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Sudden, severe hip pain followed by continued pain and muscle spasm when you move
your hip
Abnormal rotation of the surgical leg, either inward or outward
Shortening of the leg on the surgery side
Decreased sensation in the leg on the surgery side
PAIN CONT ROL AND MEDICATIONS
Your doctor will order pain medication for you. To ensure a good night's rest, it may be helpful
to take a pain pill before going to bed for the first three to four nights.
You will be discharged with a prescription and instructions about pain medications. As a
general rule, Tylenol can be very effective for baseline pain relief. However, you can
take too much Tylenol if you are also on pain medication as many contain Tylenol in
them. Talk with your prescribing physician if you have questions. Do not exceed the
recommended daily dose of Tylenol.
You may be prescribed Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Norco or others upon discharge;
these are narcotic medications and should be used for "breakthrough pain." The goal is
for you to transition off of these medications as soon as you can. A week after surgery,
evaluate your pain without narcotics and begin to spread out the time in between doses
and lower the dose as you can.
Try to keep your pain below a 4
Elevate your leg above your heart
Use your walker until your Physical Therapist/Surgeon advances you to a cane
If able, take your pain medication 1 hour prior to your physical therapy.
Don't overdo it!
Managing pain without medication:
Move every 1-1 ½ hours
Change your position frequently
Use cold therapy to help reduce pain and swelling
Practice meditation
Distraction
Relaxation
PAIN MEDICATION CA N CAUSE THE FOL LOWING SIDE EF FECTS (CALL Y OUR
SURGEON'S OFFICE IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN Y O F THE F OLL OWING ):
Nausea and vomiting
Itching and/or rash
