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Surgery Resources

Questions After Surgery

Answers to common questions organized by topic, from pain and swelling to driving, work, and travel.

Answers to common questions patients have during recovery, organized by topic. This is general information — your surgical team will tailor guidance to your specific procedure and progress.

Looking for general practice FAQs (insurance, appointments, and more)? Visit our full FAQ page.

Pain and Medications
How much pain is normal?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on typical pain levels after surgery will be added here.
When should pain begin improving?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on the expected pain trajectory will be added here.
How should I take my medications?
Placeholder — practice-specific medication instructions will be added here.
What should I do if medication causes nausea or constipation?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on managing medication side effects will be added here.
When should I request a refill?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on medication refills will be added here.
Swelling and Bruising
How much swelling is normal?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on typical swelling will be added here.
How long can swelling last?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on the expected swelling timeline will be added here.
When should I use ice?
Placeholder — practice-specific icing instructions will be added here.
When is swelling concerning?
Placeholder — warning signs specific to your procedure will be added here.
Incision and Showering
When can I remove the dressing?
Placeholder — practice-specific wound care instructions will be added here.
When can I shower?
Placeholder — practice-specific showering instructions will be added here.
What drainage is normal?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on normal versus concerning drainage will be added here.
When should I call about redness or drainage?
Placeholder — warning signs specific to your procedure will be added here.
Walking and Assistive Devices
How much should I walk?
Placeholder — practice-specific activity guidance will be added here.
When can I stop using the walker?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on progressing off assistive devices will be added here.
When can I transition to a cane?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance will be added here.
Is limping normal?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on gait recovery will be added here.
Sleeping
What sleeping position is best?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on sleep positioning will be added here.
Can I sleep on my side?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance depends on your procedure and will be added here.
Why is sleep difficult after surgery?
Placeholder — general explanation of sleep disruption during early recovery will be added here.
Driving
When can I drive?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on returning to driving will be added here.
Does the operated side matter?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance will be added here.
Can I drive while taking pain medication?
Placeholder — general safety guidance on driving and pain medication will be added here.
Work
When can I return to desk work?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on returning to sedentary work will be added here.
When can I return to physical work?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on returning to physical labor will be added here.
How do I request work documentation?
Contact the office to request work or disability documentation related to your procedure.
Exercise and Sports
When can I use a stationary bike?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance will be added here.
When can I return to the gym?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance will be added here.
When can I golf?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance will be added here.
When can I swim?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance, including wound-healing considerations, will be added here.
What activities should I avoid?
Placeholder — activity restrictions specific to your procedure will be added here.
Travel
When can I fly?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on air travel timing will be added here.
How can I reduce the risk of blood clots?
General measures such as moving frequently, staying hydrated, and following any prescribed blood-clot prevention plan can help. Follow any specific instructions provided by your surgical team.
What should I do on a long car ride?
Placeholder — practice-specific guidance on long-distance travel will be added here.
Dental Care and Antibiotics

Current recommendations do not require preventive antibiotics before routine dental procedures for every patient with a joint replacement. Recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors, the dental procedure, and the preferences of the treating physicians.

If you have been told you need antibiotics before dental work, or have questions about your individual situation, please contact the office. If appropriate, the office can provide a prescription.

This information is general and is not individualized medical advice for your specific situation.
When to Call the Office
  • Persistent wound drainage
  • Increasing redness
  • Fever
  • Uncontrolled pain
  • New calf pain or significant leg swelling
  • Medication reaction
  • Fall or injury
  • Sudden loss of function
Call 911 or seek emergency care for chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction, loss of consciousness, or another life-threatening emergency. Also seek urgent evaluation for sudden neurologic symptoms.

This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace instructions from your surgeon or healthcare team. Individual recommendations may vary based on your procedure, health, and recovery. Contact your surgical team with questions about your specific care.

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