Over the last few decades, medical science has advanced to help people move beyond natural physical limits. Our bodies inevitably break down, but surgery and modern treatments turn once-devastating conditions into manageable hurdles.
What is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery resurfaces damaged portions of the knee—often worn down by arthritis—using metal and plastic components that cap the kneecap and bone ends. The goal is to relieve pain more permanently than medication can.
The knee links the shinbone (tibia) and thigh bone (femur) via muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Cartilage prevents bone-on-bone friction; the meniscus acts as a shock absorber, and the patella shields the front of the joint.
Why Do We Need It?
This procedure treats knee disability caused by inflammation, pain, and limited movement from injury or conditions like osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage, letting bones scrape with each step. Severe cases can make walking or climbing stairs extremely painful. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, causes similar degeneration. When medication isn’t enough, knee replacement may be necessary to resurface the joint and restore function.
What Will Recovery Be Like?
After surgery, you’ll return to your room once stable. Expect a hospital stay of several days. A physical therapist will likely visit soon to help you start moving the new joint—an essential step that shouldn’t be delayed.
You may go to a rehab center or home. If you return home, prepare your space to support recovery.
How to Prepare Your Home
- Clear the halls. Relearning to walk means needing clear pathways. Rearrange furniture and décor to open space.
- Prioritize downstairs living. In a multilevel home, set up a temporary bedroom on the ground floor to minimize stair use early on.
- Remove rugs. Roll up area rugs to avoid tripping, snagging a walker, or slipping.
- Secure power cords. Tape or route cords along walls so you won’t trip on them.
- Install handrails. Add rails before surgery so you can practice using them and have support ready when you return.
- Use nightlights. Plug-in nightlights help you navigate safely in the dark.
- Organize essentials. Declutter, keep floors clear, and store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive bending or stretching.
- Prepare the bathroom. Add handrails, a shower bench, or an elevated toilet seat to make this space safer and easier to use.
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