Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery: 12 Practical Tips for a Smoother Recovery
Undergoing knee replacement surgery is a major decision—and a deeply personal one. Whether you’ve been battling chronic knee pain for years or have recently been advised to consider Knee replacement surgery , it’s natural to feel a mix of hope, concern, and curiosity about what’s ahead. 1. Understand the Procedure Fully Before you head into the operating room, take time to understand exactly what will happen. In a total knee replacement, damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and sometimes kneecap (patella), and replaced with artificial components designed to move just like a natural knee. 2. Strengthen Your Body Before Surgery The stronger your muscles are going into surgery, the easier your recovery will be. Your quadriceps and hamstrings—located around your knee—play a vital role in post-op movement. 3. Lose Excess Weight if Possible Extra weight puts more stress on your kn...