Post-Operative Pain Relief for Hip and Knee Joint Replacement

Effective pain relief after hip and knee surgery isn't just about comfort: it’s a critical component of a successful recovery. Unmanaged pain can hinder your ability to participate in physiotherapy, restrict movement, and increase the risk of complications. 

For patients undergoing a combined hip and knee replacement, a robust pain management strategy is even more vital to ensure a smooth and swift return to independence. For a detailed look at recovery timelines and what to expect, you can refer to the official guidance from the NHS¹

The most effective strategy for managing post-operative pain today is a multimodal approach. This involves combining different types of medications, regional anaesthesia, and non-drug therapies to target pain from various sources. This method not only provides superior relief but also significantly reduces the need for strong opioid medications, a key goal in modern orthopaedic innovation.

1. Medications

• Paracetamol and NSAIDs: These are typically used to reduce inflammation and manage baseline pain.
• Gabapentinoids: Medications such as gabapentin may be prescribed to help with nerve-related pain.
• Short-term Opioids: These are reserved for severe "breakthrough" pain and are used under close medical supervision. The goal of modern pain management is to minimise their use due to potential side effects and the risk of dependence. For more information on opioid use, you can read this resource from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)².

2. Anaesthesia and Local Techniques

• Nerve Blocks: A long-lasting local anaesthetic is injected around the hip or knee to provide targeted relief for 24-36 hours after surgery.
• Spinal or Epidural Anaesthesia: These techniques can offer excellent pain control immediately following your operation.
• Local Infiltration Analgesia: This involves injecting a local anaesthetic directly into the surgical site to numb the area.

3. Non-Drug Pain Relief Strategies

• Cryotherapy (Ice Therapy): Applying ice to the surgical site helps to reduce swelling and numb the area; significantly decreasing pain. You can find useful tips on safe and effective ice therapy from the Arthritis Foundation³.
• Positioning Aids: Using pillows and wedges can help you find a comfortable position and support your new joint.
• Physiotherapy: Early and consistent movement is key. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that reduce stiffness and build strength. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy⁴ has a wealth of information on the importance of rehabilitation.
• Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like guided breathing and meditation can help you manage your perception of pain and improve your overall emotional wellbeing during recovery.

At Orthopaedic Innovation, we are dedicated to use the most advanced techniques to minimise pain after hip or knee replacement and accelerate your recovery. Our work is driven not just by clinical excellence, but by personal experience and a passion for delivering the best possible outcomes for every patient.

• For Hip Replacement: We utilise the pioneering Kley Rapid Hip method. This minimally invasive, day-case procedure is designed to result in less post-operative pain and faster mobility. With this technique, 95% of patients go home within 24 hours, and many are able to walk without crutches just two hours after surgery. This is a groundbreaking procedure that Orthopaedic Innovation is one of the only clinics in the UK to offer.
• For Knee Replacement: Our comprehensive knee replacement programme includes a combination of cryotherapy, compression, guided physiotherapy, and personalised home recovery plans.

Non-Surgical Options: We also offer advanced non-surgical treatments like PRP, Lipogems®, BMAC, and Arthrosamid® which can support pain management for patients who may not yet be ready for a full joint replacement.

When both joints are replaced, either simultaneously or in a short timeframe, the pain management plan must be even more robust. This requires a flexible and responsive strategy to address the higher pain burden. Our clinicians will perform frequent reviews to ensure a balanced rehabilitation and to fine-tune your recovery plan for safe and effective progress in both joints.

For professional standards and guidelines, the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA)⁵ is a leading authority in the field.

Your Role in a Successful Recovery

While your surgical team provides the tools, you are an essential partner in your own recovery.

• Be Honest: Report your pain levels accurately to your care team.
• Follow Your Plan: Adhere strictly to your prescribed medication schedule.
• Stay Active: Use your ice pack, proper positioning, and engage with your physiotherapy consistently.
• Relax: Use relaxation techniques to support your overall comfort and reduce stress.