Whether you are suffering from an old football injury, osteoarthritis, or need tennis elbow surgery, joint pain can be excruciating and debilitating. Physical therapy and pain medications work for a while, but eventually, surgery may be your only option to lessen the daily discomfort. If your doctor has recommended it, know that there are things you can do both before and after the procedure to ensure you have the fastest and most comfortable recovery possible.
Before Surgery
You will likely meet with your specialist, as well as your regular family physician a few weeks beforehand. They will explain the procedure, in detail (ask questions about anything you don’t understand) and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery the night before or day of. This could include fasting, taking, or stopping, certain medications, etc. It’s extremely important to follow all of your doctors’ instructions.
Afterward, you will likely have limited use of the joint that was operated on, so you’ll need to prepare some things around the house, to make it easier for you; this is particularly important if you live alone. Here are a few suggestions:
- Meal-prep: Cook several meals and freeze them. Make enough for at least a couple of weeks.
- Consider a cleaner: Hiring a cleaning service will help keep your home in good order while you’re recovering.
- Enlist the help of friends or family: Ask for help from people who live close-by. Perhaps they could come by once a day while in the early stages of your recovery to help you.
- Make things accessible: If you know you’re going to have trouble getting around once you get home, make sure the things you use daily are within easy reach. This includes dishes, clothes and food.
After Surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery you’ve had, some degree of pain is to be expected. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication. It’s important to take it as directed, so make sure you ask the pharmacist or your doctor for dose instructions. Follow your doctor’s advice on what you should be doing after your surgery. This may include resting your joint for a time. Some things you can expect after your surgery:
- Physical therapy: Your recovery will likely involve some degree of physical therapy. This could mean going to a clinic or having someone come to your home.
- Exercise: Your physical therapist or physician will give you exercises to do in between sessions. Make sure you book time every day to complete these exercises.
- Monitor your progress: Tell your doctor right away if something doesn’t feel right, or if you experience unusual or intense pain.
- Ice/Heat therapy: Using a combination of ice and heat can help the affected joint when it comes to managing pain and swelling. Again, your doctor can give you instructions on pain management.
Don’t expect to be back to 100% right away. In fact, your joint may never be quite the same, no matter how well you care for it. Give yourself time to heal, and make sure you follow all of your doctor’s instructions. Physical therapy and exercise will go a long way to making sure you heal properly and quickly. Typically, it can take weeks, months or more to fully recover; it may be necessary to wear a brace, cast or walk on crutches during this time.
