Stitches, also known as sutures, bring together wound edges, promoting healing and reducing complications. Understanding guidelines for exercising with stitches is important for a smooth recovery.
Potential Complications from Early Exercise
Engaging in physical activity too soon or too intensely with stitches can lead to negative outcomes. One significant risk is wound dehiscence, where wound edges pull apart. This can happen if movement, friction, or pressure causes stitches to tear or tissue to separate. Dehiscence is a concern in areas that stretch a lot during exercise, such as the legs, back, or joints.
Sweating and friction from clothing can introduce bacteria, increasing infection risk. Symptoms include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth, or pus. Early exercise can also delay healing and contribute to poor scar formation, resulting in a more prominent scar.
Key Considerations Before Activity
Before exercising with stitches, several factors require careful consideration, and medical guidance is paramount. The location of stitches influences risk; wounds near joints or high-movement areas like hands, legs, back, or neck are more susceptible to tension. Wound type and depth also play a role; a deep surgical incision requires more healing time than a superficial cut.
The kind of stitches used affects the timeline for resuming activity. Dissolvable stitches, absorbed by the body, may allow for a quicker return to activity than non-dissolvable stitches that need removal. Individual healing rates vary. The type of exercise also matters; low-impact activities like gentle walking pose less risk than heavy lifting, running, or stretching that place direct tension on the wound.
Resuming Activity Safely
A gradual, cautious approach is important when reintroducing physical activity. Start slowly, gradually increasing intensity and duration, and listen to your body’s signals. Pain, discomfort, or pulling sensations around the wound indicate the activity is too strenuous and should be stopped.
Watch for warning signs of complications, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or any discharge from the wound site. Maintaining good hygiene and wound care is important, including keeping the wound clean and dry and following healthcare provider instructions. Avoid swimming or submerging the wound until stitches are removed and the wound is fully healed.
Initially, safe activities include gentle walking, provided it doesn’t create tension on the incision. Light activities not involving the stitched area or causing significant strain can also be considered. For more strenuous exercises, such as high-impact activities or those that put pressure on the wound, wait longer. Typically, 1 to 2 weeks for moderate exercises and 4 to 6 weeks for high-impact activities after stitches are removed. Full activity should only be resumed gradually after stitches are removed and the wound is completely closed and strengthened.