If you are suffering from arthritis or joint pain, or if you have been having difficulty moving your joint, you may be in need of a total joint replacement. While it is possible to only replace the damaged part of the joint, severe damage – such as with arthritis – usually warrants removing the joint entirely and putting an artificial one (prosthesis) in its place. It will work the same way as your original joint did, but with much less pain or no pain at all.
This type of surgery has been around since the early 1900s, and medical technology has evolved tremendously during that time. Developments in design, materials, and surgical techniques have greatly improved artificial joints as we know them.
Let’s talk about how you can get ready to have a total joint replacement, and where you can go in Watertown and the North Country of New York to have an experienced and successful orthopedic surgeon get you feeling good as new.
How to Prepare Your Body for a Total Joint Replacement
Preparing yourself mentally and making the decision to have a total joint replacement is one thing; preparing your body for the actual surgery is an entirely different thing. Your orthopedic surgeon can recommend a few different ways to get your body ready, and they may include the following tips:
Have Your Orthopedic Surgeon Evaluate Your Overall Health
Before total joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will order certain tests to ensure that your body is healthy enough for the surgery. These tests can include:
- Blood Work – Blood tests are usually administered to check for conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or an infection.
- Electrocardiogram – Electrocardiograms can detect abnormalities relating to your heart. Someone whose heart muscle is relatively weak is usually unable to endure an invasive operation, so other options would be recommended instead.
- Chest X-ray – With a chest X-ray, your doctor can assess how well your lungs, heart, and other organs and structures are working, and whether there are any anomalies.
Monitor Your Food and Medication Intake
Your doctor may propose dietary changes you should follow in the weeks leading up to your total joint replacement. This can include taking certain medications and supplements, avoiding specific foods, and stopping the use of nicotine products. You’ll likely be told not to eat anything after midnight before your surgery.
Engage in More Physical Activity
Try to incorporate exercise into your routine in preparation for your total joint replacement. Simply sitting less and getting up and walking around more can go a long way.
Do as much exercise as your body will allow. Your orthopedic doctor may even recommend physical therapy to help further improve your physical condition and strength before the surgery.
Total Joint Replacement in Watertown, NY
While it’s important to prepare yourself for a total joint replacement mentally, your body has to be on the same page. There are a number of ways you can make sure your body is ready; speak with your orthopedic surgeon, and turn your life-changing arthroplasty into a successful one.
Here at North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown, New York, our multispecialty medical team can diagnose and treat a variety of injuries and diseases that affect your movement. We can get you the treatment you need to get back to enjoying your active lifestyle.
If you are considering total joint replacement surgery, we are here for you. Call us today at (315) 782-1650 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We’ll work with you to keep you moving!
