Common Mistakes To Avoid After Arthroscopic Surgery

In the present era, every individual, regardless of age, is suffering from joint pain in Pakistan. Certainly, lifestyle preferences and dietary choices have affected the quality of life severely. In many young people, joint pain persists because of inactivity or an injury. Many older adults develop joint pain, mostly due to arthritis.
Modern research has surely revolutionized orthopedic treatment, offering transformative solutions to patients. Arthroscopy surgery is also one of them. It is an uncomplicated and minimally invasive technique that is performed on any joint. However, the recovery phase of the arthroscopic procedure is equally important to achieving a successful result.
There are a number of common mistakes that patients make during the recovery phase that negatively affect their recovery. These mistakes cause complications and delay recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to know about the common mistakes to avoid after arthroscopic surgery. This blog will surely help you in this matter.

What Is Arthroscopic Surgery?

Arthroscopy is a procedure that examines joints to diagnose and treat joint problems. It is mainly performed on the shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and knees. During this surgical procedure, an arthroscope is used. It is attached to a camera and light. The camera is connected to a screen and aids the surgeon in viewing inside the joint. Once the problem is detected, surgeons insert an arthroscope and other tools to repair the joint.

Dr. Ahmed Shoaib at Orthocenter offers personalized arthroscopic surgery in Lahore. He is highly experienced in performing successful arthroscopic surgery. He ensures safe and reliable outcomes following surgery. Moreover, he specifically uses minimally invasive techniques to deliver accurate results at an affordable cost. 

Precision Arthroscopy by Dr. Ahmed Shoaib

Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery at Orthocenter

Mistakes To Avoid After Arthroscopic Surgery

The following are the mistakes one must avoid after arthroscopy surgery.

1. Ignoring Postoperative Instructions

Many patients avoid the surgeon’s guidelines after the surgery. Patients return to physical activities too quickly and don’t take medications on time. It leads to a delay in recovery and other potential complications. 

Your surgeon suggests to you the instructions that you must follow to have a smooth recovery.  Many patients think that what worked for their friends and family may also work for them. But it is certainly not true. The postoperative condition in each individual after an arthroscopy is different from that of others.

The orthopedic surgeons especially give varied instructions to each patient depending on the nature of the surgery done and their condition. During the first few weeks after the surgery, patients should avoid lifting heavy objects. Such an action exerts pressure on healing tissues and leads to internal harm. 

Take your medications on time since they alleviate pain, inflammation, and the risk of getting infections. Follow your surgeon’s suggestions, and you will see successful results.

2. Poor Wound Care:

Patients need to keep their incision sites clean. Although arthroscopic cuts are small, patients still need to take care of them during the early recovery phase. Your surgeon will guide you thoroughly on how to take care of the wound and why.

Patients should also examine their wounds regularly for any signs of changes. Even subtle changes in the appearance or experiencing sensation around the incision sites can be a sign of trouble. 

Follow your surgeon’s care instructions to avoid complications. If in doubt, consult with your surgeon rather than assuming that you are fine. Improper wound care is also one of the common mistakes to avoid after arthroscopy surgery. 

3. Ignoring Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy restores joint function and strength. Patients often don’t enjoy physical therapy sessions and avoid exercises. This is usually because they think surgery has fixed everything. Physical therapy is not an isolated activity but a part of a recovery program. Without it, surgery alone can’t yield desired results.

Additionally, physical therapy helps patients regain mobility and prevents stiffness. Physical therapy is important. Therefore, don’t miss any sessions and exercise properly. Avoiding it results in slow progress. The time you invest in physiotherapy directly correlates to the quality of your long-term results.

4. Inadequate Rest and Sleep

The body needs to heal from the trauma of arthroscopy surgery. Postoperatively, the body helps repair damaged tissues and reduces inflammation while also strengthening muscles and joints. That’s the reason orthopedic specialists advise patients to get enough rest and restorative sleep during the recovery period.

Sleep deprivation slows tissue repair, decreases immune power, and increases pain. Failing to get proper rest and enough sleep is a common mistake that patients must avoid after arthroscopy surgery. However, resting during your recovery period is like an investment for a more active and healthy future. 

5. Poor Nutrition During Recovery:

Appropriate food supports healing, and our body needs to recover. A balanced diet including vitamins, proteins, and minerals enhances recovery and also helps reduce inflammation. They also support tissue repair. 

The intake of chicken, along with eggs and fish, provides your body with sufficient protein content. Proteins aid in muscle recovery. Try to add fruits and vegetables to your diet plan to get the essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. Drink enough water daily and keep yourself hydrated. Hydration is important for the body’s proper functioning. 

You must include healthy fats, along with omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, in your eating routine. The substance targets inflammation directly. Minimize the consumption of processed foods. Avoid unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks because they slow down recovery. A well-structured diet helps people recover their strength quickly.

An Overview of Arthroscopy Surgery Success Factors:

FactorsImportance LevelImpact on Recovery
Following Surgeon’s instructionsCriticalDirect correlation with recovery success.
Doing Physical TherapyHighSignificant Improvement.
Avoid SmokingCriticalPrevents Complications
Nutrition and HydrationModerateHealing Support
Adequate RestHighEnhances tissue repair and healing

Arthroscopy Surgery Procedure:

Before surgery, patients are provided with some instructions to follow. An orthopedic surgeon asks about allergies, medications patients are taking, and any serious medical conditions. He has to design the surgical plan while prioritising patients’ safety.

To avoid any complications, doctors advise patients to fast before the surgery. Surgeons perform the surgery under anesthesia that numbs the affected joints and surrounding tissues.

Patients are awake during the whole procedure and won’t feel any pain or discomfort. General anesthesia is also given, putting patients to sleep throughout the procedure, depending on which joint is operated on. The surgical team places the patients properly in a comfortable position on the operating table.

They use either a tourniquet or sterile fluid to expand the affected area and improve visibility. A small incision is made. The surgeon then inserts the arthroscope to repair the joint. The surgeon closes the incisions after completing the surgery.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic surgery has changed how joint disorders are addressed by giving patients a safer, less intrusive, and very successful option. But how well patients stick to their recovery plan is the most important factor in the success of this treatment. You can heal faster and feel better for a long time if you avoid common mistakes after surgery, like missing physical therapy, not taking care of your wounds, or ignoring your dietary needs. Patients may look forward to not only getting rid of their joint pain, but also getting their mobility back, their confidence back, and a better quality of life with the help of an expert orthopedic surgeon.

Get Safe and Accurate Arthroscopy Surgery!

Dr. Ahmed Shoaib at Orthocenter is one of the most skilled arthroscopic surgeons in Lahore. He specifically employs advanced technology to perform precise diagnoses and offers personalized treatment plans to his patients tailored to their specific needs.

Moreover, he is dedicated to making quality healthcare accessible to everyone in Pakistan. Therefore, offers cost-effective surgical plans to his patients. Dr. Ahmed Shoaib assists his patients even beyond the surgery. If you are considering arthroscopy surgery, trust Orthocenter and consult with Dr. Ahmed Shoaib today. 

We stand with you through your journey to restore your joint health.