Depression following hip and knee replacement surgery might catch one off guard. Nothing can prepare you for feeling melancholy throughout your rehabilitation, not even the ups and downs you’ve had with joint pain and surgery. Before joint replacement surgery, the patient and orthopaedic surgeon seldom talk about post-op depression. For the patient, depression throughout recovery becomes even more perplexing and alienating as a result.
A knee replacement, sometimes referred to as a complete knee arthroplasty, involves the replacement of diseased bone and cartilage with an artificial implant.
Your quality of life can be enhanced, and pain and suffering can decrease with the process. On occasion, though, it could negatively affect someone’s mental health.
What is depression after knee surgery?
Depression is a condition characterised by extended, inexplicable sadness and/or general indifference. These emotions can linger for a long time and impact your physical and emotional health, as well as your behaviour, mood, and energy level. It can impede your desire to socialise and get back into the things you typically like, as well as affect how you and everyone around you feel overall.
Patients may have hip replacement recovery depression, knee replacement recovery depression, or post-op depression at any stage of their recuperation following surgery. A depressive episode may occur during hospitalisation, a few days following discharge, or even weeks following surgery. Since every person is unique, the intensity of a depressive episode, the duration of the depressive episode, and the method of recovery are all dependent on the person.
Post-Op Depression Symptoms
- overall exhaustion. feeling too worn out to do daily tasks, either intellectually or physically.
- sleeping longer than normal. Conversely, depression may result in insomnia, or a decrease in sleep.
- Lack of resolution. You don’t feel like you’re making the best choice, and nothing seems quite right.
- shift in appetite. eating in excess or insufficiently.
- Absence of enthusiasm. loss of enthusiasm for your typical hobbies. This might be playing cards, reading, spending time with family, having phone conversations with friends, etc. Put simply, you’re “forcing” yourself to do things that you don’t feel like doing.
- not in your usual state of mind. experiencing unusually high levels of stress, anxiety, irritability, aggression, or anger. It might seem like you’re tense or that you’re about to lose it.
- feeling disoriented and forlorn. It seems as though you have nothing to look forward to. You believe that things won’t get better and that the future is bleak.
- feeling alone and estranged. You feel as though nobody can relate to what you’re going through; therefore, you don’t feel like talking about it.
- ideas to hurt oneself or other people. In the worst-case scenario, you could consider suicide or self-mutilation. This may result in the desire to harm other people.
Mental state of depression after knee surgery
Ninety percent of patients report better pain, mobility, and overall quality of life after knee replacement surgery.
But there are hazards associated with it, just as with other major surgeries.
Some patients have mental health issues following the operation, including anxiety, sadness, and sleeplessness.
There are a number of reasons why you could feel this way following surgery.
These may consist of:
- a temporary reduction in movement
- a greater reliance on others
- discomfort or agony
- the adverse consequences of drugs
- worries regarding the healing procedure
You’re not the only one who has seen mental alterations following knee replacement surgery.
Consult your physician if you have noticeable side effects that don’t go away after two weeks. They can collaborate with you to identify a solution.
After a knee replacement, insomnia
A sleep problem called insomnia makes it difficult to fall or remain asleep.
Pain and discomfort following a knee replacement may interfere with your sleep. The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) reports that more than half of patients who have had knee surgery have discomfort when they get up in the morning.
Restricted leg movements throughout the night and the use of medications can potentially be factors in sleep disturbances.
Sleep is essential for both physical and emotional recovery. It’s a good idea to look for a remedy if you struggle with insomnia.
Advice on coping with sleeplessness
Insomnia may be relieved in a number of ways, including through home remedies and medical interventions.
You might be allowed to take over-the-counter sleep aids like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or melatonin with your doctor’s approval.
After surgery, you can also try the following other measures to improve your sleep:
- Steer clear of stimulants like caffeine, large meals, and smoking just before bed.
- reading a book, keeping a diary, or listening to soothing music before going to bed
- establishing a sleeping-friendly environment by shutting off all gadgets, lowering the lighting, and making the space dark
See your physician if you experience difficulty falling asleep at night. Certain reasons, such as excruciating pain or discomfort following surgery, are avoidable. Your physician might be able to assist you in locating a workable solution.
There are other prescription sleep aids available, such as zolpidem (Ambien). Nonetheless, they are seldom prescribed by physicians as a primary course of treatment.
Depression after knee replacement
After knee replacement surgery, you will be able to walk short distances and move around your home, but your activity level will usually be somewhat limited.
Additionally, you probably will:
- endure discomfort for a few more weeks.
