Three Tips for a Speedier Recovery from Orthopedic Surgery

It is quite common for us surgeons to hear that our patients are becoming impatient when they are waiting to heal and fully recover from surgery.  In fact, many of our patients may try to push themselves sooner than they should, even against doctors’ orders.  Recovering from surgery takes time, as your body needs to heal fully before you can get back on your feet.  This is especially true when it comes to orthopedic surgery, but that does not stop an orthopedic surgeon in Debary from hearing the question “when can I get back to my life?”  These are a few tips for a speedier, but still healthy and full, recovery from orthopedic surgery.

Follow the RICE Method

When you have suffered from an injury when you suspect you will need surgery, you need to immediately take care of the affected area.  Like when you get a sprain or a minor injury, you should practice the RICE method to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

This method includes a few steps:

1. R – REST.  Take your time to rest your body and allow your affected areas and wounds to heal before you take on too many responsibilities.
2. I – ICE.  Ice the area with cold compresses for about 20-30 minutes at a time.  Take a break, and then continue to repeat the process over the first few days after surgery.
3. C – COMPRESSION.  Wrap the area with a compressed bandage for the first days after surgery.  Often, the surgeon will do this for you before you return home after the surgery is complete.
4. E – ELEVATE.  Anytime you have suffered from an injury or are recovering from a difficult surgery, it is often advised to elevate the affected area.  This reduces pain and swelling that may occur.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

When you wait too long to seek medical attention, you may have a lengthier recovery period if you happen to need surgery.  By waiting too long to go to the doctor, your injuries may worsen, which can make your surgical needs much more extensive.  To avoid this, you will need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to learn the cause of the injury and to start treating the issues right away.  By treating quickly, you reduce the extent of the injuries and the treatments needed.  This will help to reduce the recovery time when you get out of surgery as well.

Listen to the Doctor

Anytime you have surgery, you always want to listen to the doctor.  Follow their instructions to understand the recovery that you are facing, and take all the medications they are prescribing to stay on schedule, alleviate pain, and reduce any potential post-surgical complications.  

These are a few tips you can follow to have a speedier and full recovery from orthopedic surgery.  When you are getting impatient, remember that you need to let your body heal.  Be cautious of your movement and listen to your orthopedic surgeon in Debary.  Contact us to hear about our typical surgery recovery times today.