Patients are generally given 1 to 2 months to prepare themselves for total knee replacement surgery. This is a crucial time as they need to prepare themselves both psychologically and physically to ensure a successful outcome. Pre-planning helps patients to meet the challenges that come during and post-surgery. You may prepare yourself for the surgery by following the essential tips listed below.
Gather all your critical information before the surgery
Collect all the necessary information/documents like your medical history, insurance coverage, and other legal arrangements before the surgery. With all the vital information in handy, you and your knee surgeon can easily ensure that you are the right candidate for the surgery. Plus, these documents are needed to verify that the surgical treatment meets the standard medical guidelines. Take your time and list down all your medical info. It will not only speed up the process but also eases the task of the healthcare team.
Exercise and go for therapies to make your knee muscles stronger
Follow the routine and perform the exercises recommended by your physical therapist or surgeon. This is to ensure fast recovery of your knee after the surgery. Therapies and exercises make the knee supporting tendons and muscles stronger. Perform them under the supervision of a specialist. Generally, doctors recommend thigh squeezes, knee bends, leg raises, chair lifts, and sitting kicks. These exercises help in building quadriceps muscle, tighten the thigh muscles, strengthen the hip flexors, and improve the knee movement.
Get in the best possible body shape before surgery
Maintaining physical shape before knee replacement surgery in India reduces the possibilities for complications. Besides, it shortens the recovery period. Take a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Patients who are overweight face many troubles post-surgery as the excess weight puts more stress on the knee joints. You may need to reduce some amount of weight before surgery. Do as recommended by your doctor.
Make necessary changes at home for homecoming
Knee replacement surgery is typical, and it takes several weeks to recover and attain the required knee movement. The good part is you may speed up the process by taking the necessary steps. Take time to make your comfortable and home safer so that you don’t face any troubles when you return home after surgery. Patients who go through knee replacement have special requirements. They may also need a rehabilitation facility. Clear the hallways so that there is enough room for a walker or crutches. Install safety rails wherever needed.
Quit tobacco products and alcohol
If you are in the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol, you should cut down or stop consuming such products at least a month before surgery. Smoking slows down the recovery process and increases the likelihood of complications. Also, it elevates the chances of infection after knee replacement surgery. However, it is recommended to quit smoking and alcohol, but if this is not possible for you to cut down the consumption limit. Don’t consume alcohol or tobacco at least three days before knee replacement surgery.
