There are many different orthopedic surgeries. Having a hip replaced, for example, is quite different from having a torn ACL repaired. Each procedure comes with its own recovery process, and that's something you should discuss with your orthopedic surgeon prior to surgery. However, there are a few recovery tips that apply regardless of which surgery you recently had.
Make sure you have help available.
Before your surgery, make sure there will be someone around to help you out as you recover. You will want someone to make your meals, help you get dressed, give you rides to doctor's appointments, and take care of household chores so you can relax. Many people underestimate the help they will need after orthopedic surgery and end up doing things they shouldn't, whether that's walking too soon or using their hand to open jars before their wrist is fully healed. If you have help, you'll be less tempted to push yourself too hard just to do everyday tasks.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Your body needs nutrients to heal, whether it's healing a replaced hip or a sutured ligament. You may not have a huge appetite after surgery due to the anesthesia and stress, and pain relievers can suppress your appetite, too. But you need to make sure you eat plenty of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. Smoothies and shakes can be a good way to get more nutrition. Ask your surgeon if it's a good idea to take a multivitamin to make sure your nutritional needs are met as you're recovering.
Only do what your physical therapist recommends.
After surgery, your physical therapist should have the ultimate say in when you return to normal activities, and how quickly you return to normal activities. If they tell you not to return to work for another week, then you must heed their advice. Pushing too hard—or not pushing yourself hard enough—will slow down your healing process.
Take pain relievers on schedule.
Your orthopedic surgeon will tell you how often to take pain relievers on a certain schedule post-surgery. Pain relievers prescribed after orthopedic surgery do not just relieve pain; they also relieve inflammation. Keeping inflammation at bay is one important key to healing from any orthopedic surgery, and if you skip doses, your inflammation may creep up and slow down your healing process.
Make sure you adhere to the tips above when healing from any orthopedic surgery. Contact an orthopedic surgeon for more information.
Share10 December 2020
I'm not one to complain too much when my body hurts. But when I fractured my hip last year, I complained a whole lot. My broken hip kept me from being active in life. I felt completely helpless because I could no longer move freely or get around home without my family's assistance. After spending several months in pain, I saw an orthopedist for care. My orthopedist examined my fractured hip and found an infection in the joint. I underwent surgery to remove the damaged tissue and replace it with an artificial hip joint. Now, I feel so much better. My new hip gives me the freedom to move around again. If you have pain in one of your bones from injury or disease, read my blog. I show you how to find an orthopedist who can help you get back your life. Thanks for reading.
