A very common practice in patients with Arthritis, is knee replacement surgery. Many patients May experience pain after knee replacement surgery. Pain is quite normal because of the surgery’s impact on the tissues, swelling after the operation, and the natural recovery process.
A temporary discomfort can be experienced even after intensive physical therapy for recovery. Finding the causes and best guide to find out why there is so much pain after knee replacement, may help you better prepare and cope with the pain. It is necessary to follow a gradual rehabilitation plan
It’s essential to manage pain effectively and follow a gradual rehabilitation plan to get better.
After knee replacement why the pain occurs can help you prepare better and find ways to cope.
Let’s dive into the reasons behind post-surgery pain and on effective recovery ideas:
What is Knee Replacement and Why is it Necessary?
A knee replacement surgery can help you reduce the chronic pain that occurs due to many reasons or primarily osteoarthritis. When other treatments don’t work effectively, these surgeries can help to increase mobility and relieve pain.
To get rid of the condition of severe pain the damaged cartilage and bones are replaced during Knee arthroplasty with metal and plastic parts.
Based on the X-rays, a comprehensive assessment is conducted, checking the knee movement, strength, and stability of bones to determine how much the joint is damaged, and the necessity of knee replacement surgery.
Factors like age, weight, activity level, and overall health are crucial in selecting the right artificial joints and surgical method.
Surgery is mainly aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility and is often recommended to people with advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic arthritis. These conditions commonly cause joint pain and minimize movement, discomfort, and stiffness.
Knee surgery ultimately helps to enhance quality of life by dealing with these problems
Causes of Pain Post Knee-Replacement Surgery
Even though the knee replacement surgeries are the general practice to alleviate pain and improve mobility it’s unfortunate that 20% people still may experience pain and discomfort.
Improper implants, fractures or inflammations could be the reasons associated with the pain.
It is crucial to contact a healthcare professional in conditions of severe and persistent pain. Though the pain might be normal during the recovery process, proper diagnosis and management will ease the recovery.
Related: Common Causes of Knee Pain and When to See a Doctor
Some common causes of pain post knee replacement surgery are below:
Causes and common Complications:
Blood Clots:
Post surgery, blood flow pools to your lower body and can cause blood clots leading to discomfort, pain and swelling. Using some anticoagulants and knee pads from Express Heat Therapy can help you reduce the risk.
Infection:
It may be another main reason for post surgical discomfort and pain. Infection at the point of surgery and knee joint itself can cause a prolonged pain and in severe cases another surgery might be required. Antibiotics can help for temporary relief.
Infection might not be identified promptly but prolonged pain is an indication of underlying infection.
Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage:
During the surgery there are less chances to the nearby nerves or the blood vessels get damaged, while they may be resolved during the healing and recovery process.
Implant Loosening:
Over time, the prosthetic joint may loosen, leading to pain. This issue tends to be more prevalent in the years following surgery rather than immediately after the operation.
To address aseptic loosening, surgical intervention is often necessary, specifically a revision knee replacement. During this procedure, the problematic implant is replaced to correct the issue and restore stability to the knee joint. Recognizing and treating aseptic loosening promptly is crucial in maintaining mobility and alleviating persistent pain.
Kneecap Problems:
Issues associated with kneecap, also called the patella, can result in pain affecting the movement of the knee.
Fracture or dislocation of the patella, or kneecap, during or after the surgery may cause discomfort.
Misalignment, patellar tracking disorder, fractures, or cartilage damage, can also cause pain or lead to swelling, stiffness, Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for restoring mobility and comfort.
Alignment Issues:
With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, the likelihood of alignment issues during implant placement has significantly decreased. These innovations ensure greater precision, resulting in better outcomes and improved patient recovery.
Poorly aligned implants may not function optimally, although ongoing research is examining the impact of this issue.
Nerve Damage:
During the surgery sometimes nerves around the knees get harmed leading to pain and discomfort. Nerve injuries or neuromas can occur post-surgery, potentially causing long-term discomfort.
Abnormal Bone Growth:
Many patients after knee replacement may see abnormal bone growth causing a condition of severe pain. Heterotopic ossification involves bone formation in soft tissues, restricting movement and causing stiffness with decreased mobility.
Early diagnosis, exercise and medications are vital to preserve joint function and ease pain.
Top 5 Mistakes after Knee Replacement
Advancements in Technology and knee replacement surgery have come with hope for many patients who are looking for an active lifestyle and a knee with less pain. While many patients have achieved positive results and improved mobility levels, the recovery level differs from patient to patient.
If the patient finds a different or slower recovery than was expected, it’s necessary to communicate with their health advisor promptly. By Staying informed, following post surgery care and support when required diligently, patients may regain a healthier lifestyle.
Don’ts after Knee implantation
- Skipping your active physiotherapy sessions can hinder your recovery. If you fail to exercise and in regular movement, your chances for the fast recovery decreases leading to pain and joint stiffness. Regular exercise and movement is prescribed to avoid complications.
- Placing a pillow under the knee can sometimes lead to unnecessary bending of the joint causing strain and discomfort. Instead, using a pillow under your calf or ankle can be considered for sometime to get support after knee replacement.
- Over Activities and failing to follow rehabilitation guidelines can potentially cause strain to the implant, impede your ability to recover and delay healing.
- It’s necessary to have mobility and change body positions regularly to avoid the stiffness of the knee joint. A proper body posture is necessary to avoid strain on the knee. Crossing legs, mindful posture with proper exercise schedule is essential for a speedy recovery.
- Lower sofas and chairs can make it challenging to stand without strain on the knee. Opting out for a proper higher seat can reduce that strain and you can stand without putting much strain on your knee.
- For the stability and recovery it is necessary to avoid the strain and unnecessary pressure on your knee, so avoiding flimsy shoes or flip flops is crucial. Wearing appropriate footwear that provides stability and support you can experience comfort reducing fear of slipping.
After knee surgery it’s crucial to avoid overexertion as it can slow down your healing process. In the early stages of healing post surgery high impact exercises, weight lifting should be avoided to prevent any setback. Paying attention to signs like pain or swelling is necessary for early diagnosis and preventive measures should be considered.
Your body signals like pain and swelling, should be addressed promptly. Just remember you are setting a better healing journey with patience and sticking to your healthier routine. Let your health guide take care of you and one more step towards pain free life.
