How your pain will be controlled

Pain control is one of the most important considerations for our patients around the time of surgery. 

• We will do everything that we can to help manage your pain in an acceptable manner.
• Patients who are on regular narcotic pain medications prior to surgery have a much more difficult time managing their pain after surgery.
• We use a multi-modal approach to pain management.
• Right before the surgery, you may receive several medications by mouth to help with pain control during your surgery.
• During surgery, you may receive pain medications through your IV from the anesthesia team. We also typically provide an injection around the joint at the time of surgery to provide pain relief for 12-18 hours.
• After surgery, you will receive several pain medications to help control your pain. Our team will make adjustments as needed so that your pain is manageable.  
• To help reduce swelling and decrease pain, apply ice to your surgical site several times a day.
• You will be asked frequently during your hospital stay what your pain level is as a way of monitoring the effectiveness of the pain control.