How To Prepare For Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one. It is usually done to relieve pain and improve function in people who have arthritis or other conditions that damaged the joint beyond natural repair. There are many different types of joints in the body, and some can be replaced with artificial prostheses. For example, hip and knee replacements are common procedures that can help people with arthritis or other conditions that cause pain and difficulty moving.

Joint replacement is a major surgery that requires a lot of preparation. You need to make sure you are in relatively good physical and mental health before the surgery. This means eating healthily, doing light exercises, and maintaining a healthy sleeping schedule. You also need to have a support system in place to help you through the recovery process. Let’s talk about how you can prepare for joint replacement surgery.

Do Some Exercises

This is probably the most important thing you can do to prepare for a joint replacement. You have to be in good physical health and to do this, you need to exercise. Even if you are scheduled for a knee replacement, there are exercises that help make your muscles stronger to support your new prosthesis. Additionally, exercise before surgery can also help improve your recovery. So, try to do doctor-approved exercises for at least 30 minutes every day leading up to your surgery date.

Learn About the Procedure

It’s important that you understand what will happen during and after your joint replacement surgery, so there are no surprises. Talk to your surgeon and ask questions to allow them to address your concerns, up until you feel comfortable with your treatment plan.

Arrange For Post-Procedure Help

You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital and help take care of you for at least a few days after joint replacement surgery. Make sure these arrangements are in place before going into surgery, so everything runs smoothly afterward. After surgery, you are not to operate heavy machinery, which includes driving a vehicle. Having a loved one cook your meals, run errands for you, and help you around the house will make your recovery smoother and safer.

Stock up on Supplies

You’ll need things like ice packs, your medication, pillows, loose-fitting clothing, prepared meals, and a number of assistive devices post-surgery, so make sure you have them on hand ahead of time. Examples of assistive devices include a walker, a cane, a crutch, an arm reacher, a raised toilet seat, a shower chair, and bars to hold as you get up and down from the toilet. What you specifically are going to need will depend on the type of joint replacement you are having done. For instance, if your joint replacement is in the hip or knee, you will need to make sleeping, bathing, and cooking arrangements on the ground floor of your home, as you won’t be able to climb stairs for several weeks.

Joint Replacement Surgery in St. Peters, O’Fallon & Wentzville, MO

The orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Bone and Joint are highly experienced in joint replacement of the shoulder and elbow, and hip and knee. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief for our patients, we assess them for eligibility for a joint replacement. In addition to joint replacement, we also provide pain management services to help make your recovery even more comfortable.

To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors for a joint replacement, call our office today at (636) 229-4222 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to providing you with the best options that will bring you relief from your symptoms.