After Hip Replacement: Managing Your Pain

You may be given pain medicine to use once you get home. You may also be told to take over-the-counter medicines that don't need a prescription. You may be told to use these with, or instead, of prescription medicines. With pain under control, you’ll be able to get back to an active life sooner. Use pain medicine only as directed. Take each dose on time, before pain gets bad. Tell your healthcare provider if the medicine doesn’t control your pain enough or if you suddenly feel worse. Ask your provider about possible side effects. These may include:

• Feeling sleepy

• Having constipation

• Becoming dependent on the medicine

Your surgeon may also advise some of these treatments for your pain:

• Relaxation techniques

• Massage therapy

• Acupuncture

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (a TENS unit)

Often a combination of medicine and other treatments work best.