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7 ways to prepare for joint replacement surgery

Planning ahead can help reduce your risk of complications and support your recovery.

mature woman facing joint replacement surgery stretches in her bedroom
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Joint replacement surgery can help reduce your pain, increase your mobility and improve your overall quality of life. Like all surgical procedures, however, there are risks for infection and other complications. Joint replacement also involves a lengthy rehabilitation process. The good news is there are several things you can do in the weeks leading up to your operationShow More

doctor checking knee reflexes
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Get the details

You should be well-informed before surgery. That means you should try to learn as much as you can about your procedure, the potential risks involved and what you can expect during your recovery. Talk to your doctor about what will happen before, during and after your operation. Many people mustShow More

woman celebrating
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Slim down

Being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints. It can lead to complications and negatively affect the outcome of your procedure. Two of the main goals of joint replacement are increased mobility and long-term pain reduction. It’s important to understand, however, that obesity could actuallyShow More

couple walking dog
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Get moving

Staying active before surgery can help with the speed and success of your recovery. Exercise can help build strength and improve joint flexibility, which could increase your range of motion and boost your endurance after surgery. Building upper body muscles can also help reduce fatigue when using aShow More

crushing a cigarette
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Stop smoking

If you’re a smoker, the sooner you quit before your joint replacement surgery, the better. Although nicotine may numb some short-term discomfort, smoking can actually make your body more sensitive to pain. This can be particularly tough if you're living with chronic joint pain.

Smoking is alsoShow More

nurse helping man with cane
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Create a “safety zone” at home

After your joint replacement surgery, it will take time to rebuild your strength and regain your flexibility and mobility. During this recovery period, it’s very important to reduce your risk for falls, which could lead to injuries and damage your new joint implant. You may need to avoid stairsShow More

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Stock up on essentials

Driving typically isn't recommended before your first post-op visit, especially if you're taking medication to manage pain. Your surgeon will let you know when it's safe to get behind the wheel again. In preparation of this, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials, like nonperishable foods,Show More

elderly woman with caregiver
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Enlist some helpers

Even the most prepared surgical patients can benefit from the help of friends and family members. "Make sure you have a good network of people to aid you, certainly within the first two to three nights after surgery," Ledford says. "You just need somebody checking in on you to make sure your needsShow More

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