Joint replacement surgery is a life-changing operation that can significantly improve your quality of life. To ensure a successful surgical outcome, you should actively participate in the recovery process. Here are some tips for recovering after joint replacement surgery:
Exercise before surgery: If you have been scheduled to undergo a joint replacement in a few weeks or months, now is the time to build up your endurance and muscle tone. Improving overall fitness and strengthening the muscles that surround and support the joint will help you make a faster and more robust recovery.
Start moving as soon as possible: With advances in surgical techniques, most patients are recommended to starting weight bearing on their new knee or hip on the same day as the surgery or the next day. This minimizes the risk of adhesions which limits range of motion and function.
Prepare your home: You must remove all tripping hazards such as wires or loose carpets, re-arrange furniture to help you move freely, and install grab bars in strategic locations such as your bathroom so you can perform all activities of daily living without too much difficulty.
Follow postoperative restrictions: Depending on the type of surgery and the severity of your condition, you doctor may recommend certain precautions such as limiting the amount of weight you can carry after a shoulder replacement or avoiding high-impact activities after hip or knee surgery. Following these instructions will help your tissues heal faster and prevent breakdown of the implant.
Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet as recommended by your doctor will ensure your body is getting all the essential nutrients to rebuild tissue around the joint while avoiding weight gain, which can exponentially increase the stresses acting on your implant.
South Palm Orthopedics is a medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. Our orthopedic surgeons have advanced fellowship training in the areas of hand & wrist, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, trauma and fractures, foot and ankle, and sports medicine. The physicians of South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to each and every patient each and every time.