Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Building healthy habits now can help improve your outcome and support your recovery after knee replacement.

• Attend your preop visit, where your care team will perform any necessary labs and tests and review your current medications to assess your overall health. Bring your full list of medications, vitamins and supplements.
• Eat 20-30 grams of protein with each meal. Good nutrition helps you recover faster. One of our dietitians can help create a pre-surgery nutrition plan to support your knee replacement procedure.
• Stay active with gentle daily activity. Practice your preop knee exercises.
• Stop smoking at least four to six weeks before surgery.

A safe, simple setup can make daily movement easier and lower your risk of falling after knee replacement surgery.

• Remove rugs and other potential tripping hazards.
• Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms for better visibility.
• Rearrange furniture to create enough space for a walker to move easily.
• Use a sturdy chair with armrests and avoid low or wheeled chairs.
• Set up a sleeping area on the main floor to eliminate the need for stairs.
• Consider using a raised toilet seat and a shower chair for added safety.

Planning ahead for help at home allows you to focus on rest and regaining mobility after a knee replacement. 

Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery. You will also need a caregiver to stay with you for at least one week to help with daily tasks.

Your care team will help ensure you know what to expect before, during and after a knee replacement procedure so you can feel more prepared.

• Consider attending a Joint Camp class for more hands-on learning.
• Complete your pre-surgery assessment before your procedure.
• Schedule your outpatient physical therapy ahead of time — knee replacement patients should begin therapy within five days after surgery.
• Reach out to your care team directly with any questions or concerns.

After your doctor reviews your current medications, it’s important to follow their guidance on which ones to continue, stop or start to help reduce the risk of side effects and complications during and after knee replacement surgery.

• You'll receive a detailed medication plan during your preop appointment.
• Most patients are advised to stop taking NSAIDs, vitamins and GLP-1s about one week before surgery.
• On the day of surgery, only take medications that have been approved by your health care provider.

Keeping your skin and linens clean helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes a safer knee replacement procedure.

• Shower daily for the three days leading up to your surgery.
• Use Theraworx wipes the night before surgery, about one hour after showering.
• Avoid shaving the area where the surgery will take place.
• Sleep in fresh pajamas and on clean sheets the night before surgery.

The right clothing can help you stay comfortable and makes it easier to move around. On surgery day, wear loose-fitting clothing and closed-back shoes.

Be sure to bring your ID, insurance card, toiletries and any assistive devices you use (e.g., walker, CPAP) with you for your knee replacement procedure.

Following fasting instructions helps protect your lungs while you are under anesthesia.

• Avoid eating any food or drinking soda, milk or juice after 11 p.m. the night before your knee replacement surgery.
• You may drink clear liquids only, up to two hours before you arrive at the hospital.

These simple steps help keep your surgery day running smoothly and stress-free.

• Avoid wearing makeup, deodorant, scented lotions or nail polish.
• Remove all jewelry, and leave valuables at home.
• Arrive on time — or even a little early — to help prevent any delays or cancellations.

Your first few hours after surgery may involve:

• Beginning recovery in a monitored space, then being moved to a private room.
• Pain medications to keep you comfortable.
• Potentially returning home the same day or after one night.

A comfortable trip home is important to protect your new joint and support your recovery.

• Try to avoid long car rides. If you must travel, take breaks to stretch every 30-45 minutes.

Knee replacement recovery includes swelling and pain. These are normal. Swelling should reduce over time but may take several weeks to go away.

Begin your post-op exercise plan right away. You should be able to bend your knee 90 degrees by day three and straighten it fully after one week.

Our team will closely monitor your progress through regular check-ins and post-surgery questionnaires. Keeping up with ongoing care helps support long-term success after a knee replacement.

• Start outpatient physical therapy within a few days of surgery.
• Attend your follow-up appointments after surgery.
• Call your care team directly with any concerns.