Joint pain is often thought of as being a problem before anything like a surgery; indeed, many people go in for surgery in order to deal with join pain! However, in the post-op stage of surgery, many people find that they have painful, albeit temporary, joint pain. What causes joint pain after surgery and what can be done about it?

Joint pain after surgery is sometimes caused by the use of certain muscle relaxants, specifically succinylcholine which is commonly used in breast surgery. The reason for this is unknown, but the pain is characterized as sharp pains in the abdomen and shoulders and it can be brutal. In other surgeries, such as hip replacement surgery, the source of pain can be problems with the implant, such as the ball and joint not fitting together quite right or hypersensitivity which causes pain. Other joint pain after surgery is simply caused as a part of the surgery, such as pain from recovery, left over pain from the surgery itself (if something had to be broken or torn in order to reach the surgery area) and of course, pain from things like physiotherapy and regaining the use of your body.

Joint pain can also simply be from the trauma of a surgery; after all, the body has just been poked, prodded, sliced and sewn back together and this lends itself to inflammation and joint pain, especially at the surgical site. It's only natural to feel a bit achy and out of sorts after a surgery, so be prepared to deal with the repercussions for a bit of time afterwards, though over the long term, the surgery will help with what it's meant to do.

Generally speaking, the best way to deal with joint pain after surgery is through the use of painkillers such as ibuprofen. You may also be given stronger painkillers once you're discharged and taking them properly can help you manage the pain. If it's getting too bad though, you should talk to your doctor about appropriate steps to take; more work may be needed or something stronger may need to be taken.

Joint pain after surgery is relatively normal, but it can be dealt with. Generally speaking, the best way to do this is through a combination of painkillers or if it's too bad, talking to your doctor about pain management. While it is normal to feel some pain, it's still important to report it along with any other symptoms to ensure that you are recovering properly and that there hasn't been any complications. If everything is going normally, the joint pain should subside within a day or three.