September is Pain Awareness Month: Orthopaedic surgeons offer tips for safely managing pain, disposing of prescription pain medications and minimizing opioid use

ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- September is Pain Awareness Month, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is offering comprehensive tips for safe and effective pain relief, and safe disposal of prescription pain medications, to help minimize opioid use and misuse.

"Today, we are in the midst of an opioid crisis," said David Ring, MD, PhD, chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Committee on Patient Safety. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 12.5 million Americans misused prescription opioids in 2015, and approximately 15,281 overdose deaths were attributed to commonly prescribed opioids.

"Orthopaedic surgeons, along with other physicians and health care professionals, are working diligently and collectively to reduce the strength and number of opioid pills prescribed for patients, and to change the patient-doctor conversation regarding pain: how pain can be safely managed with non-opioid medications, therapies and coping strategies; and the potential danger for opioid misuse."

The AAOS recently launched a multi-faceted prescription safety campaign that includes print, outdoor and radio public service announcements (PSA), a patient information page at OrthoInfo.org/Prescription Safety, and an online physician tool kit.

In addition, the AAOS offers tips for safely managing pain and disposing of pain medications when they are no longer needed:

    --  First, after surgery or an injury expect some pain. Pain is part of the
        normal healing process and will improve day-by-day. Give your body time
        to heal. The first few days are typically the worst.
    --  Discuss a pain relief plan with your doctor and stick to it. Your doctor
        can specify an appropriate plan to relieve pain, which may include a
        combination of opioids and over-the-counter pain medications. Your
        doctor also can teach you warning signs to look for and how to get in
        touch with your medical team if you have questions or concerns. When you
        know that all is well, you can settle into your recovery.
    --  Opioids are best limited to the first few hours or days immediately
        following an injury or surgery. If prescribed opioids after surgery or
        an injury, take as few as you can and stop taking them as soon as
        possible. Non-opioid pain medications (such as acetaminophen or
        ibuprofen, or staggering of each) and other strategies may be
        appropriate and helpful in managing pain and ensuring comfort. For minor
        injuries, such as cuts or fractures, alternatives may include splints
        and/or regular use of ice or heat on and off the affected site. If you
        have new or unusual pain, contact your doctor.
    --  Don't discount the power of effective coping strategies, peace of mind
        and relaxation on your comfort and recovery. Studies have shown that
        patients who are prepared for the pain of an injury or surgery feel less
        pain. When you remember that injury and surgery hurt, you have a more
        positive feeling that recovery is on track. This feeling is a great pain
        reliever. The support of family and friends, and the distractions of
        entertainment and laughter can also help you be more comfortable.
    --  Only take opioids as prescribed.
        --  Never take more than instructed, or someone else's medication.
        --  Never combine opioids with alcohol or anxiety medication.
        --  Never use opioids for something other than pain. Opioids are not for
            anxiety, sleep, or fear.  If you find yourself tempted to take
            opioids to feel happy or relaxed you are in danger.
    --  Always store and dispose of opioids safely.
        --  Pain relievers are a leading cause of serious poisoning of children
            and pets. Always hide or lock away prescription pain medications.
        --  Keep prescription medications in their original packaging so it is
            clear for whom the medications were prescribed and the directions
            for appropriate use.
        --  Place unused opioids in a disposal unit in a pharmacy or police
            station. To find a disposal site near you, visit:
            deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch.
        --  If no medicine take-back program is available in your area, you can
            flush them down the toilet, or follow simple steps to safely dispose
            of them in the trash. This can include mixing the medication with
            kitty litter or coffee grounds (do not crush the tablets or
            capsules), and/or placing them in a container, such as a sealed
            plastic bag.
        --  Always remove the label before throwing away an empty medication
            bottle.
    --  Remember: only one doctor should prescribe opioids. As medical record
        systems and state databases are implemented and improved, and laws
        enacted, patients will not be able to get pain medications from multiple
        providers.

Doctor and patient safety efforts are beginning to take hold. According to a recent report, orthopaedic surgeons have dispensed 13 percent fewer opioid prescriptions over the last three years. In addition, a growing body of research is supporting the effectiveness of alternative treatments.

"But we have much work left to do," said Dr. Ring. "Orthopaedic surgeons want patients and their families to join us in preventing opioid misuse--this month and throughout the year."

For more information on prescription safety, visit OrthoInfo.org/Prescription Safety.

More Information about the AAOS
With more than 38,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world's largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS provides educational programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal care for patients, and is the authoritative source of information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related issues.

Visit AAOS, at:
Newsroom.aaos.org for bone and joint health news, stats, facts, images and interview requests.
ANationinMotion.org for inspirational patient stories, and orthopaedic surgeon tips on maintaining bone and joint health, avoiding injuries, treating musculoskeletal conditions and navigating recovery.
Orthoinfo.org for patient information on hundreds of orthopaedic diseases and conditions.
Facebook.org/AAOS1
Twitter.com/AAOS1

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons