Quick Guide: Best Vitamins and Supplements to take After Knee Replacement
Protein
- Aids in muscle repair and collagen synthesis
- Helps to prevent muscle atrophy
- Improved wound healing
- Best Protein Supplement to take after knee replacement in the link below
Vitamin C
- Reduces your risk of arthrofibrosis after knee replacement surgery
- Improves your immune system and reduces the risk of infection
- Helps to maintain appropriate vitamin C plasma concentrations
- Best Vitamin C Supplement in the link below
Vitamin D
- Reduces the risk of infection following a total joint replacement
- Promotes bone formation and bone strength
- Is associated with reduced complications after surgery
- Best Vitamin D Supplement in the link below
Zinc and Magnesium
- Zinc aids in the wound healing process following total knee replacement
- Magnesium helps to reduce pain after knee replacement surgery
- Enhances the immune system
- Best Zinc and Magnesium Supplement in the link below
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How to Improve your Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery with the Right Vitamins and Supplements
The best way to ensure you have an optimal recovery after your knee replacement surgery is to diligently perform your at-home knee replacement exercise program. However, proper nutrition and supplementation are key to the healing process and can be crucial components on your journey to a quicker recovery.
When it comes to getting the right nutrients, you can’t beat a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and adequate water intake. But sometimes we fall short on all our nutrient needs and that is when taking the right supplements can be key to the healing process.
In this article, I will cover the most important vitamins and supplements to take after having a knee replacement surgery. I broke down my recommendations into the vitamins and supplements that are backed by science and proven to help you heal and improve your outcomes. I also include a section on the supplements that don’t have as much science behind them but may also aide in the healing process.
I will provide information on what the science says is the recommended dose and for how long to take the supplements. However, it’s important to keep in mind that supplements and any medications you are taking could potentially have interactions. It is always suggested to contact your physician or surgeon before starting a new supplement.
Vitamins and Supplements Proven to Help Heal After Knee Replacement Surgery
Protein to aide in muscle repair and collagen synthesis
Taking a protein supplement after knee replacement surgery has been shown to help reduce muscle atrophy and improve wound healing. After undergoing surgery on your knee, your muscles and the quadricep muscle, in particular, begin to atrophy. By taking a protein supplement in combination with your exercise program, you can help to prevent this atrophy and build up your strength.
Additionally, the protein supplement helps with collagen synthesis, which is crucial for wound healing. This will help the scar on the front of your knee to heal faster so you can get back to normal activities sooner.
Taking 1-2 scoops of whey protein each day following a knee replacement surgery should help to provide adequate protein intake. The first 3 months after surgery is the most important phase for healing and strength building, which is when supplementation will be optimal.
The best protein supplement to take after a knee replacement is in the link below.
Vitamin C reduces your risk of arthrofibrosis after knee replacement surgery
One potential complication after a total knee replacement is arthrofibrosis. This is when the capsule that surrounds your knee becomes overly tight and restricts your range of motion. When this occurs, a second surgery called a knee manipulation is often needed to help get your knee moving again.
Studies have shown that taking a Vitamin C supplement following total knee replacement can help reduce your risk of developing arthrofibrosis. Additionally, Vitamin C helps to support the immune system which reduces your risk of infection.
These studies were done using a 1000mg supplement of Vitamin C, taken daily after surgery. Also, the risk for arthrofibrosis is greatest for the first 2 months after surgery, so I would take this supplement for at least 60 days.
The best Vitamin C supplement is in the link below.
Vitamin D to reduce the risk of infection and promote bone healing
A 2017 study found an association between low Vitamin D levels and an increased risk of complications and infections within 90 days of joint replacement surgery. Additionally, Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for bone formation.
In a joint replacement surgery, the surgeon will cut out portions of your bone and attach a new prosthesis in its place. The bone then heals and must strongly attach itself to this new prosthesis. Vitamin D is vital for this process to occur.
It is recommended to take 1,000-2,000 IU/day of a quality Vitamin D supplement. Studies on complications after surgery suggest taking the supplement for at least 3 months.
