Joint replacement is a big decision, but it’s also an opportunity to restore mobility and regain independence. Preparing the right way can make your surgery safer, your healing smoother, and your return to daily life more comfortable. To guide you through the essential steps, here is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow checklist tailored for hip and knee replacement patients.
1. Strengthen Your Body Before Surgery
Prehabilitation, light strengthening, and mobility exercises are often recommended to build muscle support around the hip or knee. Even gentle conditioning can improve early mobility, reduce stiffness, and help you get out of bed and walk sooner after surgery. Your surgeon or physical therapist can design a personalized plan based on your comfort level and mobility.
2. Pause or Adjust Your Medications
Certain medications can interfere with surgery or increase bleeding risk, so it’s essential to review everything you take with your orthopedic surgeon or primary physician. Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements, and specific prescription medications may need to be stopped several days in advance. Your doctor will provide a clear timeline based on your personal medical history.
If you use medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or heart conditions, your care team will guide you on which doses to continue the night before and the morning of surgery. This step ensures your body remains stable throughout the procedure while minimizing preventable complications.
3. Optimize Your Body With Presurgical Nutrition
Your body heals best when it has the right nutrients on board, which is why many orthopedic surgeons recommend specialized presurgical nutrition programs, such as Optifuel, designed to reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve tissue healing after surgery. Incorporating them into your preparation, typically starting several days before your procedure, helps create a metabolic environment that supports a stronger recovery.
Staying hydrated, prioritizing protein, and maintaining balanced meals can further enhance healing. If you have diabetes or other metabolic conditions, managing blood sugar levels is especially important, as optimized nutrition directly impacts wound healing and infection risk.
4. Prepare Your Home for a Safe Recovery
A smooth return home plays a key role in your early recovery. Before surgery, create a safe and comfortable environment that supports limited mobility. Many patients find it helpful to organize a single-level living area with easy access to the bathroom, kitchen, and a supportive chair. Removing tripping hazards such as clutter or loose rugs, setting up good lighting, and placing frequently used items within arm’s reach reduces the risk of falls.
If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to assist with meals, transportation, and daily tasks during the first few days after discharge. Preparing your home ahead of time allows you to focus fully on healing once surgery is complete.
5. Plan for Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation
Understanding your recovery timeline sets realistic expectations and boosts confidence. Most patients begin walking with assistance shortly after surgery and transition into physical therapy within a few days. Planning ahead for transportation, follow-up appointments, and therapy visits ensures you stay consistent with your recovery goals.
If you have questions about preparing for surgery or want personalized guidance tailored to your medical history and lifestyle, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ehmke, joint replacement specialist, can provide clarity and confidence as you move toward a successful outcome.
AUTHOR: Dr. Andrew Ehmke is a board-certified and fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive hip and knee replacement in Chicagoland and NW Indiana.
