Are you considering knee replacement surgery? How about feeling pain or stiffness around your joint post-op? Whether you are researching potential side effects or living them firsthand, it’s important to understand the root cause of knee replacement pain and how you can minimize pain going forward.
When is Knee Replacement Surgery Necessary?
Knee replacement surgery might be necessary if you have a joint disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and mobility issues in your knee. Joint disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, like aging, injuries, or other conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
More common treatments are usually tried first, like medication, cortisone injections, and therapy. However, if these options do not provide the necessary symptom relief, knee replacement surgery becomes an option. Without a knee replacement, day-to-day activities can become more difficult.
Knee replacement surgery involves replacing the joint with a prosthetic component, which mimics the natural joint. Once fully healed, knee replacement surgery allows you to resume daily activities without pain.
Why is There So Much Pain After Knee Replacement?
However, knee replacement recovery isn’t always smooth sailing. In fact, you can experience pain and stiffness following surgery. Pain can be caused by numerous factors, some out of your control. For one, your body needs to adjust to the new prosthetic and heal from the surgery. During this timeframe, it’s not uncommon to have pain when moving around.
Another cause of knee replacement pain is knee instability. If ligaments in your knee become damaged, your implant might not work properly, causing pain. Furthermore, scar tissue, infections, and blood clots can be other sources of knee pain, but these are less common.
How to Solve Your Knee Replacement Pain
Most knee pain stems from inadequate physical therapy. Physical therapists have specific exercises and strength training activities designed to help the rehabilitation process. The muscles and tissue around your knee can be strained following surgery, which requires re-training to gain full functionality and decrease pain.
If your knee pain is coming from an infection or blood clot, there are antibiotics and other medications to help solve the issue. Moreover, in rare cases, corrective knee replacement surgery might be needed. This generally occurs if your prosthetic fails or deteriorates. When it comes to infections, blood clots, and corrective surgery, always consult with a professional to confirm.
Getting Started
Knee pain can be inevitable following replacement surgery; however, the pain should not last more than a few months. Once you’ve completed the necessary physical therapy and given your body enough time to adapt to the prosthetic, you should notice little to no pain in your daily activities.
Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon can make all the difference. The right team can ensure a successful surgery and pair you up with a physical therapist to make the transition a breeze. Our team at Great Lakes Orthopaedics can do just that and more. Reach out to a team member today to schedule your free consultation.
