Many people suffer with constant stiffness and swelling in their knees and its most often accompanied with pain. In many cases they’ve tried physical therapy, diet, and medications which brought them little or no relief. For this reason they have been brought to the decision of knee replacement surgery.

This is no easy decision and should never be taken lightly. However, when you’ve exhausted all other treatment methods it may be the only alternative left for you. You’ll want a surgeon who has years experience in this area. It’s best to take a little extra time to research potential candidates.

Establish a relationship with the surgeon, making sure he explains each step of the procedure and its risks. You’ll need some tests done prior to surgery such as x-rays to determine the extent of damage, blood and urine tests. It’s also important that you discuss your expectations of the surgery. Many people assume surgery offers a quick fix; they don’t take into consideration that postoperative treatment will be needed to strengthen the knee and make it functional again.

You may be advised to adjust your current medications or speak to an anesthesiologist. A good share of your preparation is adequately providing for your recovery. It’s likely you will require the use of a walker or crutches for several weeks. In this case you’ll need to have your life sufficiently planned for daily activities such as bathing.

You’ll need to make sure your home is recovery safe. This may include supplying a single floor to meet your living requirements. Have a safety bar or rail installed in your bath area. You may decide on using a shower chair. Have your comfort area well equipped with a stool to elevate your leg. Remove throw rugs, loose carpet, and cords which may have a potential for causing an accident.

Also make sure steps are equipped with a safety railing. Finally, make sure anything you may need is at arms length. You won’t be stepping on any stools or ladders for some time. Preparing for knee replacement surgery seems like simple common sense practice but it’s often those little things that get overlooked and mean so much. It may be a wise idea to create a checklist to ensure your pre-operation preparation fits your recovery needs.