What helps hip pain before hip replacement?
There are lots of different types of pain relief to help joint pain, including paracetamol and NSAIDs.
Night time pain that affects your sleep is common in end-stage arthritis. Taking pain relief before bed may help to improve these symptoms.
However, for some, pain relief may become less effective over time. This is usually the case if you've reached the stage where you and your orthopaedic team are considering joint replacement. This means many people may need a different way to manage pain.
The charity Versus Arthritis has further information on different kinds of pain relief.
Opioid medication can sometimes be prescribed by a doctor for severe joint pain.
Opioid medication includes:
However, these medications can often have side effects, including:
These side effects often get worse if you take opioids for a while or take them a lot.
Taking opioids before your operation can also be problematic. This is because it can impact on your recovery and increase the risk that you'll have to continue to take opioids afterwards.
This means it's really important to think about whether the pain relief you're on is still helping. If it's at all possible, try to slowly reduce the amount you take before the date of your surgery.
Injections into the affected joint can sometimes be used to help relieve the pain from arthritis. This may provide short-term help but it's not a cure.
If injection therapies are used too near to an operation, they lead to a higher risk of infection. However, if it's going to be a long time until your operation, they may be an option to consider.
Pain and mental wellbeing are closely connected. For example, your mental wellbeing can affect how you feel pain. Persistent pain can also contribute to some mental health conditions.
You should speak to a healthcare professional if pain is affecting your mental wellbeing. They'll be able to advise on the possible treatments and support that's available in your area, including:
Some people also find that complementary therapies like acupuncture may help. However, these are not currently recommended treatments.
The Versus Arthritis website has further information on different types of complementary therapies.
It's important to continue doing activities that take you out of the house. Being with others in a different space can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
You can find ways to socialise through support groups and local arthritis charities. This will also give you the chance to meet people in a similar situation.
Weight loss is an important part of managing arthritis pain before surgery.
Even a 5% reduction in bodyweight can greatly reduce arthritis pain and improve function.
However, the results appear to be better the more weight that is lost.
Weight loss works by reducing the amount of stress that is placed on the joints whilst moving and standing.
You can lose weight safely through:
An anti-inflammatory diet may also help with arthritis pain while you're waiting on a hip or knee replacement. This includes eating foods like:
Further information on specific types of food that can help.
To get further advice and support on your condition, speak to a healthcare professional.
If you have any questions before your surgery, contact your surgeon for advice.
The charity Versus Arthritis also has further information on support available across Scotland.
A long-term condition may mean that you need extra support at work.
Speak to your employer to arrange an occupational health assessment. This will give you information on potential changes in the workplace that'll improve your safety and comfort.
Many causes of joint pain are not related to arthritis including fractures, nerve damage, a torn meniscus, cancer or one of the other “ITIS’ such as bursitis, synovitis, tendonitis, myositis. ALWAYS GET A PROPER DIAGNOSIS FIRST.
Moderate exercise is an integral part of treating arthritis. Although exercise may sometimes cause discomfort, proper exercise helps nourish the cartilage, strengthen the muscles and help prolong the life of your joints. Please check with your physician before starting an exercise program to obtain permission, precautions or guidelines.
Proper body mechanics can lead to a more effective use of your body and put less strain on your joints. These activity guidelines may prove helpful.
Recently nutritional supplements have become popular with patients who have arthritis. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been most widely used.
Glucosamine: A natural building block found in cartilage, may also be labeled as a hydrochloride or sulfate. Studies have shown Glucosamine to be useful in strengthening, repairing, and revitalizing cartilage, and in reducing pain.
Chondroitin Sulfate: This supplement is commonly taken in conjunction with glucosomine. It is found in cartilage and makes the cartilage more elastic and spongy. Chondroitin may also help prevent the breakdown of cartilage.
*Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are most effective when used together daily. The daily dose of Glucosamine is 1500 mg and Chondroitin Sulfate is 1200 mg. You will need to use these nutrients daily for three months before you notice an improvement.
Heat and/or cold may be used to decrease pain and increase flexibility. Cold decreases blood flow and helps relieve joint pain and swelling. Heat increases blood flow and helps relax the muscles.
Simple everyday tasks may be hard to accomplish when your joints hurt. Ask your physician or physical therapist about self-help devices for the feet, knee, hands/wrist or back-hip-knee.
Support: Support devices such as canes, walkers or crutches may also help with pain and discomfort and help your balance. Talk to your doctor if you feel these might help you.
Medications are important in the treatment of arthritis. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications have few side effects and are effective in patients with arthritis.
Pain relievers such as Tylenol are generally safe and effective in relieving minor pain and discomfort however, they do not reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Advil, and Aleve help relieve joint swelling and inflammation. The American College of Rheumatology recommends capsaicin as part of the treatment plan. Other creams may be useful as well. Always check with your physician before starting any medications or supplements.
When OTC medications are ineffective in reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness from arthritis, then prescription medications may be helpful. There are four general classes of prescription medications.
NSAIDS: These medications reduce the productions of prostaglandins, which is a major cause of pain and swelling in arthritis patients. They do this by blocking the COX enzyme, which exists in two forms: COX1 (good) and COX2 (bad). Traditional NSAIDS such as Motrin block both of these enzymes. NSAIDS that selectively block only the COX2 have been developed and used.
