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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Knee replacement surgery can reduce pain and increase mobility in the long term, but pain will be present after the procedure and during recovery. You should feel fully comfortable again after 6-12 months. Meanwhile, medication can help manage the pain. During a total knee replacement, a surgeon will remove damaged tissue and implant an artificial knee joint. On average, a knee replacement lasts 15-20 years. That said, speak with your doctor to determine if the benefits outweigh the pain after the procedure and the time it may take to recover.There are a few categories of medications you will encounter during and after knee replacement. During the procedure, most people need to be put under general anesthesia, though it may, in some cases, be local anesthesia.After the procedure, most people need medications to:minimize painmanage nausea and constipationprevent blood clotslower the risks of an infectionWith appropriate treatment and physical therapy, many people recover from a knee replacement and are able to return to their everyday activities within weeks.Without adequate pain management, you may have difficulty starting rehabilitation and moving around after surgery. Rehabilitation and mobility are important because they improve the chances of a positive outcome.Your surgeon may choose from various options, and it may even be a combination of the following:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen (Tylenol): These can be over-the-counter medications or prescription strength if you need them.Opioids: These include morphine (MS-Contin, Avinza, and others), oxycodone (Oxaydo, Roxicodone), or hydrocodone (Hysingla).Peripheral nerve blocks: These are administered by inserting an intravenous (IV) catheter into areas of the body near nerves that transmit pain messages to the brain. Patient-controlled (PCA) pumps: These contain opioid pain medication and allow you to control the dose by pressing a button. The machine is programmed to release a certain amount over time, which helps prevent overdose.Liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel): This is a newer medication for pain relief that a doctor injects into the surgical site. It releases a continuous analgesic to relieve pain for up to 72 hours after your procedure. Your doctor may prescribe this drug along with other pain medications.Gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica): These are medications that specifically treat certain seizures and nerve pain. However, doctors may prescribe them before your surgery to reduce pain after the procedure.After knee replacement surgery, there is a risk of developing a blood clot. A clot in the deeper blood vessels is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They usually
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