Experiencing Pain After Knee Replacement? Here’s What You Need to Know

Knee replacement surgery is supposed to relieve pain and restore mobility, but for some individuals, the surgery doesn't go as expected. Whether you're struggling with new or ongoing knee pain after surgery or your knee never healed the way you hoped, it's important to know that there are solutions. As a specialist in revision knee replacement, I help patients who have had previous surgeries and are now seeking relief.

Common Causes of Pain After Knee Replacement

There are several reasons why knee pain might persist after a knee replacement surgery. Identifying the root cause is essential to finding the right treatment plan. Here are some of the common causes of pain following knee replacement:

1. Implant Loosening or Wear

One of the most frequent causes of knee pain after a replacement is implant loosening. Over time, wear and tear can cause the implant to become loose, leading to instability, pain, and sometimes swelling.

2. Infection

While rare, infections can occur following knee replacement surgery. Symptoms of infection include pain, warmth around the knee, redness, swelling, and fever. Immediate medical attention is required for infections to prevent further complications.

3. Scar Tissue and Stiffness

Excessive scar tissue, known as arthrofibrosis, can form around the knee joint after surgery. This can cause stiffness and limit movement, leading to discomfort and pain, even when the surgery itself was successful.

4. Misalignment of the Implant

If the implant was not aligned correctly during the initial surgery, it can cause uneven wear on the joint surfaces, leading to pain and dysfunction. Misalignment can also cause instability in the joint.

5. