Knee replacement is one of the most effective ways to treat knee arthritis. In order to ensure a successful outcome, you must prepare your mind and body for surgery.
Let’s discuss the 7 most crucial tips to help you get ready for your knee replacement surgery.
- Educate Yourself: Prior to any surgery, it is important to fully understand the extent of the surgery. Ask your doctor about the surgical process, benefits, risks, and recovery timelines to ensure you are fully knowledgeable about knee replacement surgery and expectations.
- Prepare Your Home: During your recovery, you will want a safe and comfortable recovery space. Prepare your home by stocking up on essential items, rearranging furniture to remove all obstacles, and putting frequently used items in easily accessible places.
- Find a Helper: Don’t be afraid to ask for a helping hand. Before your surgery, find a friend or family member who is willing to help run errands, prepare meals, and assist with any chores around the house. Support from your loved ones will make your recovery that much easier.
- Try Pre-Surgery Exercises: Practicing strength and flexibility exercises before your surgery will drastically improve your recovery. While it may be difficult to work out your knee joint, low-impact flexibility and strength-training exercises like swimming or yoga can make a huge difference.
- Optimize Your Health: When undergoing any surgery, it is ideal to be at your optimal health. In the weeks before your surgery, adjust your diet to incorporate more nutritious foods, quit any bad habits like smoking, and drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration.
- Mentally Prepare: Knee replacement surgery doesn’t just affect your body, it can also take a mental toll. While it is completely normal to feel anxious prior to knee replacement, it is important that you recognize the benefits and high success rates of the procedure. Relaxation practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and self-care can alleviate your stress.
- Follow Surgeon’s Instructions: Your surgeon will give you instructions to follow in the days prior to your surgery. Make sure to adhere to all their instructions as they know what will ensure the best surgical outcome.
Follow these 7 essential tips before your knee replacement to ensure you are fully prepared and confident when entering the operating room. Dr. Andrew Ehmke, an expert in robotic joint replacement, performs knee replacement surgery and is dedicated to providing personalized care, ensuring optimal outcomes and a quicker recovery for his patients. Trust in his expertise to ensure optimal results.
AUTHOR: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.
