4 Tips for Faster Recovery after Knee Surgery
If you’ve had knee surgery, you know what a long recovery can be like. Some of the most common effects of surgery on the knee and recovery time include swelling and bruising, limited mobility, and lack of stability and sensitivity to touch. If you want to be able to walk after your surgery as soon as possible, here are four quick tips for getting back on your feet.
The Importance of Rest
Rest is very important, so make sure that you try to take it easy after surgery. Your doctor will likely tell you to take it easy for the first 3 weeks post-operation, which means that you should not be doing any heavy lifting or activities that make your knee unstable. Staying off your feet as much as possible will help your body recover more quickly. If you do some light exercise, you will definitely feel better than if you try to go for a run right after surgery. Just be careful, as you may tear your cartilage and end up in worse condition. Follow the instructions given by the knee replacement surgeon in Adelaide.
The Right Kind of Activity
We all know that physical activity can be a great tool for recovery from knee surgery. But did you know that being active during recovery will also accelerate the healing process? People who are active during recovery produce an inflammatory substance called Interleukin, which enhances healing. Athletes who practice different sports are different than people who do the same sport but don't train as often. During recovery, athletes use muscle as an energy source for healing. If you're recovering from surgery, it's important to consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen. Exercises that your knee replacement surgeon in Adelaide may approve include the following: extending the joint lightly by bending your leg while seated, walking, cycling lightly, leg presses with a resistance band, and swimming.
What You Eat Matters
When you have surgery, you likely need to eat several small meals a day. This is to help replace the nutrients your body is lacking, and to keep you nourished. It may take you a while to get used to eating solid foods again, so have fun with the first meal. Make it something sweet. Perhaps it's an ice cream cone or a chocolate cupcake. Use fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and protein-rich foods like nuts, eggs, and yogurt. These are easier to digest and better for you when you have surgery. Vegetables and fruits are especially helpful as they are filling and provide healthy vitamins and minerals. Limit the amount of salt that you eat. This is because too much salt can cause nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Stay Positive
Being positive in recovery will help you have a quicker recovery. Stop thinking about how bad you feel and how much worse things can be, and focus on the positives. You have a better outlook, and as a result, you will feel better and more positive about everything. As you remain positive, you'll feel more encouraged to get up and get moving and ultimately speed up the healing process. While it can be tempting to give in to the temptation to skip a meal or two in the days following surgery, doing so can be a mistake. Not only does this contribute to weakness, but it can also compromise your ability to lose excess fluid. Eat regularly. Don't starve yourself, but make sure you're getting your nutrients.
Conclusion
Knee surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed, and if you've had the procedure, you're sure to feel frustrated and embarrassed. The recovery process is difficult and is usually marked by pain and discomfort, however, that is no reason to suffer the entire time. There are steps that you can take to help shorten the time it takes to recover from knee surgery. Use these tips and experience a quicker, more pleasant recovery.