joint day of procedure tips

Overview

A joint procedure is a medical test or treatment on a joint, such as your knee, hip, shoulder, or spine. Common joint procedures include injections, arthroscopy (a small camera look inside), and joint replacement surgery. The day of the procedure can feel stressful, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help everything go smoothly.

Joint procedures are very common. Millions of people have them each year, ranging from simple injections to full joint replacements.

Joint procedures are done for people with joint pain or damage from conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, or worn-down joints. They can be done in children, adults, and older people.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling anxious or nervous before the procedure is normal.
• You may feel slight discomfort when the joint is moved or examined.
• You may feel sleepy or groggy after a procedure if you had sedation or anaesthesia.
• It is common to have some swelling or mild pain in the treated joint afterwards.

Symptoms in children

• Children may feel scared about the procedure. Tell your child’s healthcare team if they are worried.
• A child may need to be given a special anaesthetic to help them sleep through the procedure.
• After the procedure, a child may need extra rest and comfort at home.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may need more time to recover from anaesthesia and the joint procedure.
• They are at higher risk of falls after a joint procedure, so take extra care at home.
• Tell your healthcare team about any other health conditions, such as heart or lung problems, before the procedure.

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis – wear and tear of the joint cartilage that causes pain and stiffness
• Rheumatoid arthritis – an inflammation of the joints
• Injuries, such as a torn ligament or a broken bone near a joint
• Frozen shoulder or other conditions that restrict joint movement
• Cartilage damage from sports or overuse

Risk factors

• Age – joints wear down over time, so joint problems become more common with age
• Obesity – extra weight puts more strain on weight-bearing joints
• A family history of joint disease
• Previous joint injuries
• Occupations or sports that involve repeated joint stress

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you develop a fever, chills, or signs of infection (like a warm, red, swollen joint) in the days before your procedure
• If you have a fall or new injury in the joint that is scheduled for the procedure
• If your joint pain suddenly becomes severe and you cannot move the joint

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have questions about your medicines or what to eat and drink before the procedure
• If you need help arranging transport to and from the hospital
• If you feel very anxious about the procedure and need reassurance

Diagnosis

You have already had a diagnosis of a joint problem that needs a procedure. Ahead of the procedure, your healthcare team will do a health review to make sure it is safe for you.

Tests that may be done

• A physical examination of the joint
• Blood tests to check your general health and rule out any infections
• Imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans to look at the joint
• An ECG (a test of your heart rhythm) if you are having a major procedure or are older

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of the procedure, you will go to a reception area, change into a hospital gown, and meet your doctor, nurse, and anaesthetist (if you are having anaesthesia). They will confirm your details and the procedure plan. You may need to wait for a while. Afterwards, you will be transferred to a recovery area and observed until you are safe to go home or to your hospital room.

Treatment

The specific treatment on the day will depend on the joint procedure you are having. It may be a diagnostic procedure like arthroscopy, a therapeutic injection, or a joint replacement. Your healthcare team will use numbing medicines or anaesthesia to reduce or remove pain. After the procedure, you will get instructions for pain relief and recovery.

Self-care at home

• Follow your fasting instructions – if you are told not to eat or drink, do not have anything after the stated time.
• Arrange a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours if you have had sedation or anaesthesia.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes and flat shoes so it is easy to dress and undress.
• Bring a list of your medicines and allergies, and a case for any glasses or dentures.
• Ask your healthcare team about what to do after the procedure, including when you can eat, drink, and move around.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare team may use local or general anaesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. They may give you fluids through a drip and give you pain relief after. You should never stop or change your regular medicines without the advice of your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

If your joint problem is severe, you may have joint replacement surgery (for example, a knee or hip replacement). In that case, you will likely stay in hospital for a day or two and have physiotherapy to help you start moving again.

Living with this condition

After a joint procedure, you will need some time to recover. Follow your discharge advice about resting, using crutches or a sling if given, and when to return to daily activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep the treated joint clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection.
• Do your gentle exercises and physiotherapy as recommended.
• Make your home safer by removing rugs or cords that could cause trips and falls.
• Ask for help with heavy lifting or household tasks while you recover.
• If you have a leg or hip procedure, use a walking aid if advised.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein and vitamin C to help your body heal. Start light exercise as recommended by your healthcare team, such as walking a little more each day, but avoid strenuous activities until they say it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovering from a joint procedure can be frustrating and sometimes lonely. It is normal to feel low or anxious about your recovery. Talk to your healthcare team or a loved one about how you feel, and remember that most people improve step by step.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent joint problems that lead to a procedure, but you can reduce your risk of complications and help your recovery by following your healthcare team’s advice carefully.

Vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date, especially if you are going to be in hospital. Ask your healthcare team if you need any specific vaccines before your procedure.

Screening programmes

Before your procedure, your team will do a health screening to make sure it is safe. Do not delay contacting them if you have a health concern.

Complications

If left untreated

• If you ignore signs of infection after the procedure, the infection can spread and cause more harm.
• If you do not follow your mobility instructions, you could fall or damage the joint.
• If you skip physiotherapy, the joint may not regain its full movement and strength.
• If you postpone a needed joint procedure for too long, your joint damage may worsen and pain may increase.

Long-term outlook

The outlook after a joint procedure is generally very good. Most people experience less pain and better movement after recovery. Your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure, but with patience, support, and following your healthcare team’s advice, you can usually return to your normal activities. Even if you need surgery, many people gain years of improved mobility and quality of life.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.