Getting ready for a joint replacement
You have to be careful when getting ready for a joint replacement, because surgery is a stress for your body. Your health status should be as good as possible. Good general condition and muscular strength speed up your recovery from the surgery.
Your skin must be intact and healthy, and skin inflammations treated. Neither breaks in the skin nor ulceration are allowed between your toes. You must have your mouth and teeth treated in good time before the surgery.
Inflammations are the most common obstructions for surgery, because bacteria may spread by the haematogeneous route to the joint and cause an infection. Prior to operation, treat all infections according to the doctor’s instructions. For example, urinary tract infections and maxillary sinusitis must be treated.
Primary diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases and chronic skin diseases must be in control as well as possible.
You can have your health status charted by your family doctor.
What kind of physical exercise is good for me?
Walking, swimming, deep-water running, cycling, and exercise cycling are good sports for patients with osteoarthritis. The municipal health centres and the municipal recreation departments organize group exercise that is suitable for patients with osteoarthritis.
Running everyday errands increases blood circulation and maintains muscle condition. Functional exercise, for example gardening, lawn mowing, snow clearing, picking berries, and picking mushrooms are excellent forms of exercise.
How can I treat my pain prior to operation?
Pain medicines and cold therapy help to cope with the pain. The elevation position relieves swelling and the related pain.
Assistive devices ease everyday routines and moving. For example, forearm crutches, chairs with a high seat, and reachers are worth acquiring.