One of the great things about modern orthopedics is that finger, hand, and wrist surgery have come a long way. For starters, not everyone needs surgery. Many conservative treatments for common hand conditions and injuries can provide significant relief. But for those who need surgery, the days of only having access to invasive finger, hand, and wrist procedures with long, deep incisions and lengthy recovery times are over.
We now have endoscopic techniques with tiny and precise incisions that are barely noticeable, leading to less postoperative pain and, of course, faster healing. But what if you want to heal even faster from these minimally invasive surgeries? Can you do anything beyond rest and a consistent physical therapy schedule?
While that sounds like a lot of wishful thinking, there are proactive steps you can take from a vitamin and supplement standpoint to heal faster—even after the most successful finger, hand, or wrist surgery. By fueling your body with the right nutrients, you can support your body’s natural healing processes, including reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and helping surgical wounds heal more quickly.
However, not every vitamin or supplement will work in your favor. This guide coinciding with March’s National Nutrition Month, will share a list of vitamins and supplements you can take before and after surgery. We will also tell you which ones to stay away from and why.
The Healing Power of Vitamins and Supplements
Since you were little, you have likely been told that vitamins help you grow healthy and strong. This is absolutely true. Our bodies are extremely powerful and can do amazing things, but we need vitamins and minerals to improve or maintain overall health and keep our bodies developing and functioning properly. While most people get their recommended vitamin intake by eating healthy foods, others need a little extra nutrient boost in the form of tablets, capsules, bars, gummies, and liquids. Just a few basic benefits of a diet high in vitamins and supplements include:
- Build strong bones
- Support vital functions
- Immune system defense
- Fight infections
- Convert food into energy
- Prevent deficiencies that lead to certain health conditions
- Improve vision and cell growth
- Help manage chronic conditions
In addition to these benefits, many people don’t realize how critical certain vitamins and supplements are to repairing injuries, reducing inflammation, fighting infections, strengthening skin, and promoting healing and recovery, including surgical recovery. Statistics consistently show that vitamins and supplements enhance recovery after surgery through improved mobility, pain control, and faster wound healing—especially when taken early in the process.
Here are a few vitamins and supplements to consider before and after finger, hand, or wrist surgery:
- Vitamin C — It is widely recommended that surgical patients increase their Vitamin C intake to promote wound healing, increase collagen production to improve skin appearance, and facilitate iron absorption. Vitamin C can easily be found in strawberries, bell peppers, and citrus fruits.
- Vitamin A — A healthy diet of Vitamin A post-surgery supports improved skin regeneration and immune function, thus helping the body to recover easily and faster after finger, hand, or wrist surgery. Vitamin A can be found in sweet potatoes, leafy greens, carrots, apricots, spinach, and cantaloupe.
- Zinc — This antioxidant, commonly found in meat, nuts, seeds, and shellfish, is known for helping to repair damaged tissues and boosting the immune response.
- Protein supplements — Protein is essential for post-surgery recovery. The good news is that it can be found in many forms, from the foods we eat (eggs, milk, beef, peanut butter, poultry) to shakes and more.
- Omega-3 fatty acids — Found in fatty fish such as salmon, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce post-operative complications such as inflammation, infections, and longer hospital stays.
- Bromelain —According to Kaiser Permanente, this pineapple enzyme is a digestive aid used to reduce bruising and can be used for pre- and post-operative supplement therapy.
Statistics consistently show that vitamins and supplements enhance recovery after surgery through improved mobility, pain control, and faster wound healing—especially when taken early in the process.
Do I Consult With My Doctor First?
In a word—yes. While more research is being done to increase the list of beneficial vitamins and supplements for overall health improvements and pre- and post-surgical use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises consumers and future surgical patients to talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals before purchasing or consuming a vitamin or supplement.
But why? For starters, over 90,000 different supplements are on the market today, and the FDA doesn’t have the authority to review these products for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed. Furthermore, many supplements and vitamins contain ingredients that can interact with doctor-prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications, as well as interfere with lab tests and create dangerous effects during surgery.
Did you know? Over 90,000 different supplements are on the market today.
As a result, it can be confusing to understand what is safe and what is not—including before and after finger, hand, and wrist surgery. Here is a basic list of vitamins and supplements to avoid before and after your hand surgery.
- Vitamin E — May increase excessive bleeding post-surgery
- Herbal supplements — Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Echinacea, and more can also affect blood clotting
- CBD oil — Preliminary studies suggest CBD oil can also increase bleeding risks
- St. John’s Wort — This herb can interfere with anesthesia medicines and prolong their effects
Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list of supplements to avoid before and after surgery. As we stated earlier, you must talk to your orthopedic surgeon about all the vitamins and supplements you are taking or are considering taking to speed up healing and recovery.
It may be that your doctor will tell you to continue taking them after finger, hand, and wrist surgery. But your doctor could just as easily ask you to place those on pause until after you have fully recovered.
Here are a few basic questions to consider asking sooner rather than later:
- Are there specific vitamins and supplements I can take for my unique finger, hand, or wrist surgery?
- Are there any vitamins or supplements I must avoid given my unique situation?
- How far in advance of my surgery do I stop or start taking vitamins and supplements?
- Do I increase my intake of specific vitamins and supplements before surgery?
- How soon after surgery can I resume my regular vitamin and supplement routine?
Fort Worth Hand Center Is Your Source for Finger, Hand, or Wrist Surgery
Minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedures are becoming increasingly common in today’s world of advanced techniques and tools. While this is a blessing to anyone who wants faster healing and recovery, it is only natural to be curious about additional steps to recover even faster.
In some cases, increasing the vitamins and supplements you consume daily can aid in this process. As we explained, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin A are all excellent options. That said, it is important to fully disclose which you are taking pre-surgery and what your intentions are. Doing so allows your orthopedic team to recommend pulling back on vitamins and supplements that may hurt or prolong your recovery. At the end of the day, talk to your hand doctor.
Fort Worth Hand Center offers expert care for all finger, hand, and wrist injuries. Our surgeons are specialists in treating chronic conditions and traumatic injuries, as well as performing state-of-the-art complex microscopic nerve repairs and tendon transfers. But before any of that happens, our goal is to do a thorough examination to determine what the best course of action may be. Sometimes, it may be surgery. Other times, a more conservative approach is better.
If surgery is your best treatment, our orthopedic physicians operate in state-of-the-art, accredited surgery centers. To schedule an appointment, call 817-877-3277 or complete the form below.
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Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Fort Worth Hand Center serves the DFW area, including Euless, Everman, Flower Mound, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lakeside, Lake Worth, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, White Settlement, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, and all of North Texas.
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