Many knee problems may require surgical intervention. Ligament reconstruction and knee replacements are among the most common types of knee surgery performed. In some cases, knee surgery may be associated with a long recovery period. For example, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that recovery from reconstructive knee surgery may take up to six months. Before using dietary supplements to speed your post-surgical healing, speak with your surgeon about the merits and drawbacks of these natural substances.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a commonly performed surgery, and it is used when knee arthritis or other knee problems impair your ability to perform activities of daily living, such as walking or stair climbing. Before pursuing knee replacement surgery -- or any other knee surgery -- your family doctor will first perform a physical examination to evaluate your health and determine any factors that could cause surgical complications. Many contemporary knee surgeries are considered minimally invasive.
Healing Supplements
Certain nutritional supplements may help you prepare for or recover from surgery, including knee surgery. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch states that the following non-herbal supplements may be helpful for this health purpose: acidophilus, coenzyme Q10, essential fatty acids, free-form amino acids, L-lysine, L-cysteine, L-glutamine, MSM, pycnogenol, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D and zinc. Useful herbal supplements include green tea, rose hips, echinacea and bromelain. Further scientific studies may be necessary to determine the actions and efficacy of some of these supplements.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Vitamin E -- especially vitamin E oil -- may be a commonly used dietary supplement in recovering from knee surgery. Balch notes that vitamin E oil encourages wound healing and helps decrease scar formation. She recommends applying vitamin E oil to the incision area three times per day after your stitches are removed and healing is under way. If you cannot find the oil form of this supplement, purchase a capsule and cut it open to access the oil.
Warning
Surgery, including knee surgery, is a significant health event that may have profound effects on both your quality of life and your ability to perform your activities of daily living. Knee surgery supplements should only be used under the care and guidance of a licensed health care practitioner knowledgeable about clinical nutrition. Some supplements may trigger powerful reactions within your body and should be discontinued immediately. Most dietary supplements, however, are safe, and many supplements may help you recover from surgery.
References
- National Health Service: Knee Surgery
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Knee Replacement
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
