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Orthopedic knee procedures require careful pre-operative planning and post-operative care. Factors like weather conditions can affect your recovery from orthopedic knee surgery and may determine the success of your treatment. Your orthopedic knee surgeon can explain the impact of the weather on your surgery and help you choose the ideal time to undergo the procedure. Here are some of the ways weather conditions can affect your orthopedic knee surgery.
Cold Weather
Before performing knee surgery, your orthopedic knee surgeon must assess your health to determine if your body can withstand the strain of the operation and heal well. Cold weather impacts factors like your activity levels and joint health, which contribute to your ability to recover from knee surgery. Low temperatures impact the preparation and recovery stages of knee surgery.
Pre-Surgery Preparation
As temperatures drop, surgery candidates may experience a decline in physical activity, potentially causing decreased muscle strength and joint stiffness. Low temperatures can also cause the body to lower circulation to the extremities. The reduced circulation decreases the body’s ability to heal, but the cold may help reduce inflammation before and after treatment.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Cold weather can increase joint pain and stiffness post-surgery, which hinders rehabilitation exercises and delays recovery. Moving from your car to your house under snowy conditions poses a fall risk, which can cause further injuries after surgery. Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow, is common in cold seasons and limits outdoor activities. This may affect your ability to travel to your physical therapy sessions. The extra clothing layers needed in winter may be uncomfortable on the surgical site.
Using heating pads mitigates the effects of low temperatures on your joints and improves circulation, promoting healing. Incorporating indoor exercises like lunges, pushups, and yoga stretches into your routine is a good way to stay active and improve your mobility during cold weather. You can also enroll in a home-based rehabilitation program during adverse weather.
Warm Weather
After orthopedic knee surgery, you need physical therapy to regain your mobility. Hot outdoor temperatures may cause you to experience some discomfort as you recover. Understanding the impact of hot weather on your body can help you prepare for your surgery and recovery.
Surgery Timing
Summer is a good time to get orthopedic knee surgery for most people because it is easier to schedule time away from work and other commitments. Ask a friend or relative to request time off to provide you with support after the surgery. You may also want to cancel any travel plans you have to allow yourself time to heal in the comfort of your home.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery after orthopedic knee surgery is easier in the spring or summer as the weather makes it easier to engage in outdoor exercises. This helps you restore your mobility after treatment. During hot weather, wear light clothing that is comfortable against the incision site. High temperatures and humidity in summertime may cause swelling on the operation site, causing pain or discomfort. There is also a higher risk of sweat and dirt getting into the incision site during hot weather. This may increase your risk of infections during recovery.
Also Read: How Foot and Ankle Conditions Can Impact Your Overall Health?
Visit an Orthopedic Knee Surgeon
If you need orthopedic knee surgery, try to schedule the procedure during a season that is conducive to your recovery. Undergoing surgery during cool, mild weather may be a good option for many patients. If you need immediate treatment, consult with your surgeon to create a personalized preparation and recovery plan. This plan should be tailored to your needs and the weather conditions. Contact a reliable surgeon today to schedule a consultation appointment for knee surgery.
