Knee arthritis can be painful. In managing this pain, many patients will seek different treatments, including knee replacement surgery. One treatment that should be used with caution is narcotic pain medications.
A recent study has determined that patients who chronically use narcotic pain medications prior to knee replacement surgery have more complications and a longer recovery. It is important to note that these medications are almost always needed after surgery, but should be used with great caution prior to surgery. While pain is something that requires attention, there are alternatives for patients with arthritis.
What did you do to manage your pain prior to knee replacement surgery? Leave your comments below...
Sources: "Chronic Opioid Use Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty"
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