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What Happens After a Knee Replacement Surgery?
A knee replacement surgery is usually done to replace all or some of your knee joints. Your surgeon will recommend a knee replacement if you have a serious injury or fracture in your knee. After surgery, you will either be moved to a recovery room or taken home to begin your recovery process.
During this process, it is advisable to get all the rest and nutrients you need from foods that are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. However, if you can’t get the necessary nutrients from your daily diet, feel free to go for supplements containing vitamins for bones and joints.
Taking supplements after knee replacement surgery will help you heal better. If you choose to get supplements, you must check with your doctor on the right one for your condition.
Without wasting much time, let’s take a look at some of the best vitamins after knee surgery and how to best recover from a knee replacement surgery.
Best Vitamins After Knee Surgery
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a good reducing and antioxidant agent that plays a major role in your knee surgery recovery process. According to a study, taking vitamin C after the surgery period helps to reduce any painful swelling around the knee joint. A surgeon will always recommend this vitamin because it also helps to boost your immune system, leading to better healing.
2. Zinc
A small amount of this essential mineral is enough to affect the way your body works. If you want to quickly heal after knee surgery, studies show that zinc plays a major role in reducing inflammation and generating new bones.
Besides, inflammation if not treated can cause infections and can reduce zinc levels, which is worse for patients who lose blood in an operation. The good news is that you can get zinc from the best supplements after knee replacement surgery.
3. Vitamin D
When it comes to healthy bones, vitamin D should never be left out. If you have a bone fracture or a joint replacement, get enough of this nutrient to strengthen your bones. Studies show that women with low blood levels of vitamin D were more likely to have pain during recovery than women with normal vitamin D levels.
Before adding any supplement to your daily routine, check to see if they contain vitamin D. Some of the calcium supplements on the market also contain vitamin D, which is a big plus for your bones.
4. Iron
Most surgeons prescribe iron for patients who are in a recovery process. According to a study, this nutrient helps to replenish the blood that was lost during the operation. One benefit of iron supplements is that it is an easy and effective method for treating anemia during surgery recovery. It also reduces the need for blood transfusions while staying in the hospital after surgery.
5. Calcium
While recovering from knee replacement surgery, you may want to take supplements rich in calcium for healthy bone growth and healing. This nutrient is widely known to quicken healing in people who have bone surgeries such as knee replacement or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).
Food sources like dairy products and vegetables may not be enough to provide you with calcium, which is why supplements are a great idea. However, you may want to take your calcium vitamins with vitamin D to get the best nutrient absorption results.
6. Vitamin E
When the cut on the skin for a knee replacement is healed, many surgeons will recommend Vitamin E to clear the scar. However, it best works as a lotion or cream on your skin. This is because taking Vitamin E orally can increase the chance of bleeding, especially if you are using blood thinners like warfarin.
7. Protein
According to studies, taking protein or collagen supplements after knee replacement surgery helps to quicken wound healing. Using a protein supplement while exercising will also help prevent muscle atrophy and strengthen your body.
Furthermore, protein supplements help with collagen synthesis, which is good for healing your wound after bone surgery. The scar around your knee will heal faster so that you can move on with your physical activities.
8. Fiber
Fill your bowl with the brightest colored fruits and veggies and get a good dose of fiber and nutritious calories for your body to get back to feeling strong. Fruits provide fiber, which has loads of vitamins and minerals needed for recovery from knee replacement.
Avoid Vitamin K After Knee Surgery
After a knee replacement surgery, it is advisable to avoid foods containing high levels of vitamin K for 2 to 3 days. Vitamin K plays a role in forming blood clots, which is useful for preventing bleeding after an incision. However, you may experience a high risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis if you take too much of it.
Speak with your doctor to find out the dose of vitamin K that is best for your condition, especially if you are using warfarin. Since blood thinners and vitamin K do different things during your healing process, the dose of your warfarin may need to be adjusted.
Consider These Herbal Supplements
The following herbal supplements can reduce inflammation and swelling and quicken your healing process after a knee replacement:
Green tea
Green tea does not necessarily have a high amount of calcium for bones and joints, but it has bone-supporting properties that can build and strengthen bones. Certain studies show that taking green tea may be great for lessening bone loss, thereby decreasing any risk of osteoporotic fractures. It is also seen to benefit bone health more than other kinds of tea, which may be due to low oxidative stress and high antioxidant enzyme activity.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is widely known for its many health benefits for the skin, hair, and bones. According to one study, this succulent plant has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Its gel-like substance is used to treat minor wounds and to relieve mild and severe osteoarthritis pain.
The research also showed that certain compounds in aloe vera are antioxidants and could remove free radicals from the body. These antioxidants also reduce inflammation by stopping the production of inflammatory enzymes in the bone.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural and active compound in turmeric spice and can be used to ease chronic bone or joint pain. It has become a vital supplement for relieving inflammation of one or more joints that may worsen with age, ensuring you heal faster. This compound works by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a pain-relieving target.
Marigold
Some research will say that Marigold extract can promote the growth of healthy new tissue, boost collagen production, and hydrate dry skin. This is important after your knee replacement surgery to speed up the healing process of your skin. Marigold’s ability to treat cut wounds may be because of epithelial cell production, which is also a result of the available glycoproteins.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea contains flavonoids that have antioxidant properties, which prevent weak and brittle bones by reducing oxidative stress. According to a study, chamomile worked to prevent osteoporosis in rats, especially with the help of a steroid treatment.
Eucalyptus
According to a study, the oil from eucalyptus leaves has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means that you can use this component to reduce symptoms of inflammation, including joint pain.
The flavonoids in eucalyptus leaves also have antioxidant properties that can help to protect against oxidative stress. However, you need to be careful when using this herb because it can trigger allergic reactions.
Limit Refined Carbs and Processed Foods Jojoba
Jojoba shrub is used to make a top natural essential oil that is perfect for healing bones and fractures. It can also speed up your healing process and reduce inflammation after a knee replacement surgery. Additionally, this healing oil claims to help the body regain its physical ability and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foods to eat before and after joint replacement surgery are proteins like fish, eggs, nuts, complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and starchy vegetables, and foods containing calcium and vitamin D.
One of the best ways to improve stiffness after a knee replacement is through early and structured physical therapy. Following your healthcare professional’s guidance, engage in certain exercises to improve your knee joint flexibility.
Your doctor’s instructions matter the most during this healing period. Follow all instructions on rest, diet, exercise, and other physical activities for a faster recovery.
