Managing Pain After Knee Replacement: Guide By Dr. Sameep Sohoni
If you underwent a knee replacement surgery you are likely to experience varying degrees of pain later. Fortunately, you don’t have to just put up with the pain. Consult a knee replacement doctor to suggest measures helpful in managing pain after knee replacement.
In this blog, Dr. Sameep Sohoni the best knee replacement surgeon in Thane, Mumbai explains knee replacement postoperative expectations, how to manage swelling, pain etc.
Your orthopedic surgeon, physical therapists, and other associated healthcare professionals suggest a specific recovery plan and will explain it before you leave the hospital.
Dr. Sameep Sohoni a reputed knee replacement doctor in Thane, Mumbai explains the total knee replacement pain management protocol.
Total Knee Replacement Pain Management Protocol
Mentioned below are protocols for total knee replacement pain management:
- Patient Education
- Administration of preemptive analgesics
- Neuraxial analgesia: epidural analgesia
- Peripheral nerve block: femoral nerve block
- Periarticular injection
- Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
- Oral analgesics
Ibuprofen, to put it in simple words, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides relief from pain, and inflammation. However, it is generally avoided after knee surgery.
Why No Ibuprofen After Knee Surgery in Managing Pain After Knee Replacement?
Ibuprofen is generally not recommended after knee surgery due to the following reasons
- Risk of Bleeding: Ibuprofen can thin the blood. This may lead to excessive bleeding during or post-surgery.
- Organ impairment: Excessive blood loss can cause organ damage or failure.
- Questionable studies: Some Orthopedic surgeons avoid Ibuprofen because of its impact on blood clotting.
Persistent pain after knee replacement is not something unusual. For restoring movement and mobility speak to an Orthopedic Doctor in Thane. If you are looking to know, why there is so much pain after knee replacement; read on.
Why is There So Much Pain After Knee Replacement?
Listing a few issues that can cause severe pain:
- Loosening of the implant
- Infection
- Kneecap problems
- Nerve damage
- Alignment problems
Knee pain post-knee-replacement is common. Besides, medicines and exercises recommended by your surgeon and physical therapist; you may practice some natural remedies too.
Natural Pain Relief for Knee Replacement
Natural pain relief for knee replacement includes:
- Ice packs to decrease swelling and inflammation
- Turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements to protect cartilage from further deterioration and reduce inflammation
- Ginger, boswellia, and omega-3 supplements to reduce joint inflammation and pain
- Green tea and rosehip tea to promote wound healing
- Witch hazel or chickweed to lessen bruising after the incision has healed
- Echinacea and bromelain to reduce inflammation and improve healing
Wondering to know how to manage nerve pain after knee replacement? Let’s explicate.
What Helps Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement?
A few things to get relief from nerve pain post-knee replacement
- Medications Gabapentin (or Neurontin) helps in preventing zingers, nerve jolts, and sharp pains related to nerves.
- Massage helps a lot in loosing up tight muscles, breaking up adhesions/scar tissue and improving blood flow to an injured area.
- Physical Therapy helps improve pain post-operation.
FAQs
Best Over the Counter Pain Relief for Knee Replacement
Over-the-counter medications are ibuprofen or naproxen. Aspirin may be used to cut the risk of developing a blood clot. Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is an alternative over-the-counter effective pain medicine.
How Long Will I Need Pain Medication After Total Knee Replacement?
Generally, patients need to take oral pain medication for up to several weeks after total knee replacement.
Final Takeaway
Managing pain after knee replacement is no big deal if you consult and follow the recommendations of an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon. The expert would use the latest methods and state-of-the-art technologies to help you get relief.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Sameep Sohoni, the best Knee Replacement Doctor in Thane, Mumbai to discuss your specific situation and determine the most suitable pain relief strategy for your knee replacement recovery.