Be Proactive: How to Prepare for Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Having knee replacement surgery scheduled can feel like both a relief and a turning point. For many patients, it marks the beginning of reduced joint pain, greater ease in movement, and improved quality of life—especially for those living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or damage from prior injury.

But while surgery is a key step, what you do before the procedure can have a significant impact on your recovery.

Taking time to prepare both your body and your environment helps reduce anxiety, supports healing, and makes your transition back to daily activities smoother. From understanding your diagnosis to organising your home, each step you take now lays the foundation for better outcomes later.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to get ready—so you can move into surgery feeling informed, supported, and well-prepared.

Understanding Your Condition

When the structures within your knee begin to wear down—whether from age-related changes, long-standing inflammation, or injury—simple tasks like walking or standing can gradually become more difficult. Knee replacement surgery is often considered when joint damage leads to persistent pain and limits your ability to move comfortably.

The most common reason for knee replacement is arthritis—particularly osteoarthritis, which leads to gradual cartilage breakdown in the joint. When this cushioning layer wears away, the bones can rub against each other, resulting in inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort.

To assess whether surgery is appropriate, your orthopaedic surgeon will examine your knee’s mobility, strength, and stability. Imaging tests such as X-rays are often used to evaluate the severity of joint damage. From there, your care team will determine the most suitable approach—whether partial or total replacement—based on your joint condition, bone structure, overall health, and activity level. Once surgery is planned, your team will guide you through the preparation process to help ensure a safe recovery ahead.

Medical Preparations

After your decision to proceed with knee replacement surgery, your focus should shift toward getting organised for the days and weeks ahead.

These preparations involve more than just setting a date—they also include essential medical clearances, open discussions with your care team, and forward planning for recovery support.

Scheduling & Appointments

During your consultation, your care team will coordinate with you to confirm a surgery date. From there, your surgeon will explain what the procedure involves and outline any specific risks to be aware of based on your individual health profile.

You may be advised to visit your primary care doctor, as well as any specialists you currently see, to obtain medical clearance for surgery. This step helps ensure that any existing conditions—such as heart issues or diabetes—are being managed appropriately ahead of time. Additional presurgical assessments or lab tests may also be arranged by your surgical team.

If your hospital offers a preoperative information session, consider attending with a family member or caregiver to better understand the process and clarify any concerns.

Physical Therapy Planning

Postoperative recovery typically involves physiotherapy, so it’s helpful to make arrangements in advance. This is especially important since many outpatient clinics operate on tight schedules, and securing a slot early can help avoid delays in your rehabilitation.

Once you’ve chosen a clinic that suits your needs, your doctor can issue a referral to ensure there’s no disruption in care after you’re discharged. If you already have a physiotherapist, notify your care team so they can coordinate directly.

Medication & Supplement Guidelines

In the final week before surgery, adjustments to your regular medications and supplements are often necessary to reduce potential risks during the procedure.

Your doctors will usually advise which medications to stop, which ones to continue, and how to manage these changes safely.

One Week Before Surgery

About a week before your operation, you may be instructed to stop taking certain anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. These drugs can affect how your blood clots, which may increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. However, these changes should never be made without medical oversight, so always check in before making adjustments.

In addition, most over-the-counter supplements—especially those like vitamin E, fish oil, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba—should typically also be paused, as they may affect blood flow and healing.

Disclose and Settle Dental Evaluations

It may come as a surprise, but untreated dental issues can pose a risk when undergoing joint replacement surgery. This is because bacteria from unresolved dental infections might possibly enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the new joint, increasing the chance of complications after surgery.

Therefore, if you’re due for any dental work—especially extractions or procedures that involve the gums—it’s best to complete them well ahead of your operation. And be sure to inform your surgeon as early as possible if you’ve had recent dental treatments or are planning any in the two weeks leading up to surgery.

Preparing Your Home

Making adjustments to your home environment ahead of time can also help ease your transition from hospital to recovery.

Organising Support

In the first week after knee replacement surgery, daily activities like getting out of bed, preparing meals, or moving around may require extra assistance. As such, it’s important to arrange for someone to be with you full-time during this period. This could be a family member, your domestic helper, or even a hired caregiver. If 24-hour help isn’t possible, discuss alternative plans with your medical team.

You may also want to plan ahead by stocking up on easy-to-prepare meals or freezing pre-cooked portions. Coordinating check-ins with family, friends, or even neighbours can also provide extra support, especially if you need help with errands or light chores. Lastly, don’t forget to arrange transport for your discharge from the hospital and follow-up appointments, as driving won’t be an option right away.

Safety & Accessibility

A few small adjustments at home can make a big difference in preventing falls or discomfort during recovery. Supportive equipment such as a raised toilet seat or a shower chair can make daily routines safer and easier to manage without excessive bending or straining.

Take time to clear clutter from walking paths and remove loose rugs that could pose a tripping hazard.

Consider installing grab bars or handrails in the bathroom or along staircases, especially because the bathrooms can be more compact and slippery. You’ll also want to place frequently used items—like medications, water bottles, or remote controls—within easy reach to avoid unnecessary movement or strain in the early days of recovery.

Packing for the Hospital

As your surgery date approaches, preparing a small bag with essential items will ensure you’re comfortable during your stay at the hospital and have what you need close at hand.

What to Bring

Keep your hospital bag simple and purposeful. Include basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant, though essentials are often available upon request. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes are recommended, especially items that are easy to put on and take off. Slip-on shoes with a good grip can help you move around more comfortably post-surgery.

Bring along your identification card for admission purposes. If you already use walking aids like crutches or a walker, check with your care team about whether to bring them to the hospital.

Leave valuables at home, and don’t pack any medications unless specifically advised—your medical team will manage and provide all required prescriptions during your stay.

Final Countdown: Days Before Surgery

As your surgery date nears, the focus shifts to following the final set of instructions provided by your care team. These steps—though simple—play an important role in reducing the risk of infection and ensuring everything goes smoothly on the day of your operation.

The Day Before Surgery

The day before your procedure, hospital staff will usually call to confirm your admission time and provide any final reminders. One key point to remember is to remain nil by mouth—no food or drink—for at least six hours before your scheduled surgery, unless instructed otherwise by your surgical team.

This fasting period is important to ensure your body is ready for anaesthesia. Try to keep your schedule light and rest as much as you can. Going to bed early will help you feel more at ease when you arrive for your procedure.

Morning of Surgery

On the morning of your operation, only take the medications that have been approved by your doctor or anaesthetist. These should be taken with just a small sip of water. If you’re unsure about which medications to take, contact your care team before leaving home.

Dress in loose-fitting clothing and leave any jewellery, contact lenses, or valuables behind. Aim to arrive at the hospital at the scheduled time, with your IC and packed bag ready.

Be Prepared for Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Preparing for surgery isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about giving yourself the best chance to recover well and regain confidence in your movements. Whether you’re still figuring out how to prepare for knee replacement or are already coordinating your support network, every step you take now helps shape your experience later.

At OrthofootMD, our orthopaedic specialist will guide you through the entire process, from preparation to post-op care. If you’re unsure about anything, reach out—we’re here to support you at every stage.