Arthroscopic surgery has decreased knee pain compared to an operation with an open incision. But some patients still have more pain than expected afterwards. And it’s often more pain than they can handle. If you wait until the pain becomes severe, medications won’t help you “catch up” with the pain.
Increased pain leads to loss of function. The more it hurts, the less you do. The more inactive you become, the more it will hurt. A vicious cycle can occur. Usually after arthroscopic knee surgery patients are given an oral narcotic combined with Tylenol. They
are told to take it on an “as needed” basis.
Doctors say it’s best to get control and keep control of postoperative pain. Take your pain pill before pain is unbearable. Take it only when you need it. Some people ask their doctors about taking the smallest dose possible for their weight and metabolism.