5 Lifestyle Changes You Should Adopt Before Your Robotic Knee Replacement

A robotic knee replacement is a revolutionary procedure that improves mobility, reduce pain, and leads to a faster recovery. To maximise its benefits and ensure a smoother recovery, adopting certain lifestyle changes before the procedure is highly recommended.

Here are 5 lifestyle changes that can impact the results of your robotic knee replacement.

1. Get Moving

Before you undergo a knee replacement, it’s crucial to keep your joints and muscles active. Engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, or cycling, can strengthen the muscles around your knees.

Enhanced muscle strength contributes to better post-surgery outcomes and may speed up the recovery process. Staying active also promotes better circulation, which is vital for healing.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you consume play an important role in preparing your body for surgery. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Consuming foods high in vitamins C and D, calcium, and iron can be particularly beneficial, as these nutrients support bone health and wound healing.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking hinders the healing process by restricting blood flow to the tissues. It is associated with a higher risk of various post-operative complications, such as infections and poor wound healing. Quitting smoking well in advance of your surgery can considerably improve your body’s ability to heal and recover.

In relation to knee replacement surgery, studies have shown that joint replacement patients who continue to smoke before and after surgery are 10 times more likely to require revision surgery than non-smokers.

Infections after a knee replacement are a rare, but challenging complication, and smoking impairs the body’s immune response, thereby increasing your risk of developing an infection.

4. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Limiting alcohol intake is also important in the weeks leading up to your knee replacement. Alcohol can interact with medications and affect how your body responds to anaesthesia. If you drink in excess, it can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Aim to reduce, or ideally eliminate alcohol from your routine, to prevent potential complications.

5. Lose Weight

Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on your knees, which can be detrimental during the recovery phase. Losing weight before the procedure alleviates pressure on your new joint and can contribute to a more successful surgery. A lower body weight can also reduce the risk of complications and promote a quicker return to normal activities.

Making the right lifestyle changes before your robotic knee replacement is essential for best results and a speedy recovery. Remember that it’s not just about the surgery, but how you prepare for it that makes a significant difference.

If you’re looking to get the most out of your robotic knee replacement surgery, schedule a consultation with Mr Jonathan Webb today.