Tips to Prepare for Joint Replacement Surgery

First, determine if you’re a candidate for hip or knee replacement surgery. To do so:

• Talk to an orthopedic surgeon

• Consult with your primary care provider or other medical specialists

• Track your symptoms & the impact it has on your life

  • Where is the pain located?

  • How often do you feel pain or stiffness?

  • What are you doing when it occurs?

  • What activities does it make difficult or impossible for you to enjoy?

Once you and your care team have made the decision to move forward with surgery, you can begin to prepare for the time immediately following your surgery. You may want to:

Plan ahead for meals:

If you enjoy cooking, you may not be able to stand comfortably for long enough to create a meal immediately after surgery.

Rearrange your living area:

Consider whether you may need to move items in your home to make them safer to navigate or easier to access.

Plan for assistance with transportation:

It could be up to 6 weeks before you’re driving again (typically 2-4 weeks). Do not drive while using narcotic painkillers or until your full range of motion returns.

Schedule physical therapy appointments:

Physical therapy is recommended for all knee replacements, and some hip replacements. Your care team will have discussed your options with you prior to the surgery.