Orthopedic surgeries lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Post-surgery, the pain may persist for a few weeks or even months.
Whether you underwent a knee replacement, hip surgery, or the fusion of a joint, coping with post-surgery pain is difficult. The journey of healing is challenging, with pain potentially impacting your daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.
To help you manage pain and heal faster, we’ll share a few tips.
#1 Don’t Skip Physical Therapy
Attending physical therapy sessions can feel frustrating, especially when you’re sore and tired. But it’s an effective intervention to enhance the recovery process, says a recent NIH publication.
Physical therapy includes a range of exercises that help improve mobility, strength, and overall body control.
Skipping sessions might seem tempting, but it will only slow you down and could lead to more complications, like stiffness or excessive scar tissue. Physical therapy will help reduce pain, normalize your walking, and prevent excessive scar tissue buildup.
Not to forget, your physical therapist is your recovery coach. They will also teach you pain management techniques, like stretches and positioning tips, to make life more comfortable. Plus, they will help normalize your movement and prevent long-term issues.
#2 Stick to Your Pain Medication Plan
Don’t wait to pop on pain medication until the pain becomes unbearable. Managing pain will be much easier when you take your pain medications as prescribed, even if you’re not feeling a lot of discomfort yet.
Research published in Scholastica revealed that opioid prescription for treating pain is a common practice in the U.S. Orthopedic surgeons, in fact, are the third highest opioid prescribers among all medical professionals.
Opioids can be addictive, however. A study by NIH has found that more than 2.1 million people in the U.S. suffer from opioid use disorder or OUD.
If you’re prescribed opioids, it’s natural to worry about dependency. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. They can adjust your dosage or explore non-opioid alternatives if needed. In some cases, a tapering plan can help you safely reduce and eventually stop using opioids.
For individuals with OUD or those at risk, Suboxone—a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone—may be a helpful option. This prescription drug not only treats OUD, but also provides pain relief while reducing cravings and minimizing the risk of relapse.
While effective in helping individuals overcome OUD, studies have linked Suboxone with dental issues. According to TorHoerman Law, Suboxone has been linked with tooth erosion or decay, tooth loss, fractures, tongue injuries, and gum injuries.
This has led to a wave of Suboxone lawsuits. Hundreds of people have sued Indivior, the manufacturer, for suffering dental problems due to the drug. The core of every Suboxone lawsuit is that Indivior was aware of the risk of dental injuries yet failed to warn them.
#3 Use a Cold Compress
Swelling and inflammation often amplify post-surgery pain. Grab an ice pack and apply it to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every couple of hours.
Cold compress causes vasoconstriction, i.e., it narrows the blood vessels. A paper published in Minia Scientific Nursing Journal states that cold can reduce spasticity and muscle guarding because it slows nerve conduction velocity and reduces muscular spindle fiber activity.
Don’t apply the ice directly, however. Wrap it in a thin towel, or it can result in a frostbite.
#4 Use a TENS Unit
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy is a non-invasive and safe way to manage pain after orthopedic surgery.
A TENS unit, Cleveland Clinic explains, is a small device with electrodes that are placed at or near affected nerves or trigger points (muscle knots). This can block pain signals from reaching your brain while helping your body release endorphins, which are naturally pain-relieving.
The currents that a TENS unit delivers are not painful. They rather cause a mild buzzing or tingling sensation.
You can use a TENS unit at your doctor’s or physiotherapist’s clinic or home. Using it at home would be more beneficial since you will get access to non-medicated pain relief at any time of the day.
Most people use a TENS unit several times a day for up to 60 minutes each time. However, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before you give it a try.
Recovery from orthopedic surgery won’t happen overnight; it will take a bit of time. Follow these tips, and you’ll heal faster.
Some days will feel tougher than others, and that is okay. Listen to your body and reach out to your doctor when needed.
