Getting ready for knee surgery?

Knee surgery is a common procedure, often necessary for those suffering from chronic pain or reduced mobility due to injuries, arthritis, or wear and tear. Whether you’re scheduled for a total knee replacement, an arthroscopy, or another type of knee surgery, preparing well in advance is essential to ensuring the best possible outcome. 

Prehab: Your key to a smoother recovery 

Pre-surgery physical therapy, also known as prehab, is one of the most effective ways to prepare for knee surgery. 

Physical rehabilitation, or rehab, happens after a surgery and can help you regain strength. Prehab, on the other hand, can help you get your body ready for the procedure before it happens. Patients who do prehab often experience less pain after surgery and return to their normal activities faster. 

In prehab, your physical therapist will teach you exercises that build strength in your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, all of which play a crucial role in knee stability. They may recommend exercises such as leg presses, step-ups, and hamstring curls.  

Pre-surgery lifestyle changes 

In the weeks leading up to your knee surgery, you can make several important lifestyle adjustments to ensure you’re in the best possible shape for your procedure and recovery, including: 

Keep your appointments. Expect to have the following visits leading up to your actual surgery: 

• A trip to get your lab work done  
• Your primary care physician, who will ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery  
• A specialist if you have any underlying health conditions, like heart or lung problems 
• A meeting with the anesthesiologist prior to surgery 

That said, avoid scheduling any dental procedures in the six weeks before your surgery or the three months afterward. Germs in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and potentially infect your joint. 

Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, it’s critical to quit before surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow, slows down healing, and increases the risk of complications, such as infections, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Try to quit at least four weeks before your surgery date to give your body time to recover from the effects of smoking. If quitting feels overwhelming, talk to your doctor about medications, nicotine replacement options, or support programs. 

Manage chronic conditions. Uncontrolled conditions can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you have underlying health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea, work with your health care provider to ensure your conditions are well-controlled before surgery. Your doctor may adjust your medications or ask you to monitor certain aspects of your health more closely in the weeks leading up to your procedure. 

Improve your diet. A healthy diet is always important, and that’s especially true prior to surgery. Nutritious foods support your body’s healing processes. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Protein is essential for muscle repair and wound healing, while fiber helps prevent constipation, which can be a side effect of pain medications. Your doctor may recommend certain supplements, such as vitamin D or calcium, to support bone health and recovery. 

Mentally prep for your surgery 

Surgery can be a stressful experience, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for the procedure and the recovery process. Take time to learn about the surgery, ask questions, and understand what to expect in the days and weeks following the procedure. 

It’s normal to feel anxious before surgery. Understanding the process and having a clear recovery plan in place can help you go into the procedure feeling more confident. 

Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation to help manage pre-surgery stress. Some patients find it helpful to join a support group where they can connect with others who have undergone knee surgery. 

Plan ahead for post-op recovery 

One of the most important steps in preparing for knee surgery is planning for your recovery. The first few weeks after surgery can be challenging. Having a plan in place will help make the process smoother. It’s a good idea to: 

• Round up your support system. Arrange for a friend or family member to help you in the first few days after surgery. You may need assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. If you live alone, consider hiring a home health aide or asking a neighbor for help during your recovery. 
   
• Prepare your home. Set up a recovery space in your home that’s easy to access and comfortable. Make sure your living area is free of obstacles and has clear paths. You may need to use crutches or a walker, so it’s a good idea to create wide, open spaces where you can move around easily.  
   
• Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths. If your bedroom is upstairs, you might want to set up a temporary sleeping area on the first floor. 

Know what to expect on surgery day 

Ahead of your procedure, your health care team will give you guidelines on what to do the day before and the morning of your surgery. They will let you know: 

• When to stop eating and drinking. Your doctor may advise you not to eat or drink after midnight on the night before your procedure, for example, or give you other food and drink guidelines. Stop alcoholic drinks 48 hours before your procedure, longer if advised by your doctor. You may also need to follow a special diet in the days before your surgery. Be sure to ask your doctor. And don’t smoke or use tobacco products within 24 hours of your procedure. 
   
• When (and how) to prepare your skin. The night before or the morning of your procedure, take a shower and clean thoroughly with plain soap and water. Use medicated soap if recommended by your physician. Skip products with fragrances during and after your shower, and don’t apply lotions afterward. Scrub your fingernails with a brush and remove nail polish and acrylic nails. But don’t shave the hair on your knee. That will happen at the hospital or outpatient center, if needed. 
   
• What to pack. Bring only the essentials. This includes your photo ID and health insurance information. Leave valuables, including jewelry, at home. For an overnight stay, carry only what you’ll need: a case for your glasses or contact lenses and for your dentures, flat walking shoes with nonslip soles, a lightweight robe, sweatpants, shorts, a T-shirt, and clothes to wear when you go home. 
   
• How long you’ll be staying. Depending on the type of knee surgery you’re having, you may either be discharged the same day or spend a few nights in the hospital. Your surgeon will explain what to expect based on the specifics of your procedure. Make sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. 

Know what to expect before you’re discharged 

After knee surgery, your health care team will monitor your progress to ensure you’re stable enough to go home. Here are some key things to anticipate before you leave: 

• Get ready to walk. The nursing staff will have you up and walking shortly after surgery. This helps prevent complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. Walking also promotes circulation, which aids in the healing process. 
   
• You won’t be pain-free, but you’ll feel a lot better. Although you’ll experience some discomfort after surgery, you should also feel significant relief. In fact, most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their knee pain within a few weeks. In the meantime, your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help keep you comfortable. Follow their instructions carefully and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your pain levels. 

Back at home 

Once you return home, your focus will be on recovery. Here are a few tips to help you get back on your feet: 

• Wear slip-on shoes with a full back. These will keep you from having to bend over to tie your laces. Be sure they have a bottom surface with traction to avoid slips. 
   
• Keep up with your physical therapy. Physical therapy is an essential part of your recovery after knee surgery. In the weeks following surgery, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Make space on your post-surgery calendar for your physical therapy routine. It plays a crucial role in your overall recovery and long-term success. 
   
• Continue healthy eating. Good nutrition can help your bones and your surgery wound heal more quickly. Eat a diet rich in protein and fiber, and drink lots of water. If your doctor gives you a post-op diet or suggests supplements or vitamins, follow their orders for the best results. If you’re diabetic, keep your sugars tightly controlled to promote healing. 
   
• Stay active. While it’s important to rest and give your body time to heal, it’s equally important to stay active. Even light activity, such as short walks around your home, can promote circulation and prevent complications such as blood clots. 

You’ve got this 

Preparing for knee surgery takes time and effort, but the steps you take before your procedure will pay off in a faster, smoother recovery. By focusing on prehab, making lifestyle changes, and planning for your post-surgery needs, you can set yourself up for success.