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แนวทางการปฏิบัติตัวหลังผ่าตัดเปลี่ยนข้อเข่าเทียม

<h2>Confident Recovery… Taking Strong New Steps </h2>
Knee replacement surgery is one of the treatment options that helps patients return to normal life, reduce pain, and improve long-term quality of life. However, postoperative rehabilitation is a crucial period that directly affects the success of the treatment. Phyathai 2 Hospital would like to recommend guidelines for care after knee replacement surgery to ensure a safe and most effective recovery. 
 
<h2>Hospital Recovery Period </h2>
 Total Knee Replacement surgery is a procedure that helps patients return to a quality life, reduce pain, and increase mobility. However, the key process that affects the success of the surgery is “postoperative rehabilitation,” especially during the hospital recovery period, which is the beginning phase of recovery. 
&nbsp;
1. Start safe movement within 24 hours after surgery. Doctors and physical therapists will begin to help patients move and practice walking to prevent complications such as blood clots or knee stiffness. Key guidelines include 
<ul>
<li>Begin practicing thigh muscle contractions, knee extension, and flexion as instructed </li>
<li>Sit up, move, change positions, and practice walking with assistive devices such as a walker </li>
<li>Avoid crossing legs or squatting to prevent dislocation or joint displacement </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
2. Regular physical therapy is the core of recovery. Doctors will design a program suitable for each patient, focusing on 
<ul>
<li>Increasing the range of motion of the knee </li>
<li>Strengthening the leg muscles </li>
<li>Balance training and safe walking </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
3. Proper surgical wound care helps prevent infection and affects wound healing. 
<ul>
<li>Regularly observe for abnormal signs such as swelling, redness, heat, pus, or bleeding from the wound </li>
<li>Keep the wound clean and change dressings as instructed </li>
<li>Avoid getting the wound wet until permitted by the doctor </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
4. Preventing complications During recovery, there is a risk of blood clots or infection. 
<ul>
<li>Patients may receive anticoagulant medication </li>
<li>Must get up and move regularly, avoiding prolonged immobility </li>
<li>Drink enough water and eat nutritious food to speed up recovery </li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
5. Preparation before going home When patients can perform basic activities such as getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom, and climbing stairs safely, doctors will consider discharge. 
<ul>
<li>Recommend planning for continued physical therapy at home or clinic </li>
<li>Strictly follow the advice of the medical and physical therapy team </li>
<li>Schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress </li>
</ul>
 
 
<h2>At Home: What to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery </h2>
<ol>
<li>Consistent physical therapy Follow the physical therapy schedule strictly as prescribed by the doctor or physical therapist. Regularly practice knee extension, flexion, and thigh muscle contractions to prevent knee stiffness. Gradually increase walking distance. Use assistive devices such as canes or walkers to support the body, reduce pressure on the knee, and prevent falls during the initial period until walking independently and steadily. </li>
<li>Surgical wound care Keep the wound clean and avoid getting it wet unless permitted by the doctor. Regularly observe for abnormal signs such as swelling, redness, heat, increased pain, or pus. If any are found, contact the hospital immediately. </li>
<li>Daily living Avoid sitting on low chairs, squatting, or unnecessary stair climbing. Arrange the home environment to suit recovery, such as removing clutter to prevent falls. Sleep in positions that do not put pressure on the wound and change positions frequently to prevent pain or joint stiffness. </li>
<li>Diet and nutrition Eat high-protein foods such as fish, eggs, and beans to help tissue repair. Drink enough water and focus on foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones. Avoid high-fat foods, alcohol, and smoking, which may slow recovery. </li>
<li>Maintaining the longevity of the knee prosthesis Maintain a normal body weight to reduce stress on the knee. Exercise with low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking in water. Avoid heavy lifting or high-impact sports. Choose appropriate footwear with soft soles, anti-slip features, and good support to help stable walking. </li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<h2>Abnormal Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention </h2>
Although knee replacement surgery helps patients return to a better and safer life, if any of the following symptoms occur, contact the hospital or see a doctor immediately including 
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Surgical wound swelling, redness, heat, bleeding, or pus discharge </li>
<li>High fever over 38 degrees Celsius, especially with wound inflammation </li>
<li>Severe knee pain even without movement or rest </li>
<li>Leg swelling, redness, or tightness along the leg, which may indicate blood clots </li>
<li>Chest pain, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing </li>
<li>Abnormal knee noises, feeling “loose” or “unstable” </li>
<li>Feeling the knee dislocate or inability to bear weight on the leg </li>
</ul>
 
 
<h2>What Not to Do After Knee Replacement Surgery </h2>
<ul>
<li>Bend the knee more than 90 degrees, especially in the first month after surgery. The knee is not strong enough, and excessive bending may cause the prosthesis to dislocate or loosen.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Sit on the floor cross-legged or squat. These postures put excessive pressure on the knee and risk twisting the prosthesis out of alignment.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Cross legs or place one leg over the other. This may cause dislocation or misalignment of the hip or knee joint.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Stand or walk for too long without rest, especially during the first 6–8 weeks. Overusing the knee may cause swelling, pain, or regression in recovery.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Skip physical therapy. Not following the physical therapy plan may cause knee stiffness (Stiff Knee) and incomplete recovery of movement.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Lift heavy objects or lift with bent knees. Excessive weight increases pressure on the knee and may cause the prosthesis to wear out faster.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Drive too fast after surgery, especially on the right leg side. Wait until the doctor permits and you have good brake control.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
<li>Neglect wound care or allow the wound to get wet. This increases the risk of infection at the surgical site, a dangerous complication for the prosthesis.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[720,851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,8]}"> </li>
</ul>
<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[8]}"> 
Knee replacement surgery helps patients return to near-normal life, reduce pain, and restore quality of life. However, the success of treatment does not depend solely on surgery. Self-care and continuous physical therapy are essential. Phyathai 2 Hospital is ready to care for patients at every step, from surgery to recovery, to ensure your every new step is stable and strong<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[851],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[8]}"> 
&nbsp;
Dr. Thanadet Lertcharoencho
Orthopedic Surgeon, Knee and Hip Specialist
&nbsp;
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Recover confidently after knee replacement surgery with proper self-care guidelines, from hospital recovery to daily living. This includes advice on physical therapy, wound care, preventing complications, and symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

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