Why it is Important to be Non-Weight Bearing After Leg surgery or Foot
Serious orthopedic injuries like fractures often require surgery for treatment, and it involves the use of Orthopedic Trauma Implants for the stabilization of fractured bones. Most people think that the bone(s) will heal on its own after surgery, and they need not do anything. But this is not the case, certain precautions and care need to be taken to ensure proper healing. And one of the most important is to be non-weight bearing, especially when the surgery is performed in the lower extremity.
In this post, we will discuss why being non-weight bearing is the key to improved recovery after surgery in the leg.
Reasons to be Non-Weight Bearing After an Orthopedic Surgery
The lower extremity handles most of the weight of our body, and that is one of the reasons why this part is more prone to getting injured. Sometimes, when the injury is serious, the operation is required for the treatment. Along with this, post-operative care is equally important to experience better results and avoid any serious complications. Let us see why being non-weight bearing is important after orthopedic surgery in leg or foot:
Reduces Swelling
Tissues are known to heal faster after the surgery if no pressure or weight is applied to the incision.
Manages Pain
Not putting any weight on the foot and keeping it in an elevated position as suggested helps control pain.
Faster and Better Healing
After surgery, tissues and bones need time to heal, and the process becomes fast if no unnecessary pressure is applied.
Reduces the Risk of Implant Failure or Rejection
Trauma implants require the healing of bone around them to gain good stability, and that takes time. If any pressure is applied to the operated area right after surgery or without consulting the surgeon, the risk of implant failure or rejection becomes high.
How to Move Around After Leg Surgery Without Putting any Weight?
The problem arises when long-term rest is advised by the doctor. Here, it is important to have options to walk around whenever required, and that too without putting pressure on the injured leg. Below mentioned are the options that you can choose from:
Crutches
Crutches are the most commonly used assistive devices that are easily available in the market. Using them, the person can walk without putting weight on the operated leg. They are available in wood or aluminum and often come with cushioned top to ensure comfort when placed under the arm. Remember, the size and proper adjustment of crutches are very important, so, make sure you have adjusted it well before use.
Walker
Walker is the best choice for the elderly. It ensures good stability and takes the weight off the foot. It can also come with wheels that make it easy to use.
Knee Scooter
It is a kind of mini scooter with a comfortable knee pad, four wheels, and handles with breaks. This scooter is most comfortable when it comes to moving around with an operated leg. Just place the knee of the injured leg on the knee pad and roll around. But remember, it is ideal to be used only on flat surfaces.
Motorized Scooter
One can sit on this type of scooter and move it around using the accelerator. You can either buy it or get it on rent.
Wheelchair
Again, one of the most commonly used assistive devices for those with injured/operated leg(s) or even those who cannot walk. It comes in different models from manual to automatic.
So, it is necessary to be non-weight bearing after surgery in the leg with the use of orthopaedic implants. To get quality ones, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., one of the oldest orthopedic device manufacturers in India. The company also exports its goods to many countries and is known as a trustworthy Orthopedic Supplier Malaysia with its implants, instruments, and external fixators approved by the Malaysian Medical Device Authority.