Protect Your Mobility Through Full Engagement — Questions For Your Knee Surgeon

Whether you've injured yourself in some kind of daring athletic feat or you're simply beginning to feel the wear-and-tear effects of old age, seeking out a knee surgery can allow you to return to your full range of motion. If you've never gone through the surgery, however, it's important that you take the time to reduce your anxiety by learning as much about it as possible.

The first step in eliminating fear is maximizing information, but many people many not know where to start. Below, you'll find a guide to some questions you should be sure to ask your knee surgeon in order to calm your nerves, expand your knowledge, and move forward into your procedure with full confidence.

Ask About Wound Care

One major advantage of modern knee surgeries is that some of them no longer require a large incision to complete. However, even if you're fortunate enough to be able to benefit from an arthroscopic procedure, it's still important that you take all the necessary steps to combat an insidious infection.

A joint which is already compromised may be uniquely vulnerable to damage following an operation, so correctly treating your incision site is a vital part of after care. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with a cleaning and sterilization guide that you should be sure to follow as closely as possible.

Ask About Strength Building

Once the surgery is performed, it's understandable to want to get back up on your feet and enjoying life as quickly as possible. The first time you stand on your repaired knee, you're likely to notice a dramatic decrease in its strength and stability, so it's vital that you be prepared to fully engage with your recovery.

Your surgeon will work in concert with you and a physical therapist to develop a strength plan that will allow you to maximize your recovery. Even though it might feel like a substantial challenge, it's vital to commit to that therapy with as much enthusiasm as possible.

Ask About Body Compensation

The human body works in some mysterious ways, and not all of them are positives. If your knee has been injured, it's likely that your body has been making subtle adjustments to compensate for that injury that could cause a long-term stress issue. Talk to your surgeon about the best way to reverse those compensations and restore your body to its best possible state through hard work and a vigorous recovery.