Knee replacement surgery is necessary for many people dealing with severe knee arthritis. Although the surgery may seem daunting, recovery is the most crucial part.
Pain is a part of recovery, but getting through it can be tough. If you don't know where to start, Dr. Steven J. Svabek and his team provide pain relief tips at his practice in Coral Springs, Florida. He specializes in joint replacements, knee pain, and other orthopedic issues.
A knee replacement is an invasive surgical option for people with severe knee damage from injuries or osteoarthritis. Dr. Svabek removes damaged bone and tissues within the joint and replaces them with prosthetics.
Most people who undergo a knee replacement have severe pain before surgery, but a different pain continues after surgery. For instance, the arthritis pain you had before surgery may be gone, but discomfort around the incision and in the joint takes its place.
Once the anesthetic wears off, it's extremely common to have surgical pain for several days after surgery. It's also common to experience pain for several weeks after a knee replacement, as the body uses the inflammatory process to heal.
Some people experience more pain than others, depending on tolerance and the body's healing ability. When you start physical therapy, you can expect some soreness from the stretching and movements that help mobilize the new joint.
In short, pain is a part of the healing process. However, you can minimize your pain to facilitate a smoother recovery.
Preparing for a knee replacement procedure is crucial, particularly regarding management. We offer tips and tricks to get you through the worst of the pain after the procedure, including:
Ice is critical during the first few days of recovery. The body creates inflammation around the surgical site as it heals, which causes pain.
Applying ice to the bandages decreases inflammation, which reduces discomfort, especially around the incision site. Apply ice to the area several times daily for about 20 minutes, wrapping it in a towel to protect your skin.
Anti-inflammatory medications are part of the medication protocol after surgery. These medications target inflammation at the site, reducing pain over the first few days after surgery.
If you can't take anti-inflammatory medications, Dr. Svabek may prescribe other pain medications to ease discomfort.
Swelling is common for the first few weeks after surgery, often due to the inflammatory response. One way to reduce swelling and pain after surgery is to elevate the knee.
While you're sitting or after PT, prop your knee on a pillow and apply ice. Elevating the leg reduces swelling and pain.
Physical therapy is essential after a knee replacement — even though it may be uncomfortable at first. PT provides stretches, exercises, and other treatments that help the knee heal, increase mobility, and reduce pain as the joint gets stronger.
Compression around the knee is a big part of pain management, especially in the first few days after surgery. We often wrap the knee with elastic bandages to reduce swelling and control pain.
If pain becomes unbearable or you notice redness, increased swelling, or drainage from the knee, get in touch with us immediately.
To learn more about knee replacement surgery and recovery, call the office of Steven J Svabek, DO, PA, today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online.
