One of the nice things about managing your pain after knee replacement surgery is the knowledge that you’re on your way to living with less pain—not more. In many cases, the pain people feel after the surgery is nothing compared to the pain they felt in the months and years before. And this pain will most likely go away as your knee heals. Your GP will help you manage your pain following surgery.
Right After Surgery
Following your total knee replacement, you may receive a long-acting numbing medicine in your knee, which can work for 12-18 hours. In the recovery room, some hospitals will give you control over your own pain medication.
After a few days, your pain may be controlled with injections, pills and anti-inflammatory medications. When you leave the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Be sure to take it as directed, particularly before physical therapy sessions. If you are feeling too much pain, you will not be able to complete your exercises properly.
