Family gatherings are meant for connection and celebration, but when you’re recovering from joint replacement surgery, they can also bring unique challenges. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or attending a holiday get-together, planning ahead can make all the difference. Here’s how to enjoy family gatherings comfortably while supporting your joint replacement recovery.
Hosting After Joint Replacement: Practical Setup Tips
If you’re recovering from joint replacement surgery, comfort and accessibility come first. When hosting at home, arrange your space so essentials like food, seating, and rest areas, are easy to reach without unnecessary bending or long walks. Use sturdy, elevated chairs or cushions to make sitting and standing easier.
If you’re attending an event, communicate your needs ahead of time. Ask your host for a supportive seat or a quiet corner to elevate or ice your knee or hip if needed. These small adjustments help protect your new joint while allowing you to stay engaged with loved ones.
Move Mindfully and Pace Your Activity
After hip or knee replacement, pacing your activity helps prevent swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. Avoid standing for extended periods, and schedule regular breaks to sit or elevate your leg. If you’re helping with meal prep or cleanup, take seated roles or delegate lifting tasks.
Light movement, such as short walks after meals, encourages circulation and prevents stiffness. Whether your procedure was a hip replacement or knee replacement, balancing movement with rest keeps your recovery progressing smoothly.
Stay Nourished and Hydrated for Better Healing
Family meals are central to every celebration, but good nutrition is vital for healing after joint replacement surgery. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Stay hydrated, and limit alcohol and high-sodium foods, which can increase swelling and slow recovery.
If you’re attending a gathering, don’t hesitate to bring a healthy dish that aligns with your post-surgery nutrition plan.
Enjoy Family Time Without Overdoing It
Recovery doesn’t mean missing out. With thoughtful pacing and awareness, you can enjoy family gatherings after surgery comfortably and safely. Let family or friends assist with tasks, and remember it’s okay to rest between activities. Your body will thank you later.
If pain, swelling, or stiffness increases after a family event, you can contact your care team for guidance. Every recovery timeline is unique, and early evaluation can help ensure a smooth, complication-free return to activity.
Recovering from hip replacement or recovering from knee replacement doesn’t mean you have to skip the holidays—it just takes a little planning, pacing, and support. To discuss your hip or knee replacement recovery or to explore advanced surgical options, book an appointment with Dr. Boe, experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in cutting-edge hip and knee replacement techniques.
AUTHOR: Richard Boe, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics, serving the greater Atlanta area. Dr. Boe is an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Georgia Orthopaedic Society.