Swelling is a natural reaction by your body in response to trauma, but it can actually serve to slow down the healing process if fluids can’t effectively circulate in and out of an area. Your care team is going to want you to do everything in your power to work to limit swelling after surgery, but what are the best ways to do that? Below, we share some of Dr. Silverman’s favorite tips for controlling swelling after a surgical operation.
Dr. Silverman’s Tips For Controlling Swelling
Obviously the individualized advice given to you by your provider will trump anything you read in this blog, but odds are their advice and these tips will be pretty similar. Here’s how we oftentimes recommend that our patients work to control swelling after surgery:
Rest – Short-term rest can help to protect the area from additional trauma that could lead to increased swelling and fluid buildup.
Ice – Ice and cold packs can help to constrict blood vessels and limit fluid onset in specific areas. Ice is one of the simplest forms of edema control.
Elevation – Gravity can cause fluid to build up in a specific area, but you can also use gravity to your advantage by elevating the area above your heart. If you undergo surgery on your foot or ankle, you may find that you can limit swelling by propping your foot up on a pillow to help fluid drain away from the injured area.
Compression – Compression bandages and wraps can help to support fluid movement in and out of an area. If fluid isn’t able to pool in a specific area, you’ll notice less swelling.
Physical Therapy – Once you have been cleared for physical therapy, you’ll want to jump into your exercise program, because these targeted movements and motions can help to facilitate healthy blood flow to and from a specific area, helping to reduce swelling.
Early Movement – Even if you can’t be weight bearing, simply being upright and active can help to get your heart pumping and encourage healthy fluid movement to and from specific areas of your body. Laying in bed all day, even if you foot is elevated, is a recipe for prolonged swelling.
Anti-Inflammatory Meds – Anti-inflammatory medications can help to control post-op swelling, but should not be your only form of edema management.