Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery

Total knee replacement surgery removes damaged and painful areas of the femur and tibia, replacing them with specially designed metal and plastic parts. Adopting a regular exercise program prior to your knee replacement can help make your recovery much more manageable, and strengthening the muscles surrounding your knee will help you properly support your new joint.

In order to speed up recovery time, orthopedic doctors suggest preparing for this procedure by performing the following strengthening exercises one to two times a day, every day leading up to your knee replacement.

Ankle Circles: While lying on your back, bend your ankles up, pulling toes toward you, then circle ankles—both clockwise and counterclockwise—five times each.

Knee Bends: While sitting on a chair, bend your knee back as much as you can. Hold for five seconds, then return to the starting position and relax. Repeat five times for each knee.

Sitting Kicks: While sitting on a chair, straighten your knee as much as possible while lifting your leg in front of your body. Hold for five seconds, then slowly lower your leg and relax. Repeat five times for each knee.

If you have questions about how to prepare for your knee replacement or you’d like to schedule an appointment with a joint replacement surgeon at BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine, call 303.449.2730 or schedule an appointment online.