Blood clots are a rare but potentially life threatening complication that can develop after shoulder replacement or any major surgical procedure. They are incredibly rare, but because they can cause significant problems if the clot ends up impacting blood flow or traveling to your lungs, you will want to work to reduce your risk of developing a clot. Below, we share some ways that Dr. Holloway and his team will help you reduce your risk of developing a blood clot after shoulder replacement surgery.
Minimizing Blood Clot Risk After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
While you can’t completely eliminate your risk of developing a blood clot, you can certainly work to lower your risk. Here’s a look at some of the things you can do to minimize your risk of a blood clot after shoulder replacement:
- Early Movement – Blood clots are more likely to develop during long periods of inactivity, and there’s a decent chance that you will be less active in the wake of your shoulder replacement operation. Fortunately, you can still be quite mobile right after shoulder replacement compared to other joint surgeries like knee or hip replacement. Your doctor will want you up and moving either the day of surgery or the following day. Don’t pursue activities that could significantly increase your fall risk, but walking and avoiding extended seated periods can help to reduce your blood clot risk.
- Use Compression Socks – Compression socks can put some light pressure on your skin, which helps to open up blood vessels and improve fluid movement in and out of an area, which aids in blood clot prevention. Consider compression stockings if your doctor believes you may be at an elevated risk for blood clot formation.
- Foot Exercises – When you’re sitting, don’t just sit still. Do some foot and ankle mobility exercises, as this will help to boost circulation and in turn reduce your risk of blood clots. You don’t need to do these exercises the entire time you’re sitting, but consider doing a couple minutes of foot mobility exercises every half hour or so.
- Limit Extended Sitting – This falls in line with some of the above points, but try to break up extended periods of inactivity. Even if you’re just moving to go to the bathroom, it will go a long way in helping to reduce your risk of blood clot onset. If you realize you’ve been sitting for a while, get up and move around for a few minutes!
- Take Baby Aspirin – Baby aspirin impacts the way your blood coagulates, which serves to lower your clot risk. Oftentimes it is recommended to take 81 mg of baby aspirin a day during the early part of your recovery to help lower your clot risk.
- Know Your Family History – Finally, let your doctor know if you or your family has a history of blood clots. People with a previous blood clot or those with a family history have an elevated risk of developing a blood clot after joint replacement surgery, and being aware of this information can make it easier for you and your doctor to be on the same page when it comes to mitigating your risk.
Dr. Holloway and his team review your medical history and perform blood clot screening exams to understand a person’s individual risk profile so that we can take the steps we need in order to reduce your risk of a blood clot. These clots are just one of many risks we work hard to account for and prevent in all of our shoulder surgery patients, and we’ve had a great track record of success in the past.
For more information about blood clot prevention or for help with a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
