HealthDay News reports on a study published in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery suggesting opioid painkillers may not be needed after a sports-injury repair, and that a mix of non-addictive medicines may be safer and equally successful in managing pain after shoulder or knee surgery.

Joshua S. Dines, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS, who was not involved in the study, cited this approach makes sense as opioids not only pose an addiction risk, but have side effects. "Patients on opioids, they're out of it, and constipated," said Dr. Dines. He explained that patients on opioids may end up also needing stool softeners, laxatives and anti-nausea medicines. Additionally, Dr. Dines cited part of managing pain is managing patient expectations, as there will be pain after surgery, especially in the first week or two. Regarding the need for opioids after sports surgery, Dr. Dines concluded that "most people can get by with none."

Read the full article at Consumer.healthday.com.