Meta Description: Are you considering orthopedic surgery? Here are 10 important tips to help you recover quickly and safely.
Do you have an upcoming orthopedic surgery? Whether you’re having a knee replacement, hip replacement, or another type of procedure, you should start preparing for your recovery now.
Once you receive your orthopedic surgeon billing, you should be ready to check out of the hospital and begin your recovery at home. Recovery can take several weeks or even months, and it’s important to have a plan in place so that you can heal properly and avoid complications. You’ll need to focus on getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and doing some simple exercises to regain your strength.
Here are 10 tips to help you recover from orthopedic surgery:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
After your surgery, you will be given a packet of information that includes post-operative instructions. It is important that you follow these instructions closely in order to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery.
- Get plenty of rest.
It is important to get plenty of rest after your surgery. Your body needs time to heal, and resting will help you recover more quickly. You may need to take a few days off from work or other activities.
- Take your pain medication as prescribed.
You will likely be prescribed pain medication to help you manage any discomfort after your surgery. It is important that you take this medication as prescribed and do not drink alcohol while taking it. Your surgeon or pharmacist can answer any questions you have about your pain medication.
- Ice your incision.
You can help reduce swelling and pain by icing your incision for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin.
- Elevate your leg or arm.
If you had surgery on your leg, try to keep it elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible. This will help reduce swelling. If you had surgery on your arm, you may need to wear a sling to keep it immobilized and elevated.
- Avoid driving until your surgeon gives you the green light.
You should avoid driving until your surgeon tells you it is safe to do so. Depending on the type of surgery you had, this could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Your orthopedic surgeon will likely prescribe some range-of-motion exercises for you to do after your surgery. These exercises are important in helping you regain movement and prevent stiffness.
- Avoid strenuous activity.
You should avoid any activities that put too much strain on your joints, such as running or lifting heavy objects. Walking is generally fine, but be sure to listen to your body and take it easy at first.
- Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you’ve had orthopedic surgery. A healthy diet will help you heal properly and avoid complications.
- Follow up with your orthopedic surgeon.
Be sure to schedule follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon so that they can check on your progress and ensure that you’re healing properly.