Our shinbone connects with the knee bone and knee bone in turn connects with the thighbone. Several ligaments assist in keeping these bones together. One such ligament is ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, which is situated in a diagonal position across center of the knee. The function of ACL is to provide rotational stability as well as prevent shinbone from coming out in front of the thighbone.
ACL Surgery and Post Operative Diet
Generally, athletes are more prone to having ACL tears and treatment will consists of surgical reconstruction as well as physical therapy. Thus during the post operative recovery the person needs to follow good diet and nutrition plan.
Let us look at postoperative dietary requirements after an ACL surgery.
Nutrition after ACL Operation
Before surgery takes place, you will be asked to remain empty stomach as anesthesia hinders protective reflexes of your body that prevents content of stomach from getting into lungs.
After surgery, many people feel hungry while others have total loss of appetite since metabolism slows down because of anesthesia and pain medication may lead to nausea. Thus, it is important to start clear liquids first and then slowly change your diet. Best thing would be to have nutritional shakes since they do not put much pressure on the digestive systems and provide many nutrients as well.
What should be part of your diet?
Various important food items should be part of your diet after the surgery, let us look at them here:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: If you want to heal faster then it will be necessary to control inflammation.
In research studies, it has been found that a few fish varieties have Omega-3 fatty acids, which help in controlling inflammation as well as in collagen formation. The other benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids are that these thwart heart diseases, depression and mood swings.
Anti-oxidants: These anti-oxidants are known to prevent tissue damage. Vitamin C and E work as antioxidants and control activity of cykotines that cause muscle dysfunction.
Vitamin E and C supplements reduce inflammation as well as improve strength. Foods like grains and wheat germ have good amount of Vitamin E and citrus fruits have large percentage of Vitamin C, thus these should be part of your daily diet.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from ACL tears, apart from diet, you need to pay attention to weight control, so that there is no extra strain on the knees. Thus within four weeks of the surgery, you need to gradually increase duration of rehabilitation sessions.