What to do when your surgery is postponed

To save resources for severely ill COVID-19 patients, many non-urgent surgeries are being postponed. While an orthopaedic condition may be painful, it is usually not life-threatening and surgery can be safely postponed. View these simple tricks that can help alleviate your pain.

Nonsurgical treatments for orthopaedic conditions

Arthritis

• Avoid activities that cause pain
• Apply ice or heat to the affected joint
• Use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory

Sports Injuries

• Take anti-inflammatory medication
• Use a knee support or knee brace
• Avoid activities that involve pivoting, jumping or rapidly changing direction

Spine Problems

• Avoid activities such as bending or lifting
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants

Carpal Tunnel

• Wear a wrist splint at night
• Take anti-inflammatory medication
• Ask your doctor about a cortiscosteroid injection for pain relief