Skip to main content

Entering and Exiting a Car after Knee Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is becoming increasingly common, not only among the elderly but with younger people too. The causes range from medical conditions like osteoarthritis to injuries. Among all joint replacements, those of the knee are the ones most frequently performed. Prior to the surgery patients suffer from pain and limited mobility. Once the replacement has been done, and the recovery completed, they can expect to resume a normal life free from pain and with full mobility. A common mistake that many people make which could cause injury is doing things the wrong way during the recovery time. Getting in and out of a car in an incorrect manner is one of them.

Image Courtesy : https://c1.staticflickr.com/

Traveling by Road Is Fine, But…..

 After years of pain and movement limitations, patients are eager to live their lives in comfort. Being able to travel without hinderance is something most look forward to. But car journeys can be a problem. It is not the trip itself that is an issue; it is getting in and out of the vehicle without stressing the knee which is still recovering from the surgery. If too much stress is applied the new joint could be damaged. On the other hand, the frustration of being cooped up at home can be depressing and have a negative impact on the pace of the recovery. Here are guidelines on the proper way to enter and exit a car after knee replacement. If your doctor has given you different advice, follow that as your case may require special consideration.
  •      Sit in the front passenger seat.
  •      Ensure that the seat is fully pushed back.
  •      Have the driver park the car on a hard flat surface so you can get to it easily.
  •      Move towards the car using your wheelchair or support device.
  •      When you are near to the car, turn and begin backing up towards the seat.
  •      If you are in a wheel chair stand up and have the wheelchair pulled away.
  •      Use your right hand to hold the door frame and place the left hand on the dashboard or the car seat.
  •      Using your arms to support you, gently lower yourself on to the seat.
  •      Slide into the seat.
  •       If the seat fabric is sticky, placing a plastic sheet on it can make sliding in easier.
  •      Swing one leg at a time into the car, using your arms to lift the leg if needed.
  •      Never cross your legs while in the car.
     That’s it – you are safely in the vehicle. Reverse this process to exit the car.

    The Safest Way to Travel

While traveling by car is fine if the doctor approves, the safest way to travel by road when you are in the wheelchair or crutches stages of the recovery is in special vehicles designed to carry those with your condition. These are known as Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Vehicles and have ramps and other design features that make entry, exit and travel in them comfortable and safe. If you have had a joint replacement or other surgical procedure done and are tired of sitting at home while recovering, contact an NEMT company that serves your area and become mobile again.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is
Post a Comment
Read more

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis
Post a Comment
Read more

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest
Post a Comment
Read more