Knee replacement surgery is a very common procedure. Some patients can go in for a replacement after an injury, while others need a replacement after having surgery on some other part of the body. The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body, and it’s important to get the procedure done correctly. One way to ensure this is to make sure you follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions exactly and supplement your diet with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Avoid vitamin K after Knee Surgery
If you’re having surgery on your knee, it’s smart to avoid vitamin K supplements. Vitamin K, which is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, plays an important role in preventing blood clotting. However, taking it after surgery may increase the risk of bleeding. Vitamin K supplements can also react with blood-thinning drugs, such as coumadin (warfarin), and increase your risk of bleeding. If you’re unsure about whether or not to take vitamin K after surgery, check with your surgeon.
Vitamin C and zinc for the immune system After the Knee Surgery
Even after surgery, proper care and prevention are important. Having a good balance of these vitamins can help boost your immune system. Vitamin C helps boost your body during illness, and zinc helps your body repair itself.
After knee surgery, the immune system may need a little help to keep from getting sick. Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps maintain the immune system. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C is 75 mg per day for men and 75 mg per day for women.
Vitamin D is to Promote Healthy Bone
While most people are aware that getting enough vitamin D is also important for preventing osteoporosis, many don’t realize how important it is for people who have been recently diagnosed with knee arthritis. While you may still have joint pain, you may be able to regain mobility if you increase your intake of vitamin D.
Vitamin E for Wound Healing After the Knee Surgery
After knee surgery, many patients find themselves needing skin grafts to cover the wound. They are sewn to surrounding tissue and may require vitamin E or another vitamin to help the healing process. Vitamin E may heal the wound more quickly and relieve some of the pain. Talk to your doctor to find out if vitamin E is the right choice for your skin graft.
The Doctor May prescribe Iron for Knee Surgery
Knee pain can prevent you from walking, working, and even playing with your kids. It can make simple chores like showering and climbing stairs challenging. When this pain becomes constant or severe, you may need surgery to repair the damage. The orthopedic surgeon may recommend taking iron supplements as the liquid form of the iron is easier to absorb than pills.
Consider Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are often touted as an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some help the body to heal following a knee replacement surgery.
Green tea
Green tea contains antioxidants, which help reduce the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. It also helps boost the immune system, and studies have found that green tea can prevent some types of cancer. And green tea can be especially beneficial for people recovering from knee surgery, as it has been shown to reduce inflammation and aid in pain relief.
Rosehip tea
Rosehip tea is touted for its ability to treat a variety of health conditions, from arthritis to insomnia, thanks to a unique active ingredient called proanthocyanins. Used for centuries in herbal medicines, proanthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, an antioxidant that blocks the cell-damaging actions of free radicals in the body. Rosehip tea is high in these compounds. A recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that drinking rosehip tea improves people’s health with knee osteoarthritis.
Chickweed
Chickweed, also known as woundwort, is an herbal supplement that can help reduce joint inflammation. This herb contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium, making it an excellent option for those seeking weight loss, and it can be used both internally and externally.
Echinacea
If you’re recovering from knee surgery, consider eating more Echinacea. This powerful herbal supplement is touted for its immune-boosting properties, and a recent study suggests that it may speed up recovery and help prevent complications after knee surgery.
Knee surgery is stressful. Patients suffering from post-surgical infections, chronic pain, limited mobility, and brittle bones often turn to herbal supplements for pain relief and to help promote healing. Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana, has been embraced by the pain relief community for decades, and many patients choose high-CBD strains for chronic pain.