• October 17, 2022

Recovering From Orthopedic Surgery: A Guide

Deciding to undergo surgery isn’t easy. In fact, many patients will avoid surgery, which could exacerbate their condition. If you recently decided to undergo orthopedic surgery, you’ve taken the first few steps toward improving your mobility, strength, and flexibility. Taking the right measures after your surgery will make the recovery period easy and manageable.

This blog will help you understand how you can recover from orthopedic surgery more efficiently. If you recently had back, neck, shoulder, hip, or knee surgery done, keep reading. Even if you haven’t undergone surgery yet, this guide will help you take the right post-op measures when the time comes.

1. Drink a Lot of Water and Maintain a Nutritious Diet

Many patients don’t feel like eating after they have orthopedic surgery. You may feel constipated, nauseous, and tired. However, eating a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water is imperative. As you supply your body with nutrients, you’ll improve the healing process and reduce the risk of complications.

healthy foods including salmon, olives, avocados, spinach, and eggs on a white table

2. Listen to Your Doctor

This one should go without saying. However, many patients disregard at least 20% of their doctor’s advice. It’s important for your surgical recovery to follow your doctor’s instructions to a tee.

If you’re not allowed to take baths for a certain duration, listen to your doctor and take a sponge bath. While the instruction may seem inconvenient, there’s a good reason for it.

You may be requested to avoid lifting anything heavy, follow a certain lifestyle, and/or take specific precautions. Follow through and you’ll breeze through recovery.

3. Reduce the Risk of Infection

Keeping your hands and body clean post-surgery helps prevent bacterial infections. Always wash your hands or wear rubber gloves before you touch your incisions. Your doctor will give you a set of instructions that help reduce the risk of infection or may arrange for aftercare at home. Communicate these instructions to your caregivers to make sure they follow sterilization and washing procedures.

4. Manage Your Pain

Pain management will make the post-op recovery period a lot smoother. Take your pain medication as prescribed, with no delays. Excellent pain management will also help you get a good night’s sleep, which is very important for healing. As you give your body the comfort, nutrition, sleep, and rest it needs to recover, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Recommended Read: How to Relieve Knee Pain in Your 40s and 50s

TOPS Surgical Specialty Hospital is one of the leading specialty surgical hospitals in Houston for orthopedic procedures. If you’re looking for an experienced, trained, and skilled orthopedic surgeon in Houston, you can find one by searching our website.

We treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, and hand injuries. Find the right orthopedic specialist near you. We also provide breast cancer treatment and sports medicine plans.

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