Immediately After Surgery (Hospital)
- You will be monitored closely in the recovery room for 1–2 hours before returning to your ward
- Pain management medications will be given — controlled pain allows better movement and faster recovery
- Physiotherapy begins within a few hours — gentle ankle pumps and breathing exercises initially
- For knee and hip replacement: you will stand and take first steps with a walker on the day of or day after surgery
- Compression stockings and/or blood thinner injections will be given to prevent DVT
First 2 Weeks at Home
- Wound Care — Keep the wound dry and clean. Do not remove the dressing unless instructed. Report any redness, discharge, warmth or wound opening immediately.
- Medications — Take all prescribed medications on time — pain relief, blood thinners, antibiotics and supplements. Do not stop any medication without consulting Dr Jadhav.
- Exercises — Perform prescribed physiotherapy exercises consistently. Consistency is the single most important factor for a good outcome.
- Swelling Management — Elevate the operated limb when resting. Apply ice packs (wrapped in cloth) for 15–20 minutes several times a day for the first week.
- Diet & Hydration — Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet to support tissue healing. Stay well hydrated. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
🚨 Seek immediate medical attention for: increasing redness or discharge from the wound · high fever (>38°C) · severe new pain · calf pain or swelling (DVT) · chest pain or breathlessness.
Follow-Up Schedule
2 Weeks
Wound check, suture removal, X-ray review, exercise update.
6 Weeks
Clinical review, X-ray, physiotherapy assessment, return-to-driving discussion.
3 Months
Functional assessment, progressive rehabilitation, return-to-work planning.
1 Year+
Annual review with X-ray — then every 2 years thereafter for joint replacement patients.