Delayed Joint Replacement? 4 Tips for Home Care

Dane Hansen, D.O., one of Summit Orthopedics’ arthritis and joint replacement experts, shares key steps you can take at home when your joint replacement or follow-up is delayed due to COVID-19.

Here at Summit Orthopedics, we are very aware of the hardship that our patients our enduring during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restriction of elective surgery has forced many of you to postpone joint replacement procedures designed to improve your chronic pain and mobility. Also, there are many of you that recently underwent joint replacement and have much more limited access to care and physical therapy than typical. “Please know,” said Dr. Dane Hansen, arthritis and joint replacement specialist, “That we are thinking of you constantly, and are working on every possible way to keep you connected and get you the care you need.”

Delayed joint replacement surgery

For those who have had your surgery delayed, here are some tips from Dr. Hansen for managing your pain and symptoms, as well as ways to optimize yourself for the best surgical outcome:

  1. Over-the-counter medications: Follow doctors recommendations on new medications, but over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and acetaminophen can be very effective in treating arthritis pain.
  2. RICE therapy: Tried and true treatments for arthritic pain and inflammation are rest, ice (or heat), compression, and elevation.
  3. Stretching and low impact exercise: This can keep your muscles and joints more mobile and add additional strength, which helps pain and improves your rehabilitation outcomes. Our physical therapists also put together exercise guides for the knee and hip to keep your joint ready for surgery.
  4. Weight loss: Every pound lost takes about five pounds of stress off of your hip and knees. Also, weight loss improves surgical outcomes.

Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and our website to find resources on exercise and physical therapy that you can use while stuck at home to prepare for your joint replacement surgery.

Try a video visit for follow-up care

“For the safety of our community, we are limiting clinical contact as much as possible, but please remember that we are always available when needed in several ways,” said Dr. Hansen.

Ways to connect with us:

  • Questions for your team. Your provider team is available for any questions or concerns you may have.  Please call our main number at 651-968-5201 as your first point of contact, and they will get you in touch with your provider.
  • Urgent injuries. Our OrthoQUICK urgent care sites will remain open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for urgent injuries and complications. Clinics are conveniently located in Eagan, Vadnais Heights, and Woodbury.
  • Video visits. We also have started using video visits to connect virtually. Call our scheduling team at 651-968-5201 to set up an appointment with your specialist.
  • Physical therapy. Our physical therapy department has web-based exercise capabilities to ensure you get optimal outcomes.

Recovery tips while you wait for follow-up:

  1. Take your medications as prescribed.
  2. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
  3. Exercise!

We know this is a difficult time for all of us. Thank you for your patience as we work together to limit the effect of this virus on our community!

When to seek treatment for your arthritis

Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of a select few nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.

Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More Resources for You:

Portions of this blog were taken from the website of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.  

Share this on
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterPin on Pinterest

Hip and Knee Risk Assessment

How’s the state of your knee or hip? Find out.

Need to see an expert?

Also see...