Blood Clots: What To Do To Prevent Them
To minimize the possibility of blood clots, you must follow your orthopedists instructions closely. Blood clots are a hazard during the first few weeks after surgery.
What to Watch For
Here are the warning signs that you may have a blood clot in your leg:
Swelling the lower leg, specifically the foot, calf and ankle.
Calf pain.
You may experience redness and tenderness below or above your knee.
Chest pain without warning.
Chest pain with coughing.
Blood clots can travel to the lung. If this happens, you may have these symptoms:
A sudden feeling of shortness of breath.
If this happens, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Click here for more on Portland Knee Surgery.
Infection Prevention
Your knee may become infected after your surgery. The reason for this is usually that bacteria has gotten into your blood somehow. Usually this will happen because of an infection of your skin or a urinary tract infection. It can also happen because you have had dental work. The bacteria generated by one of these conditions can travel and set itself up in your knee replacement. This causes infection.
Your surgeon will give you a prescription for antibiotics to take after your surgery. You should take these exactly as your doctor orders. This will prevent infection setting up in your knee replacement.
Watch out for these signs of knee replacement infection:
Your knee may feel painful both when you are active and when you are resting.
You may shake and have chills.
Your knee replacement may be tender, red and swollen.
You may experience a persistent oral temperature of over 100F.
There may be drainage from your knee wound.
Be sure to call your doctor if any of these signs occur.
How to Avoid Falls
If you fall soon after your surgery, it can damage your new knee. Then you may need more surgery. Try to avoid stairs until your knee has completely recovered and it is mobile and strong. Be sure to use a support device such as hand rails, walker, crutches or a cane. At least have someone assist you until your knee is completely strong and flexible and you have regained your balance.
Your physical therapist and your surgeon will assist you in determining which assistive devices will work best for you. They will also help you decide when it is time to stop using an assistive device. - 16887
To minimize the possibility of blood clots, you must follow your orthopedists instructions closely. Blood clots are a hazard during the first few weeks after surgery.
What to Watch For
Here are the warning signs that you may have a blood clot in your leg:
Swelling the lower leg, specifically the foot, calf and ankle.
Calf pain.
You may experience redness and tenderness below or above your knee.
Chest pain without warning.
Chest pain with coughing.
Blood clots can travel to the lung. If this happens, you may have these symptoms:
A sudden feeling of shortness of breath.
If this happens, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Click here for more on Portland Knee Surgery.
Infection Prevention
Your knee may become infected after your surgery. The reason for this is usually that bacteria has gotten into your blood somehow. Usually this will happen because of an infection of your skin or a urinary tract infection. It can also happen because you have had dental work. The bacteria generated by one of these conditions can travel and set itself up in your knee replacement. This causes infection.
Your surgeon will give you a prescription for antibiotics to take after your surgery. You should take these exactly as your doctor orders. This will prevent infection setting up in your knee replacement.
Watch out for these signs of knee replacement infection:
Your knee may feel painful both when you are active and when you are resting.
You may shake and have chills.
Your knee replacement may be tender, red and swollen.
You may experience a persistent oral temperature of over 100F.
There may be drainage from your knee wound.
Be sure to call your doctor if any of these signs occur.
How to Avoid Falls
If you fall soon after your surgery, it can damage your new knee. Then you may need more surgery. Try to avoid stairs until your knee has completely recovered and it is mobile and strong. Be sure to use a support device such as hand rails, walker, crutches or a cane. At least have someone assist you until your knee is completely strong and flexible and you have regained your balance.
Your physical therapist and your surgeon will assist you in determining which assistive devices will work best for you. They will also help you decide when it is time to stop using an assistive device. - 16887
About the Author:
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Portland ACL Surgery and Portland Athletic Injuries.
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