Joint Effort: Ways to Prepare for a Joint Replacement Surgery


A painful joint is impossible to ignore. It can limit your range of motion and make it hard for you to do normal, everyday things. Because it’s usually caused by injury, infection, or arthritis, you should see an orthopedic surgeon in Joplin to get checked out. Your treatment will depend on the root cause of the pain. If nonsurgical treatment methods don’t work, your doctor might suggest joint replacement surgery.

During this procedure, parts of a damaged joint are replaced with a prosthesis made out of plastic, metal, or ceramic. This artificial device is designed to get your joint working normally again. The operation can be performed on the knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. If your surgeon decides on this surgery, here’s how you can prepare for it.

Talk to Your Doctor

Knowing what to expect from the procedure can settle your nerves. Talk to a doctor of orthopedics in Joplin to help you better understand the operation, and what you can expect from it. How does the surgery relieve the pain? What anesthesia and implants will be used? How long is the hospital stay? How long is the recovery? Hospitals usually provide all the information you need, but if you’re unsure, ask. Being aware of the dos and don’ts is the first step to a smooth recovery.

Condition Your Body

Tuning up your body with low-impact exercise is something you should look into. Engaging in the physical activities that your doctor recommends can improve your recovery. If you have a knee or hip joint replacement, upper body exercises will give you the strength to use a walker or crutches after surgery. Your legs can benefit from isometric exercises like straight leg raises and lying kicks for stability. Circulation workouts can help control swelling and prevent other complications.

Pair your physical conditioning with a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The day before your surgery, eat fibrous foods. This can help you avoid constipation, which is a common side effect of anesthesia and pain medications.

If you smoke, you should quit at least a few weeks before your surgery. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, infection, and other medical complications after the procedure. It’s also advised that you avoid consuming alcohol at least 48 hours before your operation.

Prepare Your Home

Your recovery might take several weeks, so it’s wise to prepare your home. Consider how you’ll safely move around your house: clear walking paths of any hazards, have your washrooms modified, install handrails to help you climb stairs, etc.

Talking to an orthopedic surgeon in Joplin can help you prepare yourself for the surgery. You can recruit a friend or family member to help you through your recovery, too.

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Joint Effort: Ways to Prepare for a Joint Replacement Surgery