How painful is total knee replacement?
As with all forms of surgery, knee replacement is painful, but the pain is manageable. For the first one to three days after surgery, pain is very well controlled with an epidural catheter. After that, oral medications, such as Percocet or Vicodin, are usually adequate. Sometimes patients require further (but less frequent) pain medication once they leave the hospital. Typically within two to three weeks after surgery, most patients find that their pain is greatly diminished and nothing stronger than aspirin or Motrin is needed.
As with all forms of surgery, knee replacement is painful, but manageable. The first day following surgery, intramuscular injections of morphine or Demerol are necessary. Thereafter, oral medication such as tablets of Percocet or Vicodin usually suffice. After leaving he hospital, patients may require further pain medication, but less frequently. Within one or two weeks, only aspirin or Motrin are needed.
