Pain Management after Total Knee Replacement Surgery

After Knee Replacement Surgery

· General pain may remain for up to a few weeks after a total knee replacement.

· Swelling may last for 2–3 weeks after surgery

· Bruising may last for 1–2 weeks following surgery

Post-operative pain, swelling, and bruising are a normal part of the recovery process after knee surgery. But the speedy recovery programme from leading surgeons, such as Droitwich Knee Clinic, has devised ways to manage the pain and hasten your recovery.

Managing Pain

During the surgery, surgeons have anaesthetized your knee. Once this wears off, you might get oral or IV pain medication. These are powerful pain relieving medications and will be used only for a short period of time.

Medications to manage pain include –

Oral pain medication may continue for up to several weeks. This includes prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. For severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger pain relievers such as tramadol or oxycodone.

Later, you may or may not need over-the-counter medication to help reduce temporary pain and inflammation. These include acetaminophen and NSAIDs.

Your physiotherapist can provide massage and will also prescribe exercises to reduce inflammation and pain. The pain will subside within the few weeks following surgery.

Managing Swelling

Swelling is also normal post-surgery. You may experience some swelling for 2–3 weeks which can be reduced with postoperative exercises. Elevating your leg for 1 to 2 hours each afternoon will help to reduce the swelling further.

Ice packs prove very effective for reducing swelling and inflammation in your knee joint. You can use an ice pack 3 to 4 times a day for 15 minutes every time.

Managing Bruising

Bruising around your knee may last 1–2 weeks after surgery. This can be reduced by elevating your leg.

Topical creams and patches may be recommended to reduce pain and make it easier for you to sleep at night.

Physical therapy

At the Droitwich Knee Clinic you will be seen by a physiotherapist:

· Even before your operation, to assess your pre-operative level of activity; joint movement and muscle strength

· To discuss the post-operative routine and explain the recovery process so that you are prepared for the various stages you will go through

After surgery, your physiotherapist may use an electrical stimulation unit to boost circulation and reduce pain to your knee.

You should do all exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist. These exercises will help to strengthen your muscles, increase your range of motion and function and promote healing.

Discuss your level of pain and inflammation with your surgeon and report any changes or unusual discomfort. Take the medications as advised and follow the recommended physiotherapy and exercises to reduce discomfort as far as possible and speed up your recovery.

To learn more about pain management after knee replacement surgery and speedy recovery from knee replacement surgery in UK, call Droitwich Knee Clinic at 08008250250.

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