- As you heal, become increasingly reliant on other people.
- not be able to move as much as you would like
When combined, these elements may result in depressive symptoms such as melancholy and despair.
Depression is characterised by strong, enduring sadness that doesn’t seem to go away.
That might affect you:
- sentiment
- ideas and actions
- hunger
- rest
- interest in carrying out routine chores and enjoyable activities
Depression following a knee replacement is not unusual.
In a short study, about half of patients who had knee replacement surgery reported having depressive symptoms prior to being discharged from the hospital. Reports of depression were more common among women than among men.
It seems that the symptoms peaked three days after the procedure.
Common outcomes of post-operative depression include:
- alterations in appetite
- lower energy
- regrets on your health situation
Advice for dealing with depression
It might be beneficial to talk to loved ones about how you’re feeling as well as to look after yourself throughout the recovery phase.
This entails carrying out the below actions:
- using prescription drugs on a regular basis
- obtaining a lot of sleep
- engaging in physical therapy activities to aid in your recovery and strength-building
- contacting a counsellor or therapist if you need someone to talk to
After surgery, depressive symptoms usually go away a year later.
What causes depression following surgery, and what can be done to prevent it?
Does having knee surgery make depression go away?
In a different study, 133 patients’ depressive symptoms were examined both before and after knee replacement surgery.
Before surgery, roughly 23% of people reported having depressive symptoms; a year later, this percentage had dropped to about 12%.
Compared to individuals without depression, people with depressive symptoms expressed lower levels of satisfaction with their surgical results. This was true regardless of when the symptoms started or ended during surgery.
See your physician if your depressive symptoms persist for more than three weeks following surgery. They can assist you in creating a plan for symptom management.
At all times, if you have thoughts of hurting someone or yourself, contact 911 and get emergency help.
Anxiety after a knee replacement
Feelings of fear, panic, and concern are all part of anxiety.
A knee replacement is a significant operation. Fear that your pain won’t go away or that your mobility won’t get better might lead to anxiety. But you shouldn’t let these anxious sensations control you.
About 20% of patients had worry prior to surgery, according to research comparing anxiety levels in patients before and after knee replacements. Roughly 15% of patients experienced anxiety symptoms a year following surgery.
You could be concerned about your recovery if you suffer from worry. You can become afraid to move your leg or to continue therapy as a result.
Some advice on lowering anxiety
Following surgery, anxiety may have an impact on how quickly you recover. To discover a remedy, though, you can collaborate with your physician.
Anxiety can be reduced by practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and listening to relaxing music.
In order to assist you in managing transient anxiety, your doctor could possibly recommend taking medication.
Prognosis for knee replacement and mental state
If you were diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or sleeplessness prior to knee replacement surgery, let your doctor know. Additionally, express your thoughts in advance of the procedure.
Your physician can discuss them with you and design a treatment plan that takes these things into consideration.
After surgery, you might not anticipate experiencing anxiety, sleeplessness, or despair.
If they occur, discuss them with your physician, and think about telling friends and family how you’re feeling.
You could recuperate if you managed your despair, worry, and sleeplessness. Recognise that no matter how you are feeling right now, things can and will get better.
Summary
After knee surgery, depression is a typical, but sometimes disregarded, part of the healing process. People may improve their overall rehabilitation experience and take proactive measures to address their emotional well-being by being aware of the causes and effects of depression. Patients may face the obstacles of knee surgery with perseverance, optimism, and a fresh sense of hope for the future by using open communication, self-care techniques, and support networks.
FAQs
- Is sadness a typical reaction to knee surgery?
Yes, a lot of people recuperating from knee surgery develop depression for a variety of reasons, including pain, reduced mobility, and lifestyle changes.
- How can I determine whether having knee surgery has caused depression?
Depression symptoms might include depressing thoughts and feelings, despair, eating or sleeping habits changing, low motivation, and losing interest in once-enjoyed activities.
- How can I deal with depression following knee surgery?
Managing depression following knee surgery may be accomplished by getting expert assistance, practicing self-care skills like exercise and relaxation, and relying on support networks.
- What is the average duration of depression following knee surgery?
The length of a depression might vary based on a person’s unique situation. Early assistance and therapy are crucial for promoting mental well-being and facilitating recovery.
- Are there any services or support groups available for those who are depressed following knee surgery?
Yes, there are a lot of hospitals and community organisations that provide services and support groups designed especially for people recovering from knee surgery. Throughout the healing process, these can offer invaluable information, encouragement, and support.