Humid weather can make recovery challenging after bone surgery, increasing the risk of infection and stiffness. Experts suggest that proper wound cleaning, wearing loose clothing, light exercises, a nutritious diet, and following doctor's advice can make recovery easier and safer.
Surgery Recovery Tips: Dr. Ashwani Mychand, Director of Orthopedics at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained that humid weather exacerbates difficulties for patients recovering from bone surgery. In this weather, sweat takes longer to dry, increasing the risk of infection and fungal infections around the wound. Patients also experience more joint stiffness and pain. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on recovery by changing dressings on time, maintaining a proper diet, engaging in light exercises, and following medical supervision.
Why Humid Weather is Difficult
Orthopedic surgeons explain that sweat does not dry quickly in humid weather. This causes the skin to remain wet for extended periods. If moisture accumulates near the surgical wound after bone surgery, it can lead to increased problems like infection, fungal infections, and skin irritation. Many patients also complain of joint stiffness and swelling during this time. Doctors state that it is common to feel stiffness in bones and muscles due to humidity.
Wound Cleaning and Dressing Are Essential
The biggest challenge after surgery is keeping the wound dry and clean. If the wound becomes wet, bacteria can spread rapidly. Therefore, changing the dressing periodically becomes very important. Doctors advise patients to wear loose cotton clothes so that sweat can dry easily and air can circulate. In humid weather, if you are sweating excessively in a particular area, you should move away from it immediately.
Light Exercises Will Provide Support
Maintaining movement is very important after bone surgery. Stiffness and heaviness can increase further in humid weather. In such a situation, light exercises provide relief to the body and improve blood circulation. This gradually strengthens the muscles and helps the bones to heal faster. However, remember not to do any kind of exercise without consulting a doctor or physiotherapist.
Diet Needs Attention
Diet plays the most crucial role during recovery. Consuming calcium, protein, and Vitamin D is essential for strengthening bones. In humid weather, electrolytes are also lost with sweat, which can affect the muscles. Drinking adequate water is necessary to replenish this loss. Additionally, patients should sit in the sun for a short while daily to get Vitamin D.
Measures to Prevent Infection
Bacteria thrive rapidly in humid weather. This is why patients are at a higher risk of infection after surgery. During such times, it is important to strictly follow the medications and dressing schedule prescribed by the doctor. If you notice any redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus around the wound, consult a doctor without delay.
Recovery Happens Gradually
Orthopedic surgeons believe that recovery after bone surgery is not instantaneous. The process takes time, and patients need to be patient. Especially in humid weather, the responsibility of care increases. If wound cleaning, dressing, diet, exercise, and doctor's advice are followed, the path to recovery can be made easier.
