Injury Limiting Your Mobility? 4 Tips for Getting Back on Your Feet

Certain injuries take a long time to heal. For example, a bone fracture can take at least six weeks while a severely strained calf may take up to three months. Healing times may be different, but everyone should strive to recover as soon as possible in order to regain life normalcy. Here are four useful ways to help you get back on your feet.

Eat Healthy

Being immobilized at home with access to the TV and the Internet may result increased unhealthy eating habits. This is especially true if the person is upset over the injury. However, your body needs a nutrient-dense diet in order to properly heal. For example, Vitamin C helps build protein needed for skin and tendon growth. Vitamin A fights off infection through promoting white blood cell protection. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish, reduce inflammation. Be sure to eat healthy and avoid snacks and processed foods.

Get Enough Sleep

As mentioned above, being stuck at home may result in the person over-using electronics, such as their TV, computer or game console. Using electronics before sleep has been shown to increase insomnia. In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that sleep disruption is common among the injured. As a result, sleep deprivation will extend the recovery period. Creating a comfortable environment with consistent bed time will increase sleep quality and recovery period.

Increase Mobility

Certain injuries, especially those to the feet or legs, drastically restrict mobility. However, the person will most likely still be in good health, but unable to perform basic life functions, such as shopping or visiting friends. Maintaining a consistent schedule and socializing are both important parts of recovering from injuries. However, many injured, immobile people are forced to remain at home, isolated from others, work and school. Consider using a mobility device like crutches, a wheelchair, or a knee rover to help you maintain a busy and optimistic lifestyle.

Rehabilitation Exercises

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), rehabilitation plays a key role in treatment and injury recovery. It is important to work with a health care professional who can educate you on which exercises will help your injured area. Rehabilitation will allow you to gradually increase range of motion. This is important because healing and scaring results in tissue shrinkage, which causes tightness and stiffness. Therefore, rehabilitation exercises should be performed accordingly. In the end, injuries may cause immobility, but there are proven ways to get back on your feet safely and quickly. Be sure to eat healthy, get enough sleep and dutifully perform recommended rehabilitation exercises. Finally, a mobility device will help you maintain an active lifestyle.