Knee replacement surgery is the replacement of a painful or poorly functioning knee with artificial components. It is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed in the US. You are generally recommended a total knee replacement when your knee is severely damaged by end-stage arthritis or injury. Here’s what you can do to maximize chances of a positive outcome from knee replacement surgery.
Keeping fit and active is very important when preparing for knee replacement surgery. Continue to perform your routine activities. If you are able to cycle, you should continue to do that.
Moving the joint by walking, going to the gym, or swimming on a regular basis is very important. Depending on your functional level, you should do as much as you can. Your general health will benefit as well as your cardiorespiratory system keeping your heart and lungs in good functioning order so that you are ready and fit for the operation afterwards.
You may also be recommended special exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint. The fitter you are before the surgery, the better you will be afterwards.
A key thing to remember in knee replacement surgery is that timing is of the essence. Don’t wait too long to have surgery, the degenerative changes that occur within the joint and surrounding structures will determine how fast and how much knee joint function you will recover. The right time to undergo knee replacement surgery would be when you feel like the knee pain and discomfort is interfering with activities of daily living and quality of life.
Dr. Frisch is a specialist orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as regenerative treatments for enhanced healing. He believes in creating a very personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester and River District, MI.