Narcotics: Usually reserved for severe pain of a short duration, these medications include Percocet, Lortab and Demeral. These work by reducing brain recognition of pain but have significant side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation and addiction. As most arthritis pain is chronic (longstanding), they are generally not used in people with arthritis.
Rheumatoid, Lupus medications: There are many excellent medications today for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, such as Methotrexate, Plaquenil, Remicade, Arava and others. They are generally prescribed by rheumatologists, internists, and family physicians.
Cortisone injections: Cortisone injections are injected directly into joints and help relieve swelling and pain. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the adrenal gland that can help for several months. The effect usually occurs within a few days following the injection.
The long term use of cortisone injections is controversial. However, cortisone may play a role in weakening tendons or cartilage if used too often. Therefore, most physicians limit its use to every three months depending on the circumstances.
Hyaluronate Injections: Approved for arthritis in the knee, hyaluronate may help relieve osteoarthritis pain and restore joint function. It is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning in the joint. Several synthetic forms of hyaluronate have been developed for use in the knee joint. To be effective, you must receive three to five injections weekly. The effectiveness is usually not noted for a month or so.
Studies have shown that the more severe the arthritis, the less effective the injections. When effective, however, the relief may last for six months to a year. Injections may be repeated in six months
Surgeons who specialize in arthritis can provide you with all the options and expertise to decide whether surgery is right for you.
Knee Surgery Options
Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a form of surgery where surgeons place a small instrument through punctures into your knee joint. Damaged tissue can be removed or repaired within the joint providing relief from both pain and swelling, while possibly preventing further damage to the knee. This procedure is usually not helpful if you are suffering from severe arthritis.
Total Knee Replacement: For patients with significant arthritis, your surgeon may recommend knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement involves replacing the worn out surfaces of the knee with metal and plastic components.
This wait can feel exhausting and never-ending, so to help you cope, we asked our community for their advice on managing pain. Here are their top tips:
There are a variety of ways you can manage your pain. Some of these might not suit you and that’s okay.
Everyone is different, so it’s all about finding what works for you.
There are painkillers which are available off the shelf, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which may require a prescription.
Read more about the types of painkillers available
Other things to try which can help to ease pain, include:
Staying active is important if you’re waiting for surgery. That’s because it can help to ease pain, it will make your muscles stronger and help your body to recover post-surgery.
It will also improve your mobility, which can help with everyday movements around your home - from washing to getting dressed.
If your doctor or physiotherapist has given you specific exercises to prepare for surgery, try to stick with these.
There are lots of different types of pain relief to help joint pain, including paracetamol and NSAIDs.
Night time pain that affects your sleep is common in end-stage arthritis. Taking pain relief before bed may help to improve these symptoms.
However, for some, pain relief may become less effective over time. This is usually the case if you've reached the stage where you and your orthopaedic team are considering joint replacement. This means many people may need a different way to manage pain.
The charity Versus Arthritis has further information on different kinds of pain relief.
Opioid medication can sometimes be prescribed by a doctor for severe joint pain.
Opioid medication includes:
However, these medications can often have side effects, including:
These side effects often get worse if you take opioids for a while or take them a lot.
Taking opioids before your operation can also be problematic. This is because it can impact on your recovery and increase the risk that you'll have to continue to take opioids afterwards.
This means it's really important to think about whether the pain relief you're on is still helping. If it's at all possible, try to slowly reduce the amount you take before the date of your surgery.
Injections into the affected joint can sometimes be used to help relieve the pain from arthritis. This may provide short-term help but it's not a cure.
If injection therapies are used too near to an operation, they lead to a higher risk of infection. However, if it's going to be a long time until your operation, they may be an option to consider.
Pain and mental wellbeing are closely connected. For example, your mental wellbeing can affect how you feel pain. Persistent pain can also contribute to some mental health conditions.
You should speak to a healthcare professional if pain is affecting your mental wellbeing. They'll be able to advise on the possible treatments and support that's available in your area, including:
Some people also find that complementary therapies like acupuncture may help. However, these are not currently recommended treatments.
The Versus Arthritis website has further information on different types of complementary therapies.
It's important to continue doing activities that take you out of the house. Being with others in a different space can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
You can find ways to socialise through support groups and local arthritis charities. This will also give you the chance to meet people in a similar situation.
Weight loss is an important part of managing arthritis pain before surgery.
Even a 5% reduction in bodyweight can greatly reduce arthritis pain and improve function.
However, the results appear to be better the more weight that is lost.
Weight loss works by reducing the amount of stress that is placed on the joints whilst moving and standing.
You can lose weight safely through:
An anti-inflammatory diet may also help with arthritis pain while you're waiting on a hip or knee replacement. This includes eating foods like:
Further information on specific types of food that can help.
To get further advice and support on your condition, speak to a healthcare professional.
If you have any questions before your surgery, contact your surgeon for advice.
The charity Versus Arthritis also has further information on support available across Scotland.
A long-term condition may mean that you need extra support at work.
