Is light cardio a bad thing with an open wound? 9Photo)

Question

I have an open wound in the center of my abdomen from necrosis that I am doing wet to dry dressing with. It seems to be healing pretty well. I've been walking around the building of my job on my breaks and slowly taking stairs. I was wondering if I could do some light cardio like a slow jog to get my heart rate up and sweat a little? I'm going through withdrawals and my mood has been crap since I've had to stop running so long but I also REALLY don't want to do anything to slow healing. Thanks much!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

It is unfortunate that you had this complication occur, however it looks like the wound care you're getting is good and the wound looks clean.  This will take time to heal.  If you allow it to heal without putting tension on the separated edges, it will heal faster.  You surgeon may consider using a VAC or PICO wound healing device to speed up the healing.As to any form of exercise, while it is good for your hear and overall health, if it means slowing down the closure of this wound, I would refrain from it.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Not necessarily. It looks like your wound is healing well and you should, of course, remain in contact with your own PS and clear everything with him or her...but if you were my patient, and in the absence of other factors (medical problems, signs of infection, slowing in healing etc) I would probably allow/encourage you to do some light cardio.  That being said, you should avoid exercise and motions that provide shearing forces (twisting, turning, etc) as that may slow the progress you're having in getting the wound edges to heal together.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. E

Is light cardio a bad thing with an open wound? 9Photo)

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Is light cardio a bad thing with an open wound? 9Photo)

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