Why does my knee hurt so much after my total knee replacement?
Having a total knee replacement is a big deal. This decision is never taken lightly and always comes with a cost.
So why does me knee hurt so much after having a total knee replacement?
One answer could be the simplest. Your doctor used an invasive procedure to replace your joint. The doctor literally uses a saw and hammer to put new plastic and metal in your knee. The good news is this replaces the osteoarthritis. The bad news is… it can hurt. Other factors that are typically present are the fact that your nerves, skin and other tissue needs time to heal/recover. We now that a strong inflammatory process occurs during the first 3-4 days.
The entire process is laid out here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knee-replacement/what-happens/.
If you prefer to watch a video… here you go Total Knee Replacement Process
Having knee pain comes with the territory after a knee replacement. It is expected. It can take anywhere from 2 weeks up to several months for the pain to subside to a level that you are happy with. The good news is most people tend to feel really well by 12 months after their surgery. This can be seen in the article here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25183595/. It is not uncommon to have some soreness and pain for several weeks following your surgery, but most patients tend to feel relief from the majority of their pain after 3-4 weeks.
What strategies are typically used to help with pain?
You already know the oldest tricks in the book. The classics… rest, ice, elevation and compression. A lot of therapist will suggest raising the leg up in order to help with pain. The thought behind this is to help reduce swelling and get some pressure off of the leg. Icing is one of the oldest forms of pain relief. I personally love the colpacs from Chattanooga.
These mold nicely around the leg yet maintain the cold. Some cold packs get rock hard… these seem to fit nicely around the knee.
Some people get frustrated with their ace wraps and go right to a compression sleeve. I personally think these are kind of clever!!! They have them in full length or just enough to cover your knee
Is icing, compression, rest and elevation enough?
It is also ok to remember that it takes time to heal. Sometimes after a total knee replacement patients try to do to much. Every medical professional will give you a different answers, but sometimes rest can provide that extra boost before you get back into stretching and pushing that knee.
Keeping your pain under control can be a challenge, but sometimes doing little tips and tricks can help get you just enough relief during your day.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for medical advice. Always consult your medical team for best care on how to manage you condition. Catalyst Therapy and Sports Rehab or Self Physio are not responsible for self-action taken due to not following your medical teams’ directions and guidance. This content is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. This content is not meant to diagnose, treat, or care for your condition or any condition referenced. Always seek help from a qualified medical professional in regards to your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have learned.
