Understanding What is Good to Drink After Knee Surgery for Optimal Recovery

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Following a total joint replacement, staying well-hydrated is a critical and often overlooked factor for a smooth recovery. Understanding what is good to drink after knee surgery is vital for flushing anesthesia, reducing swelling, and promoting tissue repair.

Quick Summary

Proper hydration post-knee surgery is essential for healing, flushing medications, and reducing inflammation. Recommended options include water, bone broth, and protein shakes, while alcohol, excessive sugar, and caffeine should be avoided to prevent complications and aid recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Water is the most important drink after surgery to flush toxins and support healing.
Boost with Bone Broth: Nutrient-dense bone broth provides collagen and amino acids essential for tissue and wound repair.
Soothe with Herbal Tea: Certain herbal teas like ginger or turmeric can reduce inflammation and nausea, aiding in a more comfortable recovery.
Focus on Protein: Protein shakes and smoothies are excellent for muscle regeneration and providing vital nutrients, especially if appetite is low.
Avoid Alcohol and Sugar: Stay away from alcohol, sugary, and carbonated drinks, which can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and hinder the healing process.
Replenish Electrolytes: Electrolyte-infused water or natural coconut water can help rebalance minerals lost during the surgical process.
Read Labels Carefully: Choose unsweetened drinks and low-sodium options to avoid unnecessary sugars and prevent swelling.

Why Hydration is Crucial After Knee Surgery

Proper hydration is a cornerstone of a successful recovery following knee surgery. It helps your body in multiple ways, including flushing out anesthesia and other medications, reducing swelling by aiding circulation and lymphatic drainage, and promoting cell regeneration for faster wound healing. Dehydration, conversely, can slow recovery and increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, constipation, and infections.

Staying adequately hydrated supports every bodily function essential for healing, from nutrient transport to maintaining electrolyte balance. By being mindful of your fluid intake, you can actively contribute to a smoother, faster recovery and minimize side effects from pain medication.

The Best Drinks for Post-Surgery Recovery

Water

Plain water is your primary source of hydration. It supports all critical bodily functions and helps transport nutrients to healing tissues. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses per day, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Electrolyte-infused waters can be beneficial for replenishing minerals lost due to surgery and medication.

Bone Broth

This nutrient-dense liquid is a powerhouse for post-surgical recovery. It's rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that are vital for tissue repair and wound healing. The natural gelatin in bone broth also supports gut health, which can be disrupted by antibiotics.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Good options include:

Ginger tea: A natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce nausea, a common side effect of anesthesia.
Turmeric tea: Contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that promotes wound healing.
Chamomile tea: Helps with relaxation and sleep, which are crucial for recovery.
Peppermint tea: Aids in digestion and can relieve bloating.

Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Protein is the building block for tissue repair and muscle regeneration. If eating solid protein is difficult, shakes provide an excellent alternative. Create smoothies with high-quality protein powder (whey or plant-based), adding in fruits like berries for antioxidants and fiber. Ingredients like Greek yogurt and nut butters can also boost calories and add beneficial probiotics and healthy fats.

Coconut Water

As a natural source of electrolytes like potassium, coconut water helps restore hydration balance and can aid in muscle recovery and prevent cramping. Opt for unsweetened versions to avoid excess sugar.

Drinks to Avoid After Knee Surgery

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. Certain beverages can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.

Alcohol: Dehydrates the body, interferes with medication, and can increase swelling. It should be avoided, especially while taking pain medication.
Sugary and Carbonated Drinks: High-sugar sodas and sweetened juices can increase inflammation, disrupt digestion, and lead to blood sugar spikes. Carbonation can also cause bloating.
Excess Caffeine: Can act as a diuretic, leading to dehydration. While some decaffeinated versions may be fine, it's best to limit intake, especially if you have trouble sleeping.
Full-Fat Dairy Products: High-fat dairy can contribute to constipation, which is a common side effect of pain medication. Opt for low-fat or fat-free options instead.

A Comparison of Post-Surgery Drinks


Drink	Benefits	Cautions
Water	Essential for all bodily functions, flushes toxins	Drinking too much plain water without electrolytes can be imbalanced.
Bone Broth	High in protein, collagen, and minerals; aids tissue repair	Choose low-sodium varieties to prevent swelling.
Herbal Tea	Anti-inflammatory, soothing, aids digestion	Ensure it's caffeine-free; some herbs may interact with medication.
Protein Shake	Supports muscle and tissue regeneration, easy to digest	Choose high-quality protein powder; avoid high sugar content.
Coconut Water	Natural source of electrolytes, aids muscle recovery	Opt for unsweetened to avoid inflammation from sugar.

Conclusion

Making informed choices about what you drink after knee surgery is a proactive step toward a quicker, more comfortable recovery. Prioritizing clear, hydrating fluids like water and bone broth supports the body's natural healing processes and helps manage the side effects of anesthesia and medication. Supplementing with nutritious protein shakes and soothing herbal teas can further aid your body's repair. By avoiding alcohol, excessive sugar, and caffeine, you can prevent complications and reduce inflammation. Always follow your surgeon's specific dietary advice, but use these guidelines to build a hydration strategy that will help you sip your way to better health. For additional orthopedic guidance, consult reliable resources like AAOS OrthoInfo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, but modern guidelines often permit clear fluids, like water, within a few hours of surgery once you are awake and alert.

It is generally best to limit or avoid caffeinated coffee and tea, as they can cause dehydration and interfere with sleep. Opt for decaffeinated or herbal teas instead.

Alcohol can lead to dehydration, increase swelling, weaken your immune system, and dangerously interact with pain medication. It should be avoided, especially during the initial recovery period.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, many also contain high levels of sugar, which can increase inflammation. Unsweetened coconut water or electrolyte-infused water is a better, lower-sugar alternative.

Protein is essential for rebuilding and repairing tissues damaged during surgery. Shakes provide an easy-to-digest source of protein, which is helpful if your appetite is low.

Staying well-hydrated is key to preventing constipation, a common side effect of pain medication and reduced mobility. Drinking plenty of water and herbal tea, along with eating fiber-rich foods, can help.

Try sparkling water with a splash of fresh fruit juice or a mocktail with herbal infusions instead of soda, which contains sugar and can cause bloating.