Stay Out of the Operating Room: How to Prevent a Joint Replacement with Smart Habits

Although it has become a common procedure among older adults, many patients could delay—or even avoid—this surgery by adopting preventive habits early on.

---

Knee arthroplasty (or total knee replacement) is a safe and increasingly common procedure among older adults—especially those with severe arthritis, advanced joint wear, or debilitating injuries.

At Puebla Care, we believe that health is not just about healing, but also about prevention, education, and supporting every patient along the way. That’s why today we’re sharing how you can take care of your knees and reduce the chances of ending up in the operating room.

WHAT IS KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AND WHEN IS IT RECOMMENDED?

It is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with an artificial implant, restoring mobility and eliminating pain.

It is primarily recommended when:

• There is advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Pain interferes with daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

• Conservative treatments (medications, physical therapy, injections) are no longer effective.

• Joint deterioration has caused severe stiffness or deformity.

HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

1. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Every extra kilogram puts up to four times more pressure on the knees while walking, accelerating cartilage wear. Losing weight helps reduce pain and can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

According to the AAOS, losing just 11 pounds (5 kg) can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by up to 50%.

2. Do Low-Impact Exercise

Activities like walking, swimming, cycling, or yoga help strengthen the muscles without harming the joints. Avoid high-impact exercises such as running on pavement or jumping.

3. Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain

Chronic pain or morning stiffness can be early signs of osteoarthritis. Timely diagnosis allows for conservative treatments—such as physical therapy, braces, or injections—that can delay the need for surgery.

4. Protect Your Joints

Avoid lifting heavy loads, squatting without support, or standing for long periods of time. Wear shoes with good cushioning and try to avoid hard surfaces.

5. Strengthen Your Thigh Muscles (Quadriceps)

Strong muscles help stabilize the knee and reduce joint stress. Exercises like wall sits, leg extensions, or slowly stepping up onto stairs can be beneficial.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IF YOU WANT TO AVOID A KNEE REPLACEMENT AT A YOUNG AGE

• Self-medicating with anti-inflammatories without medical supervision.

• Ignoring recurring knee inflammation.

• Delaying a visit to the orthopedic specialist.

• Wearing knee braces long-term without medical recommendation.

• Avoiding exercise out of fear of pain (excessive rest can lead to even more muscle weakness).