5 Tips to Recover From Orthopedic Surgery
If you have chronic pain in your joints, your doctor may have recommended orthopedic surgery. Whether you have surgery on your hip or knee joints, it can improve your mobility and help you live a normal life again. However, recovering from the procedure may seem daunting.
Here are a few ways to make your recovery a little easier.
Ask Others for Assistance
Once you have had orthopedic surgery, you may feel sore for a while and can't perform everyday tasks. You do not want to do too much too soon and jeopardize your recovery. If you need assistance with certain tasks, like cooking or cleaning your house, reach out to your family members and friends for help.
Go to Physical Therapy
If you have had orthopedic surgery, your surgeon may advise you to go to physical therapy to restore your strength and range of motion. During your sessions, your physical therapist will help you perform various exercises to speed up your recovery. It is important to attend all of your sessions, even if you start feeling better sooner than expected.
Eat a Wholesome Diet
When you get home from orthopedic surgery, it may be tempting to relax on the couch and munch on junk food. However, if you want to recover faster, you have to fill your body with nourishing foods. Include fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, and whole grains in your body.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you are recovering from orthopedic surgery, it is even more critical to sleep at least eight hours a night. As you sleep, your body has a chance to repair itself. Skip caffeinated beverages in the evening so that you can fall asleep easier. You may also feel tired during the day. Don't hesitate to take naps.
Take Pain Medication as Directed
Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication, so take it as directed. Do not try to tough it out and believe you can properly recover without medication. Without pain medicine, you could experience a lot of pain and not recover as quickly. However, remember to drink plenty of water, as pain medications can be dehydrating and cause constipation.
Recovery from orthopedic surgery does not have to be miserable. If you follow these helpful tips, you can have a smooth recovery from orthopedic surgery. If you experience excessive pain, bleeding, or other complications, you should contact your orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.