CBD and recovery after hip surgery
Hip problems
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common surgeries anywhere in the world. In the USA alone, doctors perform more than 450,000 such procedures a year, and in the Czech Republic it is nearly 10,000. However, the waiting time exceeds two years and hospitals are full long in advance, which is a problem for elderly patients or those whose health condition requires acute intervention. The average age of patients is around sixty-five years, but in recent years much younger people have been appearing in the operating theatre, so it is not uncommon for people twenty years younger to undergo the operation.
That hip replacement is so common is not surprising. It is a highly stressed joint that connects the lower limbs to the trunk and is under pressure when walking and sitting. While the muscle tissue and cartilage protect the joint and prevent it from wearing out quickly, the hip becomes more vulnerable as we age.
The operation itself is, as it might not seem despite the high number of procedures of this kind performed, quite demanding. The subsequent recovery, which is not without pain, can take several months. And even this is no guarantee of a positive outcome. Patients must maintain a resting regime, attend rehabilitation sessions and start moving very slowly. But only as far as their new joint prosthesis will allow. A common problem is cycling. Paradoxically, people who have had surgery find it more pleasant than walking. However, once a person gets on a bike, the leg gets used to the relief and normal walking can be challenging and painful. Hip deformity and irreversible damage can also occur.
Factors impairing recovery:
- Overweight
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Stress
The healing process after hip surgery is accompanied by intense pain with every movement. The first two to four weeks are very difficult. There is a demand for pain relief products. Apart from prescription drugs, there are a number of options to relieve the severe pain that limits the patient's movement even at rest.
What to relieve pain after surgery:
- Prescription medication
- Herbal mixtures (rosemary, mint, camphor)
- Rehabilitation and rest
- Dietary changes (healthy fats, ginger, garlic, nuts)
- Drinking regime (at least 2 litres of still water per day)
CBD as first aid?
Cannabidiol can also be helpful. Ideally in the form of CBD drops, where the onset of effects is within a few minutes, or massage preparations, where the cream (or ointment) is applied directly to the affected area and pain centre. Since it is almost impossible to overdose on cannabidiol, the products can be combined or used simultaneously.
CBD taken internally has an anti-inflammatory effect and can indirectly reduce pain, which is the most common manifestation of inflammation. It can also positively influence sleep and balance the circadian rhythm, which is disturbed due to the tension and pressure at the scar site. Topical preparations work on the surface to better treat the scar, so CBD can better penetrate the deeper layers and tissues around the hip joint.
How CBD works after hip surgery:
- Pain relief
- Prevention of inflammation or infection
- Scar care
- Sleep support and the possibility of better recovery
- Increased resistance to stress and anxiety
In what form to take CBD:
- CBD drops
- CBD capsules
- CBD patches
- CBD crystals
- CBD flowers
Under the supervision of a doctor
After hip surgery, patients cannot do without pain medication. Unfortunately, their use is associated with a number of side effects and possible contraindications with the concomitant use of cannabidiol.
CBD suppresses the CYP3A4 enzyme responsible for breaking down drugs in the body. This can cause a build-up of the active substance (drug) in the body.
So you should not include CBD without consulting your doctor. If you get the green light, focus on choosing a quality product. You should have access to analyses and certifications that allow you to research the origins of the plant and verify the content of each ingredient in the product. There is no single dose for all users. However, research has revealed that even a single 1500 mg of CBD should not harm our bodies (an ideal dose of up to 60 mg per day).
In general, it helps to listen to your body and feel how your body reacts to CBD to determine the appropriate dose.
Summary
Hip surgery is a demanding procedure that requires a long recovery and is accompanied by severe pain and many health limitations. CBD is one way to relieve the discomfort and get through the first weeks by relieving tension, better scar healing and deeper sleep.
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