After Ankle Joint Replacement, How Much Pain Will Patients Experience? - Dr. Horton (VIDEO)

Dr. Horton:

With any surgery, patients are always concerned about how much pain they are going to have and whether or not the procedure is going to resolve all of their pain. We have very innovative methods nowadays for controlling pain after surgery such as nerve blocks for pain control. The nerve can be temporarily blocked with an anesthetic. Sometimes an in-dwelling catheter for more than one day can be used, which is very effective in allowing for post-op pain control.

Once that nerve block wears off then pain medications are used for that purpose, and they generally are necessary for at least the first week or two after surgery. After that, once all the pain and swelling is resolved, generally speaking, ice and other types of less strong medications can be used such as anti-inflammatory medication or Tylenol for pain control.

Once the ankle surgery is mature and people are walking again, majority of patients state that 90% or more of their pain is resolved with the procedure. So that is a very good statistic.

About Dr. Horton, M.D.:
Dr. Eric R. Horton, M.D. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity conditions and ankle and foot reconstruction at Alvarado Orthopedic Medical Group. He has almost ten years of private practice experience in treating a wide range of adult, juvenile, and childhood orthopedic disorders including trauma, sports injuries, arthritis, leg deformities, and other musculoskeletal conditions of the body.

Visit Dr. Horton at the Alvarado Orthopedic Medical Group

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• Bones & Joints