After Knee Replacement Surgery: 9 Causes of Pain

Immediately after knee replacement, many patients experience pain at the surgical site. Most people experience a significant reduction in pain within a week, but about 5-10 % of patients may experience significant pain after a week.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 9 common causes of pain after knee replacement surgery and what you can do about them.

1) Poor physical conditioning

After knee replacement surgery, it’s common to feel like you need to take things easy for a while. If you try to go at too fast a pace, you can put yourself at risk for complications.

Working out regularly before surgery is another way to help speed your recovery and get back on your feet faster; if you’re just starting a new exercise routine or haven’t worked out in years, consult with your doctor before beginning a knee-friendly exercise regimen. 

Exercise after knee replacement surgery may also be different than what you’re used to. Your surgeon will recommend physical therapy, which may include low-impact exercises such as cycling or swimming that focus on stretching and muscle toning.

2) Posture problems

One major reason people experience pain after knee replacement surgery is due to problems with their posture.

It’s easy to forget to keep your knees aligned while sitting, standing, and walking after surgery, but if you don’t have someone reminding you, or you are otherwise distracted by a busy schedule, it can easily slip your mind.

As such, consider putting a sticky note on your computer or somewhere else where you spend time to help remind yourself.

3) Obesity

Patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are often obese or overweight, which can make for even more complicated surgery.

Obesity is a major risk factor for complications following any kind of surgical procedure. The heavier you are, especially if your weight gain has occurred over a short period, the greater your risk for problems like blood clots and pulmonary embolism (PE), among others.

After knee replacement surgery, in particular, you might suffer from edema in which fluid collects in the tissue around your legs and feet—it's a common side effect of knee replacement and can make it difficult to walk without pain or discomfort.

4) Muscle imbalances

Nearly every joint in your body is supported by muscles and ligaments. When you experience knee pain, it’s almost always due to an imbalance in those support structures.

One muscle group could be tight and short while another is weak or overstretched.

To protect your new joint from these imbalances, concentrate on balancing out these muscle groups as you build strength.

6) Injury from activities

Many people undergoing total knee arthroplasty begin active activity fairly early after total knee arthroplasty. After surgery, it takes time for the muscles to heal. If you put your weight on your knee before it is completely healed, you may experience knee pain.

7) Uncorrected knee problems

The doctor will do his best to correct the deformed knee so that it aligns normally. However, in certain scenarios, it is not possible to completely fix it, which can cause pain.

Component misalignment is one of the causes of pain that begins early after surgery.

Talk to your doctor if you experience intolerable pain immediately after total knee arthroplasty.

8) Pain due to other causes

Patients with vascular or nerve problems, pain radiating from the spine or hip, tendinitis, bursitis, etc. may experience pain after knee replacement surgery. Contact your doctor to treat the root cause of the pain.

9) Related to operation

Fractures either during or after surgical procedures, liner (plastic) wear, infections, and loose implants can cause significant pain.

If you suddenly feel unbearable pain in your operated knee, see a doctor right away. Your doctor may suggest a revision of your existing prosthesis.

All information on this website (https://www.doctor-pal.com) is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Dr. Indranil Pal does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Actions based on the information found on this website are entirely at your own risk. Doctor Pal shall not be liable for any loss and/or damage associated with the use of our website. Contact your doctor who can advise you on your health and illness.