Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and celebration. However, it can also be quite demanding on your body. Cooking, traveling, and engaging in family traditions can unintentionally affect wound healing. Suppose you or a loved one is recovering from a surgical incision, burn, diabetic foot ulcer, pressure injury, or any chronic wound. It’s essential to take extra precautions during the holiday season.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Thanksgiving activities you may want to avoid or modify to ensure a smooth recovery, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without compromising your wound healing.
Why Thanksgiving Can Be Challenging for Wound Healing
Wound healing requires energy, stability, and consistent care. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving often brings:
- More time on your feet
- Increased stress levels
- Changes in routine and diet
- Long-distance travel
- Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and crowded spaces
Even minor disruptions can slow down the healing process or lead to complications such as reopening a wound, infection, or swelling. Being proactive now can help prevent future setbacks.
- Overdoing It in the Kitchen
Cooking a Thanksgiving meal is practically a marathon: chopping vegetables, lifting heavy pans, standing for hours, and working around hot surfaces. These activities can be risky for someone healing from a wound.
Risks:
- Burns from ovens, stovetops, or hot liquids
- Cuts from knives
- Excessive standing can lead to swelling
- Pulling or stretching a surgical incision
How to Modify:
- Prep ingredients while sitting to reduce strain.
- Ask family or friends to handle the oven and hot dishes.
- Use cut-resistant gloves when chopping.
- Take frequent breaks to elevate your legs if swelling is a concern.
Remember, if your wound is located on your hand, foot, or trunk, repetitive motion can slow down the healing process. Listen to your body and pace yourself.
- Lifting Heavy Pots, Pans, or Grocery Bags
Cooking and hosting for Thanksgiving usually involve lifting turkeys, casseroles, and heavy grocery bags. Even light lifting can place stress on healing tissue.
Risks:
- Tearing sutures
- Reopening an incision
- Increased pain or swelling
How to Modify:
- Use rolling carts or ask others to carry heavy items.
- Slide dishes along counters instead of lifting.
- Portion leftovers into smaller containers to avoid heavy lifting later.
If your provider set a lifting limit (such as no more than 5-10 pounds), please follow your doctor’s orders.
- Long Periods of Sitting or Standing
Holiday gatherings often mean long stretches of socializing, either sitting at the dinner table or standing in the kitchen. Both can pose difficulties depending on the type and location of your wound.
Risks:
- Foot and leg wounds may swell from standing.
- Pressure injuries can worsen from prolonged sitting.
- Incisions may become irritated from pressure or movement.
How to Modify:
- Alternate between sitting and standing.
- Elevate your legs when possible to reduce swelling.
- Bring a pressure-relief cushion if you’re prone to pressure injuries.
- Take short walks every hour to improve circulation.
- Traveling Long Distances
Whether you're flying across the country or driving an hour to a relative’s house, travel can make wound care harder.
Risks:
- Limited ability to change dressings
- Sitting for long periods increases swelling
- Exposure to germs in crowded airports or rest stops
- Forgetting wound supplies due to a disrupted routine
How to Modify:
- Pack a wound-care travel kit (dressings, tape, cleansing supplies).
- Set alarms for medication or dressing change times.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction.
- Make time to stretch or elevate your legs during long trips.
If your wound is actively draining or at risk of infection, consider celebrating closer to home this year.
- Playing Family Football or Outdoor Games
Thanksgiving backyard football is a fun tradition, but it may not be safe while healing.
Risks:
- Falls, bumps, and impacts
- Burst or torn stitches
- Opening of surgical or traumatic wounds
- Increased swelling or pain
How to Modify:
- Participate as a referee or coach rather than a player.
- Choose low-impact activities, such as a walk after dinner.
- Keep dressings safe and protected, especially outdoors.
- Eating Heavily or High-Sugar Holiday Foods
Good nutrition is vital for wound healing. Traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be high in sugar, sodium, and fat, which is especially concerning for those with diabetes.
Risks:
- High blood sugar can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Heavy meals may increase inflammation or affect circulation.
How to Modify:
- Fill your plate with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated.
- Monitor your blood sugar closely throughout the day.
- Enjoy sweets in moderation.
- Neglecting Your Wound Care Routine
With travel, guests, and busy schedules, it's easy to forget to change your dressings or take your medications.
How to Maintain Care:
- Keep wound care supplies organized and easily accessible in a designated area.
- Set reminders on your phone.
- Let at least one family member know you may need time for wound care.
- Avoid submerging your wound in water, no hot tubs or long baths.
Consistency is essential to prevent setbacks.
Celebrate Safely as Your Healing Comes First
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to connect with loved ones, but your health must remain a priority. By modifying certain activities and planning, you can enjoy the holiday while supporting your body’s healing process.
If you’re unsure whether an activity is safe for your wound, reach out to your wound care provider for personalized guidance. Making a few small adjustments now can prevent complications and keep you on track for a full recovery.
Author
Jenna Wishnew
Dr. Jenna Wishnew is a board-certified general surgeon with over a decade of experience serving the North Dallas community. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered care, she specializes in wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), currently serving as Medical Director at the Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center at Methodist Richardson Medical Center.
Dr. Wishnew is a recognized leader in her field, earning two international awards for excellence in wound care. She also has extensive experience managing gastroparesis and Enterra Gastric Stimulators.
