What to know before and after knee replacement surgery

Overview: Thinking about knee replacement surgery? Knowing what to expect before and after the procedure can help you feel more confident and prepared. From a surgery prep checklist to mistake to avoid during recovery, discover what you need to know before having surgery.

If you suffer from chronic knee pain, knee replacement surgery can be life changing. However, understanding how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery will ensure a smooth process and help you find your groove again... ASAP. 

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To prepare for a smooth procedure, there are a handful of things you should do before surgery day.

Knee replacement surgery prep checklist:

• Schedule a physical exam with your primary care provider (PCP) to make sure you are healthy and ready for surgery. Your PCP will also make sure you aren’t taking any medications that could increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• Quit smoking! Smoking can prevent proper healing and make it difficult for your body to fight off infection.
• Avoid alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can cause dehydration and increase bleeding.
• Arrange for post-op home care to ensure you have the help you need for a restful recovery. This could be a family member or friend.
• Prepare your home for recovery by removing tripping hazards like rugs and electrical cords. 

It’s also important to prepare yourself physically before surgery. This means staying as active as possible (depending on your stiffness and pain). To help you stay active, you may want to consider starting an exercise program that includes walking, gentle stretching and building upper body strength. (You can always ask your doctor for recommended exercises). Having an established exercise routine before surgery can help with post-op physical therapy and recovery.

What to expect post-op and during recovery

Recovering from knee surgery takes some time, and recovery length will vary depending on your age, health and type of surgery. Most patients can expect to be in the hospital for three to five days after surgery, then transition to recovery at home where it could take up to two months to fully return to activity. The key to optimal recovery is finding the right balance between movement and rest. 

Five mistakes to avoid after knee replacement surgery

1. Skipping physical therapy: A physical therapy recovery plan helps strengthen the muscles around the knee, increasing flexibility and improves overall function.
2. Too much physical activity: Although it's important to move during recovery, overdoing activity too soon could set you back and increase the risk of injury.
3. Pushing through the pain: Listening to your body’s pain signals can help prevent setbacks. It's also important not to overly rely on pain medications as this can mask pain signals and potentially lead to over-dependency. Always stick to your doctor’s recommendations/medication plan.
4. Neglecting follow-up appointments: Follow-up appointments assess your progress, wound care and pain management. Neglecting these appointments can lead to unnoticed infections or improper healing.
5. Failing to maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet and proper hydration support the healing process. Additionally avoiding alcohol consumption can prevent complications and promote faster recovery!

Take the first step toward a pain-free life

Knee replacement can be the first step toward a pain-free life, however without adequate preparation and recovery you might land back at square one. By knowing what to expect before and after the procedure, you can approach your surgery and recovery with confidence.

Talk with a MercyOne orthopedic expert today!

This blog was medically review by a MercyOne provider.