Herbs for Knee Surgery

From casual runners to professional athletes, knee surgery can take a toll on your body. While recovery types range depending on age, physical fitness and type of surgery, herbal remedies may be able to hasten your recuperation.

Types of Surgery

• The main types of knee surgery are arthroscopic surgery, microfracture surgery and knee replacement. Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is used to treat injuries to the meniscus, reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, and for microfracturing of the cartilage. During the typical surgery, a tiny fiberoptic camera is inserted into the joint and miniature instruments are used to perform the specific surgery. Microfracture surgery is an outpatient procedure that creates small fractures in the bone that stimulates new cartilage from a "super-clot." It can be completed in 30 to 90 minutes and causes only minor discomfort. Knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, replaces the load-bearing surfaces of the knee joint and can be used to treat osteoarthritis.

Traditional Recovery

• Arthroscopic surgery will typically require a week of rest, and walking with crutches can occur after a week or two. Recovery time depends on the reason for the surgery and your physical condition. A fit person can put full body weight on the knee within a few weeks and resume full activities in six to eight weeks. Microfracture surgery requires relatively little time during surgery and has a long restrictive recovery time. Four months or longer wearing a brace, using crutches and spending six to eight hours a day on a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine are necessary to ensure proper recovery. Knee replacement recovery involves copious pain, vigorous rehabilitation over the course of at least six weeks, and will require the use of a walker and then a cane.

Herbal Remedies

• Papain is a protein-dissolving enzyme extracted from the unripe papaya. This enzyme has the ability to improve digestion, stimulate appetite and help bruises and surgeries heal more quickly. A powerful pair of herbs--goldenseal and echinacea--are helpful on three levels in knee surgery recovery. The herbs can detoxify the blood from anesthesia, prevent infection in surgical wounds and enhance the immune system. Astragalus has been used in the treatment of cancer patients and can similarly enhance the immune system in surgery recovery. Gotu kola is a general tonic that can add to the healing powers of the body.

Herbal Homeopathics

• There are several homeopathic treatments made from herbal remedies that can aid knee surgery healing. Arnica can be used in the treatment of surgical injuries by reducing soreness, restoring tissue and relieving swelling when used the night before and in the weeks after surgery. Hypericum is used in surgeries that are near nerves in the body. It can reduce discomfort and relieve pain. Ruta is especially effective with surgeries that affect joints, tendons and cartilage, including knee surgery. Ruta relieves deep stiffness and can ease recovery. For the proper dosage and diagnosis, visit a licensed homeopathic practitioner.

Warnings

• The important part about recovering from surgery is not speed but how completely you can heal. Do not attempt to rush back into things; give yourself the proper time necessary to heal. Herbal remedies may cause allergic reactions and interact with medications that you are taking. Consult your doctor about what herbs you wish to take before and after surgery to make sure that there are no potential interactions.