You can often use Voltaren (diclofenac) after knee surgery for pain and inflammation, especially topical gel, but you must check with your surgeon first, as NSAIDs can have risks, and topical application should avoid the incision. While some doctors prescribe oral NSAIDs, others prefer acetaminophen or opioids initially, and you should avoid applying gels directly to the wound or submerging the knee in water until cleared.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) lessen the swelling that worsens pain. NSAIDs that may be taken after surgery include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb) or ketorolac.
Don't use products such as Voltaren gel or Neosporin on the wound. Don't take a bath until several weeks after surgery. You want to avoid submerging the wound because there could be tiny openings in it through which bacteria could enter your body and cause an infection.
Non-perfumed moisturisers are best, such as E45 or Aqueous Cream. To massage your scar, follow these steps: Wash the area with non-perfumed soap prior to massage and application of cream or oil. Use a small amount or moisturiser or oil and massage the area for approximately 5 minutes.
Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems. Tobacco use. An unusual or allergic reaction to diclofenac, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Voltaren gel (diclofenac) is an over-the-counter gel used to treat joint pain from osteoarthritis (OA). It can be applied directly to specific painful joints in the body. Voltaren gel works directly where you apply it with little absorption to the bloodstream.
Note: Voltaren gel is only meant for external use. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes, mouth, or nose. You also shouldn't apply it to areas of skin that have a cut, rash, or infection.
Topical pain creams can help with post-knee replacement pain, but avoid the incision. Lidocaine patches may provide additional relief. Expect some bruising and swelling. After knee replacement surgery, it's key to manage postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising well.
Massage and stretching
Gentle massage and controlled stretching (guided by a physical therapist) can aid in breaking down scar tissue and enhancing flexibility. Massage helps increase blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate stiffness.
A dressing is another name for a bandage. A sterile dressing keeps your surgical wound clean and dry while it heals. This bandage protects your incision, creating an ideal environment for healing.
Voltaren gels are ... medicated and clinically proven not only to relieve acute pain but also to reduce inflammation at its source. The active ingredient in our gels penetrates deep into the skin and delivers medicine to the affected tissue underlying the treated area.
Your body and your knee joint will continue to gain strength for several months after your surgery. There shouldn't be any pain after the first four months. If you continue to feel pain, be sure to talk to your surgeon.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are routinely used after surgery, but Michigan State University research suggests this practice may delay recovery and prolong pain. About 4 million Americans develop chronic pain after surgery each year.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to weaker supporting muscles, stiffness, and a vicious cycle of more pain; instead, gentle, consistent movement (like walking, swimming) is crucial to strengthen the joint and improve function, though it must be balanced with avoiding activities that cause sharp pain. Other major errors include ignoring pain signals, carrying excess weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and poor movement patterns, says Parkside Sports Physiotherapy and Coastal Empire Orthopedics.
How to relieve nighttime pain after knee replacement
Swelling after total knee replacement usually peaks around 2 to 3 days after the procedure and then slowly goes down over the next few weeks. In some cases, swelling can last for 3 to 6 months, especially if the knee is overused or if physical therapy isn't done properly.
Duration of Stiffness Following Knee Replacement
It's normal to feel stiffness right after surgery, which usually lasts for 2 weeks to 3 months as your knee adjusts to the implant. Most improvement in movement happens within the first 6-12 weeks, with further progress continuing for up to 6-9 months.
Following an exercise regime can also reduce swelling, increase your range of motion and strengthen your body. Knee replacement exercise recovery regimens often include stretching, pumping your muscles, bending your knees and working your quad. One of the most highly recommended exercises is walking.
Heat helps loosen tight muscles and joints and relieves pain and muscle spasms. If you have swelling, it's best to use ice for 24 hours, then switch to heat. If swelling isn't a problem, it's fine to use heat when you first notice knee pain.
You will heal between 3-6 weeks and after you have recovered, you can begin sleeping normally again. However, if the position you are used to sleeping in causes pain, avoid it for a few more days until you are completely healed.
Voltaren Gel
Topical anti-inflammatory cream can help decrease the pain and swelling after a knee replacement. Apply the gel to the side of your knee but not directly on the incision.
Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg. Stand comfortably and erect with your weight evenly balanced on your walker or crutches.
If you are allergic to aspirin or NSAID medicines and take Voltaren, these symptoms may be severe. Do not take Voltaren if at the present time you have an ulcer (gastric or duodenal) or bleeding from the stomach or bowel. If you take it, your stomach problem may become worse.
For osteoarthritis of the knees, ankles, or feet using Voltaren® 1% gel: Adults—Apply 4 grams (g) to the affected skin areas four times a day (a total of 16 g each day). However, the total dose should not exceed 32 g per day over all affected joints.
As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac.