The Top 7 Causes of Delayed Healing After Orthopedic Surgery
After orthopedic surgery, most patients expect steady progress toward recovery. When healing stalls, it’s frustrating and sometimes dangerous. Understanding the common causes of delayed healing can help you and your care team take corrective action early. Below are the top seven causes, why they matter, and practical steps to speed recovery.
1. Infection
Post-surgical infection is one of the most common and serious reasons healing is delayed. Even a superficial wound infection can slow tissue repair and increase inflammation, while deep infections around implants may require surgery or long-term antibiotics.
Watch for redness, increased pain, fever, or drainage and report these signs to your surgeon immediately. Appropriate wound care, sterile dressings, and using recommended post-op products (for example, sterile pads and cold therapy accessories) can reduce risk—see sterile dressing options like the Breg Polar Care sterile dressings.
2. Poor Blood Supply
Tissues need oxygen and nutrients to heal. Conditions that reduce circulation—peripheral vascular disease, smoking, or prolonged immobilization—impair this supply. Your surgeon may recommend devices or therapies to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Compression and cold-compression systems such as the Breg Polar Care Wave or the Omni Ice Pulse Compression help control swelling and can support circulation management when used as directed.
3. Poor Glycemic Control (Diabetes)
High blood sugar impairs immune function, reduces collagen formation, and increases the risk of infection. Patients with diabetes should work closely with their care team to maintain tight glycemic control before and after surgery. Your clinician may recommend additional monitoring or adjustments to medication during recovery.
4. Inadequate Immobilization or Early Overuse
Movement is important, but premature stress on a surgical site can disrupt early tissue formation. Conversely, excessive immobilization can cause stiffness and poor tissue remodeling.
Follow your surgeon’s plan for weight-bearing and therapy. Bracing can offer controlled support—products like the DonJoy Playmaker II, Aircast A60 ankle support, or the Exos Form II back brace provide stability while allowing prescribed movement.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Healing requires calories, protein, vitamins (especially A and C), zinc, and adequate hydration. Low protein intake and vitamin deficiencies slow collagen synthesis and wound closure.
Work with your care team or a nutritionist to ensure a post-op diet that supports healing. For guidance, see our blog on nutrition and bone healing: Supercharging Your Bone Healing With Food.
6. Certain Medications and Medical Conditions
Medications such as long-term corticosteroids or some immunosuppressants can slow healing. Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, or vascular disease also increase risk.
Review your medication list with your surgeon before surgery. If you need specialty support, consider devices and supportive products in the pain-management and cold-therapy categories at Supply Physical Therapy: Pain Management Technologies and All Cold Therapy Devices.
7. Inadequate Postoperative Care and Noncompliance
Not following instructions—skipping dressing changes, missing physical therapy, or not using prescribed cold therapy—can significantly slow recovery. Consistent application of cold therapy, compression, elevation, and prescribed exercises plays a major role in reducing swelling and promoting tissue repair.
Reliable cold therapy systems and accessories (like the DonJoy Iceman Clear3, Breg Polar Care Cube, and Omni Ice accessories) help patients stick to therapy plans. Learn more in our guide: Why Cold Therapy Is Essential for Post-Surgery Recovery.
How to Minimize the Risk of Delayed Healing
- Follow surgeon and physical therapy instructions closely; attend all follow-up appointments.
- Use recommended cold therapy and compression devices consistently—products such as the Breg Polar Care Glacier or the Aircast Cryo Cuff.
- Optimize nutrition and blood sugar control; ask about supplements if needed.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Keep wounds clean and watch for infection; use sterile dressings and replacement pads available at Supply Physical Therapy, like replacement pads.
If you’re concerned about a slow recovery, get professional guidance early. Supply Physical Therapy provides best-in-class orthopedic products to support recovery, plus a US-based sales and customer service team with nearly 30 years of orthopedic industry experience. We offer high-quality cold therapy machines and accessories—including the DonJoy Iceman Classic3, Breg Polar Care Kodiak, and Omni Ice Pulse Compression—with same & next day shipping from Charlotte, NC.
Talk to a cold therapy consultant at 844-505-8144 for product recommendations tailored to your surgery and recovery plan. Learn more or place an order at supplypt.com.
For additional reading, check our resources: Post-Surgical Recovery: How to Speed Up the Process Safely and practical device guides like How to Use the Breg Polar Care Cube Ankle Pad.