Knee replacement surgery preoperative care

By: Updated: July 13, 2017


Preparing for knee replacement surgery, both mentally and physically, can help ensure the success of the surgery as well as help with recovery.

Here's a list of items to consider during your knee replacement surgery preoperative care.

Stay Healthy

Eat healthy, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest in the weeks leading up to surgery. Good health can help speed up the recovery process.

Exercise

In the months leading up to surgery, physical activity can help with weight loss and improve circulation as well as increase strength and flexibility. Check with a physician or physical therapist to discuss continuing with an already-existing exercise program or for tips on how to safely begin a new one.

Stretch

Incorporate any pre-operative exercises, as suggested by a physician or surgeon, into a daily program of physical activity. Maintaining muscle strength will help with recovery.

Relax

Focusing on relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, in the weeks leading up to surgery can help you mentally prepare for an operation and reduce anxiety.

Stop smoking

Smoking has been shown to slow healing and recovery time.

Come prepared to a preoperative visit

Consider bringing a list of questions to your preoperative appointment. This is a great chance to address concerns about preparing for surgery, the surgical process or post-operative care with your health care team. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something is unclear. Becoming educated about the procedure can also help reduce anxiety.

Schedule appointments

Look after any other health care concerns and dental issues before the day of surgery.

Start a checklist

Take note of all the items you wish to have with you during your hospital stay.

Safety at home

Take a look around your home to ensure you have a safe place to recover. For example, move any items, such as furniture or rugs, that could pose a tripping hazard. Consider rearranging kitchen cupboards to ensure frequently-used items are accessible without reaching. Ensure stairs are equipped with handrails.

Research assistive devices

These can include anything from a raised toilet seat to a walker or crutches. Discuss assistive devices with your surgeon and plan ahead so that items that could help with recovery are in place before you return home from the hospital.

Ask for help

Arrange transportation home after your hospital stay is over. Connect with a network of family and friends for support after surgery. If you live alone, consider having someone stay with you for awhile after surgery.
Think ahead, ask questions and be prepared to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from knee replacement surgery.

Do you own a small business in Canada? The medical cost for your knee care is an eligible business deduction through a Health Spending Account.  

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Are you an incorporated business owner with no employees? Learn how to use a Health Spending Account to pay for your medical expenses through your corporation: 

Download the HSA Guide for Incorporated Individuals

Do you own a corporation with employees? Discover a tax deductible health and dental plan that has no premiums:

Download the HSA Guide for a Business with Staff

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