Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis by Lynne S. Peterson

Author:Lynne S. Peterson [Peterson, Lynne S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: RosettaBooks
Published: 2020-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

Easing the pain after surgery

After joint replacement surgery, you may receive an anesthetic to numb the nerves surrounding the painful joint (peripheral nerve block). You’ll get the medication through a catheter that’s set up on the day of surgery and can remain in place for the first couple of days after surgery. It typically provides good pain relief. Some increase in pain is normal as the nerve block’s effect gradually wears off.

Another option is to inject a combination of pain-relieving medications into the joint and surrounding tissues at the time of surgery. Both techniques reduce or eliminate the side effects from opioid pain medications normally used in such cases. They have also reduced the recovery time after surgery.

When the nerve block is stopped, you’ll be given oral pain medication. The medication helps ease discomfort, but may not completely relieve the pain. Taking the medication before pain becomes significant is usually most helpful, so tell your doctor sooner rather than later if pain is increasing.

Express the level of pain you feel on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 equal to no pain and 10 equal to the worst pain imaginable. Also tell your doctor if you have any other discomfort or suspect the pain medication is causing nausea or other symptoms. Cold packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort around the surgical incision.

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