Preparation

How to prepare for a knee replacement

Before your knee replacement, your doctor will talk to you about the things you can do to prepare.

This might include advice on:

• exercises to do before and after that will help with your recovery
• stopping smoking
• having a healthy diet
• managing your weight

It's important to do these things while you wait for your knee replacement, because waiting lists can be long. Following your doctor's advice will also help you recover as well as possible after surgery.

Pre-admission clinic

You might be asked to go to a pre-admission clinic a few weeks before the operation. This is to make sure you're well enough for it to go ahead.

It might involve having some tests such as a blood test and checking your blood pressure. You may also meet the healthcare team involved in your care so you can learn more about the operation and recovery afterwards, and ask any questions you might have.

Prepare for recovering at home

It's a good idea to prepare for when you get home after the operation.

You might want to think about:

• asking for any help you might need at home with day-to-day activities
• making sure things you use often are easy to reach
• stocking your freezer with cooked meals
• arranging transport, as you'll be unable to drive for several weeks after the operation
• speaking to your employer and making a plan for returning to work if you need to

Read more advice about what to do before having surgery

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