Managing Discomfort After Knee Replacement

Managing your discomfort following knee replacement surgery may give you the knowledge you’re on your way to living with less pain. Most patients find that the pain after surgery is tolerable, treatable, and subsides gradually over a few months. Surgeons and hospital staff have a variety of options to manage pain and keep you comfortable after surgery. For many people, the discomfort they feel after surgery is nothing compared to the pain they experienced before their knee replacement.

Right After Knee Replacement

Following your total knee replacement, you may receive a long-acting numbing medicine, which can work for 12-18 hours. In the recovery room, most hospitals will give you the control with a pump to push the pain medication when you feel pain. When you press the pump, an intravenous pain medication will be administered automatically. After a few days, your pain may be controlled with injections or oral medications.

When You Get Home

When you leave the hospital, your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication. Be sure to take it as directed, particularly before physical therapy sessions. If you are feeling too much discomfort, you will not be likely to complete your exercises properly.

Icing the knee three to four times a day for 10-15 minutes will help reduce pain and swelling. Put some ice in a sealable bag and wrap it in a towel before putting it on your knee. Placing the bag directly on the skin can cause ice burns. Applying ice may also be helpful before or after your exercise sessions, or before bedtime when your knees may swell.

Your doctor may also prescribe the use of a home continuous passive motion machine (CPM). This device will flex your knee for you, increasing your range of motion, and may help decrease your discomfort as you heal.

If you find your medications are not relieving your discomfort, you should speak to your orthopaedic surgeon.

Last Updated: 11/08/2006