Is arthroscopic surgery painful?

The operation itself should not be painful because arthroscopy is performed under anaesthesia. Depending on the joint and procedure, the patient may receive general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, or another form of anaesthetic. The surgical team also gives pain relief during and after the procedure.

Some soreness, swelling, and stiffness are normal once the anaesthesia wears off. The amount of discomfort varies according to the joint and what was done. A simple diagnostic procedure may cause less pain than a ligament reconstruction, tendon repair, or cartilage procedure. Pain is usually managed with prescribed medicines, rest, ice when advised, elevation for leg procedures, and gradual rehabilitation.

Pain should generally improve as healing progresses. Patients should contact the treating team if pain becomes severe or keeps increasing, or if it is accompanied by fever, wound discharge, marked redness, unusual swelling, or numbness. Following the surgeon’s recovery instructions can help control symptoms and reduce avoidable stress on the joint.

Because arthroscopy can involve anything from a small clean-up to a major repair, two patients may have very different pain levels after apparently similar ‘keyhole surgery.’ Patients should use the medicines and ice schedule advised by their team and avoid taking additional painkillers or anti-inflammatory medicines without checking that they are safe with their other conditions and medicines.