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It is normal to have swelling and discomfort in the knee for several days or a week after surgery.
Apply ice bags or use the Cryocuff you were given to control swelling. Ice
should be applied 20-30 minutes at a time, every hour or two. Put a thin
towel or T-shirt next to your skin if using ice in a plastic bag. Icing is
most important in the first 72 hours, although many people find that
continuing it lessens their postoperative pain.
If you had a nerve block, the local anaesthetic may keep your leg numb for
several hours. You will be given a prescription for powerful pain medication
when you are discharged from the hospital. If you find you do not tolerate
it well, call our office and we will try another one.
KEEP THE LEG ELEVATED. This will prevent swelling and help decrease pain.
The leg must be elevated higher than the level of your heart.
PUMP YOUR ANKLES UP AND DOWN. This should be done several times an hour to
keep the blood circulating in your leg and to help prevent blood clots from
forming.
Keep the postop dressing clean and dry. Unless it becomes wet or too tight
because of swelling, leave the bandages in place for at least two days.
REMOVE YOUR BANDAGES TWO DAYS AFTER SURGERY. Cover the small incisions with
Band-Aids to keep them from snagging the sutures on clothes. You may shower
then, but keep the incisions dry for the first 10-14 days. Do not wet your
incisions directly (bathing or swimming) until at least 2 weeks postop.
The sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
Dr. Millett would like to see you back in the office 10-14 days after
surgery. If you don't have your first post-op visit scheduled, call our
office to make one.
Start your postoperative rehabilitation/physical therapy right away. Your
physical therapy program is key to a successful outcome. It should be
started the day after surgery. A separate prescription will outline the
protocol. It often helps to call before surgery to make an appointment with
your physical therapist.
Be in the care of a responsible adult.
Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages and from smoking.
You may eat a regular diet, if not nauseated. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic,
non-caffeinated fluids.
Plan to take a few days off work.
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