The best Vitamin D supplement can be found in the link below.
Zinc and Magnesium aide in wound healing and reduce pain after knee replacement surgery
Zinc plays a vital role in the wound healing and tissue regeneration process. It is required for collagen and protein synthesis, as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc can be a beneficial supplement for anyone with a wound, especially if you are over the age of 50.
Studies involving magnesium supplementation have demonstrated reduced pain in patients after a total knee replacement. If you can reduce your pain following knee replacement surgery, you will be able to perform your exercises better and recover quicker.
Personally, I take 20mg of Zinc and 300mg of Magnesium every day to support my immune system and muscle function. Studies involving Zinc and Magnesium supplements following total knee replacement surgery have shown effectiveness using similar doses.
The best combined Zinc and Magnesium supplement can be found in the link below.
Vitamins and Supplements That may be Beneficial Following Total Knee Replacement
Vitamin B
Your body uses the B Vitamins to convert food into energy as well as helping in the formation of red blood cells. Between the blood you lose during surgery and the low energy levels due to pain and lack of sleep, Vitamin B can only be helpful after a total knee replacement.
A B complex vitamin, one that contains all of the Vitamin Bs that your body needs is an easy way to make sure you get all of the Vitamin B your body needs.
The best Vitamin B complex can be found in the link below.
Topical Vitamin E
There are many anecdotal reports of the benefits of topical Vitamin E for scar healing. In fact, once the incision is completely healed after a total knee replacement, many surgeons will often recommend Vitamin E to help the appearance of the scar.
However, actual evidence suggests there is no benefit from the use of topical Vitamin E and it may in fact worsen the appearance or cause a rash. The positive reports previously stated may actually stem from just using lotion or the combination of lotion and scar massage.
In the clinic, once the incision is completely healed, we will gently massage the scar to help reduce the thickness of the scar and help the appearance in the long-term. You can do this on your own by using a lotion and gently massaging the scar with the pads of your fingers for 2-3 minutes every day for 6 months after surgery.
The best Lotion for scar massage can be found in the link below.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Most knee replacements are needed due to the effects of osteoarthritis. This arthritis is a degeneration of the cartilage within your joints and while it may often start in one joint, there is a good chance it can develop in other joints as well.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are components of the structure that makes up the cartilage in your joints. Studies using these supplements have shown conflicting results on whether it is beneficial for the symptoms of arthritis. However, with some studies indicating benefit and most studies citing no major safety concerns, this could be a helpful supplement to take.
The best Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplement can be found in the link below.
Electrolytes
You want to make sure you are staying hydrated after your surgery. This is important for healing and recovery as well as optimal performance when doing your exercises.
Some people in the clinic experience low blood pressure or dizziness following surgery, especially when exercising. Staying hydrated is one of the key ways to combat these symptoms.
The best Electrolyte Supplement can be found in the link below.
Concluding thoughts: What are the best vitamins and supplements to take following a knee replacement?
The best vitamins and supplements to take after knee replacement surgery are Protein, Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamins C and D. These are the most crucial supplements for promoting healing and reducing your risk of complications following surgery.
You can also us a B-complex Vitamin to promote energy levels, a lotion for scar healing, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. These supplements are less important than the ones above but can be helpful on your journey to recovery.
Good luck and we wish you a speedy recovery after your knee replacement surgery!
Why trust Physical Therapy Simplified for supplements after knee replacement?
At Physical Therapy Simplified, our mission is to provide an easily accessible and highly reputable source of physical therapy information that anyone can understand, follow, and benefit from. We want you to feel confident that you are getting the best content and information that will help to reduce your pain and restore you to your highest functional potential.
The author of this article, Andrew Harkins, DPT, has demonstrated expertise in the field of physical therapy and is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He has over ten years experience as a licensed physical therapist and is an expert in treating conditions related to the knee.
Andrew has worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in their Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Specifically, due to his expertise in treating knee conditions, he assisted in musculoskeletal coursework and provided instruction on how to treat patients following knee replacement surgery.
