The post Do I need to replace all our shoes after hip or knee surgery? appeared first on Bonesmart.

The post Is it possible to wait too long to have a joint replaced? appeared first on Bonesmart.

The post What is the difference between primary and revision joint replacement surgery? appeared first on Bonesmart.

Go into surgery, focus on the best possible outcome. Have confidence that the doctors and nurses involved will care for you in a professional manner. Avoid comparing your recovery to other’s. Concentrate on maintaining a wholesome lifestyle through healthy diet, adequate sleep, exercise, and stress reduction – all of which can have a lasting impact on your health and improve your overall quality of life.

The post What is the role a positive attitude plays in recovery? appeared first on Bonesmart.

High quality protein such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, legumes, yogurt, cheese, nuts and seeds help your body prepare and heal before and after surgery. These high quality proteins will help boost immunity and aid in the body’s repair.

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties which assist in reducing inflammation caused by the surgery.

Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen which is present in the tendons and ligaments that connect the bones and muscles. Include Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons and vegetables such as brussels sprouts and cauliflower.

Vitamin D and Calcium maximize bone and joint health when undergoing joint replacement. Dairy such as ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, milk and Greek yogurt are some examples as well as foods such as broccoli, spinach, chia seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, oranges, figs, apples, and bananas to name a few. Aside from Calcium rich foods you should spend time outdoors during the day so your body is able to synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight to aid in the absorption of calcium from the foods you consume.

Focus on whole foods and avoid processed foods low in fiber, high in sugar and saturated fat. Maintaining good nutrition is key to optimal healing.

The post What to eat before and after surgery? appeared first on Bonesmart.

Sleep is important. Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines delaying healing time. Aim to boost your immune response with adequate restorative rest.

Prioritize Protein. Protein is key in building, maintaining and repairing body tissues and vital to rapid wound healing. Protein also helps our immune system function optimally, which helps protect wounds from infection. Infection can delay healing. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, peas, lentils, nuts / seeds, nut butters and dairy as in eggs, cheese, yogurt.

Diet can make a difference. Fuel your body with healthy foods to speed wound healing. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and protein assist in the reduction of inflammation while improving wound function, which promotes healing. Some examples: berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, salmon, nuts and seeds. Vitamin C plays a key role in the formation of Collagen. Examples of foods to consume include citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi, kale, broccoli, red and green peppers and tomatoes. Healthy carbohydrates will supply the energy the body needs to heal. Choose whole grains, brown rice, beans, fruits with skin and berries. Limit refined sugars which cause inflammation and avoid alcohol and smoking.

If you’re not hungry and struggling with consuming full meals, try some of the following protein snacks. Cheese and crackers, hummus and veggies, chicken salad on whole grain bread or crackers, edamame, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, hard boiled eggs, nuts / seeds, peanut butter and sliced apples, trail mix, granola bars or no bake energy bites.

Hydration is also important for healing in recovery. Drinking at least 64 ounces (8 cups) of water daily lessens the chance of complication from a blood clot, but it also helps your body get rid of toxins from the anesthesia. Drink plenty of water and add liquids such as milk or fortified soy beverages, 100% fruit or vegetable juices. Soups, coffee, teas. Avoid added sugar. Drinking water post surgery can be beneficial in all aspects of recovery.

A product called ACTIVE Hydrogel  containing hypochlorous (HOCL), a compound made naturally by your body to promote healing, can be applied to your incision at any point during recovery – it’s a germ fighter as well as a healing and moisturizing agent. We advise you consult with your surgeon before using it.

The post What Can I Do To Help My Wound Heal Faster? appeared first on Bonesmart.

The post Why Does My Incision Itch? appeared first on Bonesmart.

The post Why Is My Incision Area Numb And How Long Will It Last? appeared first on Bonesmart.

The post Why Am I Experiencing Night Sweats? appeared first on Bonesmart.

Following joint surgery, healing exercises such as stretching should be an integral part of recovery from Day 1, but it’s important not to undertake training exercises until healing is well underway or complete. Training exercises work by causing minor damage to muscle tissue (hence the pain), which heal back stronger. It doesn’t work that way with ligaments and tendons. Pain is indeed an indication of damage which usually will set back your healing process.

The post What’s the difference between a “healing exercise” and a “training exercise”? appeared first on Bonesmart.