How to prepare for your Knee Replacement Surgery?

Dr.Aashish Chaudhry, 4 mins read

Someone rightly said, “The better you prepare, the better will be the results.” The same goes for knee replacement surgery.

Being advised for knee replacement surgery may make you nervous, with many questions brewing in your mind. However, by closely working with your healthcare provider and understanding how to prepare effectively, you can easily navigate through this period.

In this guide, we will take you through the entire preparation process to alleviate your surgery-related fears and ensure a smoother journey.

Table of contents

• What is knee replacement surgery?
• What is the best time for knee replacement?
• Preparation for the knee replacement surgery
• How to mentally prepare for knee replacement surgery?
• Exercises to prepare for knee replacement surgery
• What tests are done before knee replacement surgery?
• How to manage your weight before knee replacement surgery?
• What to do a night before knee replacement surgery?
• What to eat the day before knee replacement surgery?

What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a medical procedure in which a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint. This surgery is typically performed to relieve severe knee pain and improve mobility in individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injuries.

What is the best time for knee replacement?

The timing of knee replacement surgery is determined on an individual basis. It is usually recommended when routine activities (like walking and sitting) become difficult and non-surgical treatments (such as physical therapy and medication) no longer provide relief from pain. If you are facing such problems, talk to the best orthopaedic surgeon in Dwarka, Delhi for proper guidance.

Preparation for the knee replacement surgery
Once a patient has decided to undergo knee replacement surgery, a well-planned pre-surgery preparation will go a long way in bringing good outcomes of surgery.

Prepare your home: Bending and squatting in the initial days of surgery can lead to knee injuries. So, prepare your home to ease your routine activities.

• Add side railings to your bathroom.
• Ensure stairs have sturdy railings.
• Keep cold packs handy to alleviate swelling.
• Use a small stool while taking a shower to avoid falling.
• Take special care of tripping hazards like rugs, toys or electrical cords.
• Install a commode extension over your routine toilet seat. This will put less stress on the knees.
• Use a comfortable and supportive chair that keeps your legs elevated.
• Keep a walker, a quadruped stick and a few other assistive devices for walking support in the initial days after surgery.
• It is preferable to reside on the ground floor or in a house with a lift for initial 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Adjust your medications: You will be advised to avoid some medications (like blood thinners) that can interfere with your recovery a couple of days before the surgery.

Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking can slow down the healing process and may make it difficult for the body to fight off infection. On the other hand, alcohol can increase bleeding and dehydration. So, you will be advised to quit smoking and alcohol a few days before surgery.

How to mentally prepare for knee replacement surgery?
Preparing yourself mentally is crucial for a successful knee replacement surgery. Talk to your surgeon or a mental health professional to know about the procedure, discuss any concerns, and create a support system with friends and family. Maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on the anticipated improvements in your quality of life is also essential.

Exercises to prepare for knee replacement surgery
Pre-surgery exercises can help improve your strength and flexibility. Your physical therapist will provide you with a personalised list of activities. These may include straight leg raises, thigh squeezes, side-lying straight leg raises, knee bending and gentle range-of-motion movements. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance on the most appropriate exercises for your specific condition.

What tests are done before knee replacement surgery?
Your surgeon will typically perform a series of tests to assess your overall health. These tests may include blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiography. Plus, physician, anaesthetist and cardiologist clearance is required. The goal is to identify whether you are a good candidate for the surgery and manage any potential risks.

How to manage your weight before knee replacement surgery?
Maintaining a healthy weight before knee replacement surgery is important as excess weight can increase the stress on the new joint. Regular exercise and a balanced diet (but not mandatory) can help you shed extra pounds. Consult with a nutritionist or healthcare provider for a personalised weight management plan.

What to do a night before knee replacement surgery?
You need to stop eating and drinking after midnight. Also, ensure your home is prepared for your return after surgery, and get a good night's rest.

What to eat the day before knee replacement surgery?
The day before surgery, you should follow any dietary restrictions provided by your surgeon. Generally, you'll be asked to avoid heavy or fatty foods and adhere to a light, easily digestible diet. Staying well-hydrated is important, but you may be instructed to stop consuming food and liquids a few hours before the surgery.