How To Prepare And Recover From Joint Replacement Surgery

Posted on: 30 March 2021

If you have persistent pain in one or more of your joints, it can make daily life more difficult. You may have trouble moving around and completing simple tasks around the house. However, you may be a good candidate for joint replacement surgery. Whether you're getting hip or knee replacement surgery, it's important to prepare and recover properly.

How to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery

By taking the time to prepare for your joint replacement surgery, you can increase your chances of having successful results. Here are a few ways to get ready for the procedure.

  • Educate Yourself About the Procedure: The more information you know about your joint replacement surgery, the better prepared you will be for it. For example, you may want to ask your doctor the type of prosthesis that will be used and how long you will have to stay in the hospital.
  • Make Home Modifications: Joint replacement surgery may take several weeks to recover from. To increase your comfort and prevent falls, you may need to make certain modifications to your home beforehand. For instance, you may want to put a chair in your shower.
  • Get in Better Health: If you're in good physical shape for your surgery, you will have an easier recovery and fewer complications. For example, if you are currently overweight, you may want to lose a few pounds before your procedure. If you smoke, you should quit right now.

How to Recover from Joint Replacement Surgery

After your joint replacement surgery, take your recovery seriously. Here are some tips for successfully recovering from this procedure.

  • Eat a Healthy Diet: When you're recovering from joint replacement surgery, it may be tempting to reach for chips and other junk foods. However, these foods won't give you the nutrients you need to recover. Opt for healthier foods, like fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, and whole grains.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Move Around: While you should avoid vigorous activities after joint replacement surgery, don't just sit on the couch all day. Moving around will improve blood flow to your joints and help you recover faster. Ask your surgeon about safe exercises you can perform.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: After your surgery, you may have difficulty doing certain tasks, like cooking or doing the laundry. Don't hesitate to ask your family members or friends to help you.

If you have other questions about joint replacement surgery services, ask a local doctor.

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