OP after-treatment/painkiller
After the operation, early mobilization of the knee joint is important to avoid contractures and reduce swelling. For this purpose, most clinics use a motorized splint that passively bends and stretches the leg. This motorized splint can be used from the very first day after the operation.
On the second and third day, the movement is repeated on the motor splint and walking on supports is also trained. In most cases, walking can be done immediately under full load, however, the use of forearm crutches is still recommended until the 6th week after the operation to relieve the joint. Active exercises in physiotherapy help to ensure that the knee can be bent up to 90° after one week.
After the hospital stay, an outpatient or inpatient rehab takes place for 2-3 weeks, in which gait training and muscle build-up training is continued and, if possible, the full extent of movement is worked out. In addition, after the operation a medication is taken for 10 to 14 days to prevent thrombosis. The pain medication after the operation is very important to achieve the required flexion of 90° and to ensure a good therapeutic success.
For example, a pain pump with a local anesthetic can be used, which the patient can operate himself/herself. In addition, opioids in tablet form can be administered from the first day after the operation.Non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs such as ibuprofen have an additional blood-thinning effect and thus act as thrombosis prophylaxis. The pain medication is needs-oriented and can be slowly discontinued when the symptoms subside.
Causes
Since the population is getting older and older, knee joint arthrosis is also becoming more and more common. It is a typical symptom of wear and tear that usually occurs between the ages of 55 and 65. It is not always possible to determine the exact cause. For example, weaker joint cartilage can have a beneficial effect: congenital or acquired knee joint malpositions such as “O-legs” or “X-legs” or previous injuries to the capsule, ligaments or joints can cause and accelerate arthrosis. You will find comprehensive information on this in the following article: Knee arthrosis – Causes
- Any surgical intervention in the joint such as arthroscopy increases the risk of later knee arthrosis.
- In addition, certain working conditions such as constant kneeling or carrying heavy loads can have a negative effect on the development of osteoarthritis.
- Overweight and lack of exercise not only increase the risk of injury, but also directly promote wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
- However, excessive physical activity in extreme sports or sports that involve many decelerating movements, such as tennis, martial arts or soccer, can also lead to early arthrosis.
