7 ways to prepare for joint replacement surgery

Joint replacement surgery can help reduce your pain, increase your mobility and improve your overall quality of life. Like all surgical procedures, however, there are risks for infection and other complications. Joint replacement also involves a lengthy rehabilitation process. The good news is there are several things you can do in the weeks leading up to your operation that can reduce your surgical risks and help ensure a smooth recovery.

It’s important to be both mentally and physically prepared for joint replacement. But you may also need to make some adjustments to your routine and your surroundings, according to Cameron Ledford, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. We spoke with Dr. Ledford about the best ways to prepare for your surgery. Here's what he had to say.