Why do I get sudden sharp pains in the area around my incision?

These pains are commonly called “zingers” or “stingers.” They’re very normal and many people get them. It feels like an electric shock, and can sometimes cause your leg to jerk suddenly. The pain may disappear as suddenly as it hit or it can linger. The pain occurs when nerve endings that were cut during surgery begin to reconnect or find new pathways. Generally “zingers” are a temporary problem and they will soon subside. They aren’t at all fun, but when you get that “zing,” you know your joint is healing and getting back to normal. Let your doctor know if this type of nerve pain hangs around for an extended period of time, as there are medications that can ease the discomfort.