Pain Control
For the best recovery, pain should be controlled—not ignored. A multimodal plan combines several techniques so you can achieve strong relief while minimizing side effects from any single method.
Swelling control is pain control
In the first days after surgery, swelling behaves like a bruise—tender, pressure-filled, and uncomfortable. When dressings feel tight, that pressure can worsen pain. The good news: simple techniques can help swelling resolve and help keep it from building again.
Techniques to reduce swelling & discomfort
These strategies are often the foundation of comfort. Even if you use medication, pairing it with these techniques can improve relief and reduce what you need.
Rest & protect the surgical site
Protecting the area prevents additional irritation and new swelling. Follow post-op activity guidance closely.
Elevation above your heart
Gravity helps drain fluid out of the area. Elevate whenever possible in the immediate post-op period.
Ice: 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off
Ice decreases fluid entering the area. Always use a cloth/towel between ice and skin to prevent injury.
Gentle compression
Light compression helps push fluid back into circulation. Too much can reduce circulation—if it feels tight, it probably is. Contact Dr. Fuller if you’re unsure.
Gentle range of motion (when safe)
Muscles act like small pumps that move fluid out and help prevent stiffness. Your therapist can guide goals. If you have a splint, do not move areas you’re unsure are safe—ask the team.
A thoughtful, multimodal regimen
Using medications in combination may provide better relief than using one alone. Your plan depends on your procedure and history. Review questions with Dr. Fuller’s team.
These medications can be injected around the incision/surgical site to temporarily “turn off” pain signals. An anesthesia provider may also place a medication near a larger nerve (“block”). These techniques can reduce pain for hours to days after surgery.
If surgery is close to a nerve, Dr. Fuller may want to check nerve function after surgery—so a block may be avoided. If a block is used, it may help to continue prescribed pain medication until the block wears off to avoid sudden severe pain.
A common over-the-counter pain medication that can be effective after surgery. The most important safety concern is liver toxicity when taking too much. Follow dosing directions and tell the team if you have liver disease.
These medications can reduce pain by decreasing swelling and inflammation. They may affect the stomach and kidneys, so let the team know if you have medical problems involving these areas. Taking with food can help protect the stomach; hydration supports kidney safety.
Dr. Fuller often prescribes higher-dose ibuprofen in the immediate post-op period when appropriate.
Gabapentin can help manage nerve-related pain and may be used for surgeries around nerves. Drowsiness is the most common side effect and can lead to falls or injuries if it comes on suddenly.
These medications can be necessary for severe pain, but they carry important risks and side effects (constipation, urinary retention, slowed breathing, and overdose). They are typically reserved as a last resort after other strategies are used.
- Dressings feel increasingly tight, painful, or you’re worried compression is too strong
- New numbness, tingling, coolness, or color change in fingers/hand
- Pain that is rapidly worsening or not improving as expected
- Any question about what motion is safe with a splint or dressing