How Long Does Pain Last After Total Knee Replacement?

Total knee replacement is a procedure where the damaged part of your knee joint is replaced with artificial prostheses to restore normal function. Though the procedure is extensive, it is a simple task with advanced surgical techniques. Generally, people associate surgeries with pain and discomfort. Though mild pain and discomfort is normal after any surgical procedure, it is temporary and can also be managed with pain medications. The good part is that the benefits of the procedure definitely outweigh this temporary discomfort. Read on to understand more about the pain associated with TKR and how long it lasts. 

When you have total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, recovery and rehabilitation are crucial stages for healing. During these stages, you will get back on your feet and return to an active lifestyle. Having some pain and swelling up to several weeks is a normal part of the recovery process following knee surgery. After the initial postoperative pain, you will notice a dramatic knee improvement within weeks of total knee replacement surgery.

How Long Will The Post-Knee Replacement Surgery Pain Last?

The initial 2 to 4 weeks following a total knee replacement surgery you will experience considerable pain and discomfort which is normal. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications that will help you manage this pain. This will gradually decrease as you heal. You can expect to resume most of your daily activities in 4 to 6 weeks. However, it may take 12 to 18 months for you to fully recover.

• The week following the surgery
  • You may experience significant pain and discomfort as your body is getting adjusted to the artificial prosthesis. Luckily most of the discomfort can be managed with the medications prescribed by your doctor.
• Two-four weeks following surgery
  • You may still experience mild pain in the following weeks
  • This is normal as your knee is getting accustomed to your daily activities such as walking, standing up, getting up from a chair, using the toilet, etc.
• Three months following surgery
  • The pain gradually decreases, but swelling and bruising may persist.
  • If you find that any daily activity is still exceedingly painful, make sure to inform your doctor.
• Six months following surgery
  • Some patients may still experience discomfort, which may take another couple of months to subside.
  • Your knee may continue to recover the year following the procedure.
  • It is important to note that the recovery period can vary from patient to patient some may be able to return to normal activities within 3 to 4 months while others may take more than 6 months.

Where Will I Feel Pain After Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement pain is generally felt in the knee joint, and the soft tissues surrounding the operated knee. Beyond that, it is possible to feel pain in parts of the body other than your knee. This is called the referred pain, which is typically felt in your hips, lower back, groin area, and calves. This could be mainly due to the change in your stance (the way you stand) and the way you walk.

How To Manage the Pain After Total Knee Replacement?

If you are frustrated with your knee replacement pain which you feel on a daily basis, you have the following options for relief:

• Non-invasive methods 
  • Ice packs- Applying ice packs or hot compresses in the area will provide relief.
  • Knee braces- This helps to keep the knee in a better position,  to stabilize joint movement and to reduce discomfort.
  • Physical therapy- Your physical therapist may use a regimen of specific exercises to condition your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Medications 
  • Prescribed painkillers could help you manage your pain. These medications reduce the inflammatory actions in the body, thus reducing pain.
• Knee injections

• Corticosteroid injections- They are a great option for treating pain and swelling in your knee caused by fluid buildup.
• Hyaluronic acid injections- Acts as a shock absorber to provide padding for the knee.
• Genicular nerve block with radiofrequency ablation

• An anesthetic agent is injected into the genicular nerve to block pain signals from being sent to the brain.
• Along with the nerve block, radiofrequency ablation (a pain control technique that uses radio waves) can also provide pain relief. 
• Revision surgery
• In very severe cases, you may need knee replacement revision surgery to ease your chronic pain. 

Takeaway

If you are experiencing unusual pain following a total knee replacement surgery, make sure to take expert advice. Contact us at Medfin for the best orthopedic surgeons. We are committed to helping you in finding the right treatment options that are compatible with your medical history and lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The content on this site is the copyright of Medfin and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical and surgical expertise. Results from any treatments or surgeries are subjective to an individual patient and the type of procedure/surgery performed. Please seek professional help regarding any medical concerns. Medfin will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.