosthesis in your sleep.
Impact loads. Running, jumping, contact sports (football, basketball, martial arts), downhill skiing, or ice skating all create extreme micro-impact loads that can loosen the components of the endoprosthesis or even fracture the bone around it (periprosthetic fracture).
Lifting heavy objects. Carrying bags over 5-7 kg (especially in one hand), heavy physical work in the garden or construction significantly shortens the life of the artificial joint.
Sharp twisting movements. If you need to go back, do so by crossing your legs, not by twisting your body on the fixed foot (this can dislocate or damage the knee or hip replacement).
YOUR STEP TO HEALTH
Remember: an endoprosthesis is a perfect, but still mechanical device. Treat it with care, undergo scheduled examinations by an orthopedist once a year, and it will provide you with years of comfortable and active life.
DON’T LET PAIN LIMIT YOUR LIFE. SIGN UP FOR A CONSULTATION WITH AN ORTHOPEDIST-TRAUMALOGIST IN ODESSA AND LEARN ABOUT THE REAL STATE OF YOUR JOINTS TODAY!