Experiencing involuntary muscle spasms after surgery can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially when you’re already dealing with recovery. Post-operative muscle spasms are a common issue, particularly when a body part has been immobilized. If you’re feeling those unexpected, painful muscle twitches, you’re not alone—and there are safe, effective ways to alleviate them without compromising your healing process.
What Causes Post-operative Muscle Spasms?
Post-operative muscle spasms occur when muscles and tendons are immobilized after surgery. Whether you’ve had surgery on your ankle, knee, or another part of your body, the joint itself isn’t the only thing that’s impacted by the immobilization. Everything connected to that joint—muscles, tendons, arteries, and nerves—becomes restricted as well. This lack of movement can lead to these spasms, which are involuntary and often painful. The good news is, there are ways to manage and prevent them as you recover.
Why Immobilization Triggers Muscle Spasms
After surgery, doctors typically recommend keeping the affected area immobilized with a cast, brace, or boot to ensure proper healing. While immobilization is necessary, it’s also one of the main culprits behind post-operative muscle spasms. Since the muscles and tendons aren’t being used normally, they can tighten, cramp, and spasm. For example, after ankle surgery, walking in a special boot can lead to calf muscle spasms due to restricted movement and overcompensation by surrounding muscles.
Three Simple Ways to Relieve Post-operative Muscle Spasms
You may be wondering how to alleviate these spasms without risking your recovery. Fortunately, there are safe and simple solutions that can provide relief without disrupting the healing process. Here are three effective methods:
- Foam Rolling Foam rolling is a great way to gently stretch tight muscles and tendons. If you’re experiencing spasms in your calf or other muscles, try using a foam roller to apply pressure along the full length of the muscle or tendon. For best results, perform this technique in the morning and evening, when muscles are usually the tightest. Doing 10 repetitions twice a day can significantly ease the discomfort.
- Restore Electrolytes with Sugar-free Gatorade One often overlooked cause of muscle spasms is an electrolyte imbalance. During the post-operative phase, staying hydrated and maintaining proper electrolyte levels is essential. Drinking an 8-ounce glass of sugar-free Gatorade daily can help restore your electrolyte balance, which in turn, may prevent or reduce muscle spasms.
- Increase Potassium Intake with Bananas Potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to muscle spasms, whether you’re active or not. Incorporating potassium-rich foods like bananas into your daily diet is a natural and easy way to prevent spasms. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and can help you manage post-operative muscle spasms without resorting to medication.
Take Action to Ease Post-operative Muscle Spasms
Recovering from surgery is challenging enough without dealing with painful muscle spasms. By incorporating foam rolling, maintaining electrolyte balance, and increasing potassium intake, you can manage and even prevent post-operative muscle spasms. However, it’s important to avoid overdoing it—stick to gentle, safe methods like the ones mentioned above, and always consult your doctor if your spasms persist or worsen.
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