Pain Relief While Waiting for a Joint Replacement 

Many elective surgeries have been postponed while hospitals and healthcare providers focus their full attention on caring for COVID-19 patients.

We know that waiting longer for surgery to correct the pain and mobility issues you have is frustrating. If you’re struggling with pain, there are some things you can try that can help.

Just be sure to check with your surgeon before using any of the pain-relief methods suggested below. We care about you and your well-being!

Ask your doctor what type and dosage of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief would work best for you.

• Ask about alternating between different OTC meds—such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Advil or Ibuprofen). This helps prevent the overuse of either one.

• Stay on top of your pain. Evaluate your pain level every 4 hours or so. Pain meds can take 30-45 minutes to work, so don't wait until you're really uncomfortable to take another dose. 

Ask your doctor which is best for relieving your joint or injury pain—an ice pack or a heating pad applied for 15 minutes at a time.

Try stretching and relaxation exercises, such as yoga, meditation, calming music and/or slow, deep breathing.

Getting enough sleep can help desensitize you to pain. Most healthy adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Talk with your doctor if pain interferes with your sleep. These tips will help you get more Zzzs.

An occupational or physical therapist can teach you helpful exercises and different ways to do routine tasks—such as navigating stairs or getting into and out of a car—to help reduce your pain. Ask your doctor for a referral and try to get a phone or video consultation with an OT or PT to adhere to the current social distancing recommendations.

This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.