Natural Treatments For Amputation Healing

If you have undergone a limb amputation, then your physician may have recommended that you make an appointment with an amputee treatment center for further evaluation and therapy options. It is important that you follow your medical protocol to help speed healing and reduce your risk for infection following your surgery. In the meantime, there are some natural treatments you can do at home to augment your medical amputee treatment:

Vitamin C Supplementation 

Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing, and if you are deficient, your wound may be slow to heal. While increasing your dietary intake of vitamin C can raise your levels, it may not be enough to correct a deficiency.

Since vitamin C is considered a water soluble vitamin, it is considered very safe. Your body will only retain the amount of vitamin C that is needed and will excrete the excess through urination. Even if you do not have a vitamin C deficiency, your physician may want you to take a daily supplement to help speed the healing of your amputation surgical wound and reduce your risk for a post-operative infection.

The combination of vitamin C supplementation and the treatment you receive at the amputee treatment center, such as whirlpool baths and physical therapy, may have a substantial positive impact on your recovery.

Fresh Fish

If your amputation was related to diabetes or a circulatory disorder, then adding more fresh fish into your meal plans may help you recover faster. Fatty fresh fish, such as salmon, contains omega-3 fatty acids which may play an important role in enhancing circulation and promoting blood flow. When circulation is optimal, your risk for complications following your amputation may decrease.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also reduce your risk for a post-operative blood clot following your amputee. Before incorporating more fish into your diet, talk to the physician at the treatment center to make sure that the extra omega-3 fatty acids will not interact with your prescription medications. Because omega-3s have potent blood thinning properties, they may be contraindicated if your treatment center surgeon has prescribed anticoagulants after your amputation.

If you have undergone an amputation, following your physician's treatment recommendations. While taking vitamin C supplements and increasing your intake of omega-3s may help promote healing after your surgery, they are not meant as "standalone" treatments. They should only be used in conjunction with your medical treatment plan, and only with your doctor's approval.