How to Prepare for Knee Surgery: Checklist & Diet

Preparing for knee surgery can feel intimidating. Too many thoughts, questions and doubts cloud your ability to think clearly. However, this is a time of being active towards your health and well-being. With the proper guidance and a clear plan, you can get rid of this anxiety and improve your post-surgery recovery process. In this article, we will discuss what a knee surgery preparation plan should be like. To assist in these transformative times, we have compiled a pre-op checklist, dietary guide, and list of what to avoid before surgery. Let’s take a look at them:

Why Pre-Surgery Preparation Matters

Before we explore how to prepare for knee surgery, let's understand why this preparation is important. Knee Surgery is part of a process that also involves pre-surgery prep and post-surgery recovery. Before you get a knee replacement, it is important to prepare your body, home, and mind so that you can have a smooth recovery.

Clinical studies have shown that patients who take precautionary steps before their knee surgery often experience fewer complications, recover more quickly, and return to normal activities with greater ease. The preparation period helps patients adjust to their post-operative conditions easily and recover quickly.

The Ultimate Preop Checklist for Knee Surgery

We have curated the Ultimate Preop Checklist for Knee Surgery to help you understand everything you need to take care of before getting the replacement. You can use this checklist to make sure you don’t forget any crucial steps in your preparation:

1. Medical Evaluations and Blood Work

• Make sure your surgeon is aware of any medications and supplements you’re currently taking. Check with them to see whether any of these might interfere with the procedure.

• Ensure you go through all necessary blood work and tests that your surgeon has recommended.

• If possible, schedule your post-operative appointment with your doctor during this time.

2. Begin Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy (“Prehab”)

• Consult your physiotherapist about Pre-surgery exercises or physical therapy sessions that you can do to strengthen the muscles around your knee. Doing so can help you a lot during recovery. Patients who complete prehab often recover quicker than those who don’t.
• If you're overweight, losing a modest amount of weight before surgery can help reduce pressure on your new joint and support a smoother recovery.

3. Home Set Up for Safe Recovery

• If you live in an independent property, try to arrange a recovery area on the ground floor to avoid stairs. After the surgery, you might not be able to climb stairs until three weeks afterwards, so make sure these small conveniences are thought out beforehand.

• Check your whole house for tripping hazards and fix them. Remove loose rugs, cords, or anything else that might make you trip. Remember, after recovery, you will have difficulty balancing yourself anyway; if you fall during the initial stages of recovery, you might seriously injure yourself. It's better to be safe than sorry.

• Have your walking assistive device ready. Get your walker and cane beforehand. Arrange a shower chair so you can take baths during the initial recovery days.

• Make sure you know who will be driving you after surgery. If they are not able to make it for any reason, who will be their backup? Make sure you communicate about this beforehand.

4. Mental and Emotional Prep

• Learn about the procedure. Knowing how it works and what can happen after the surgery will prevent you from being overly anxious.
• Make sure you are well-rested before your surgery. You might face discomfort immediately after the surgery, and the pain and swelling might keep you from being able to rest.
• Feel free to talk to your surgeon if you are still anxious about the surgery. Express your concerns and allow them to offer you support.

What to Eat During Knee Surgery Preparation

What you eat before surgery greatly impacts how smooth your recovery is post-surgery. People who maintain a nutritional diet have it easier than those who don't. Clean, healthy food gives your body the proper nutrition and strength to get back on your feet quickly. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can help support your immune system, maintain strength, and reduce the risk of complications. With some small diet changes, you can prep your body for your knee surgery:

Foods you should eat during the knee surgery preparation period:

1. Lean meats like poultry, fish, and eggs, legumes and nuts, aka high-quality protein-rich foods, to help with tissue repair and strength regain
2. Citrus fruits and leafy greens that are high in vitamin C can boost immunity
3. Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes help your body meet its heightened calorie requirements.
4. Dairy products, spinach, chia seeds, and kale are used for calcium to support bone health.

What to Avoid Before Surgery

It is crucial to understand which foods to opt for and what activities to perform, but it is also essential to know what to avoid before surgery. Avoiding these will help reduce the risk of complications and support a smooth recovery:

• Do not skip your tests or appointments. Each one is important to make sure your body is ready for surgery.
• Do not start new workouts or overdo exercise. Stick to the movements your physical therapist or doctor recommends.
• Do not take any new medications, vitamins, or supplements without asking your doctor. Some can affect bleeding or interfere with anaesthesia.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before surgery. It can affect your liver, hydration, and how your body handles medication.
• Do not smoke. If you are a smoker, try to stop at least a few weeks before surgery as smoking slows healing and increases risks.
• Do not ignore signs of illness. If you develop a fever, cough, or cold before surgery, inform your care team immediately.

Conclusion

Getting a knee replacement is a big step. While you might feel nervous about undergoing this surgery, think of how much your quality of life will improve when you are not in constant pain and discomfort. Knee surgery preparation allows you to face the experience with greater confidence and peace of mind. By following our preop checklist, you’re giving yourself the best possible start to a successful recovery. Remember, getting a knee replacement is not a goal; it's a journey.