Orthopedic surgery is the first step to regaining your mobility and strength, and relieving your pain, following a debilitating condition or injury. After your operation, it is in your best interest to commit to a healthy recovery in order to avoid complications and to enjoy the maximum benefits of your procedure.
While your recuperation period will warrant some patience, there are ways to speed the process along. Let’s talk about a few key ways in which you can recover quickly, efficiently, and without complications, and where you can go in Central Maryland for an evaluation and treatment by a skilled and talented orthopedic surgeon.
Follow Your Recommended Nutritional Advice After Orthopedic Surgery
Post-surgery, your body needs sufficient nutrients to fuel your recovery. A junk-food-filled diet will do little for your healing and may even hamper the process.
Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts are also beneficial for your recovery. High-protein foods such as lean meats, fish, and eggs will also help support your muscles and bones.
Ask your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist about the foods you should emphasize in your diet while you recover from orthopedic surgery. Chances are, continuing to follow this regimen will help to keep you healthy on a long-term basis.
Move Around Regularly to Get Some Exercise
The field of medicine has found that a patient who has just had surgery will recover better the sooner they can get up and around, and even talking with others. Remaining in bed and stagnant has proven to quickly begin the process of muscle atrophy and malaise.
Soon after you wake up after surgery, you will likely have a physical therapist come to your bedside to get you moving. This will help you start recovering right away.
Increased mobility combats the development of post-surgical complications such as blood clots by facilitating circulation. Exercise also bolsters your immunity, energy, and digestion. These factors ultimately hasten your healing.
Just remember not to overdo it. Even if it seems like you can do more, stick to your physical therapist’s plan and your doctor’s advice. Athletes, especially, may be tempted to push themselves to exercise harder – but doing too much too soon will do more harm than good.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Some patients choose to skip taking their pain medication, as it tends to make them feel groggy. However, not taking these medicines can actually delay your full recovery. People who are in pain avoid moving around, but lack of movement can be detrimental to your healing.
Also, it may seem like a pesky task, but be sure to check your incision at the recommended intervals to ensure that it’s free from infection. Watch out for the following signs:
- Fever
- Pain
- Warmth
- Swelling
- Pus
- Redness
- Excess bleeding
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your surgeon immediately. An infection can cause your wound to reopen, and worse, possibly cause severe health complications.
Top-Notch Orthopedic Care in Baltimore, MD
Here at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM), we make sure to provide exceptional care to our patients – from diagnosis to surgery and full recovery and beyond.
We have clinics conveniently located in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, Ellicott City, Jessup, and Fulton. You can reach us at (410) 644-1880, or toll-free at (855) 4MD-BONE (463-2663). You may also fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to the active lifestyle you love!
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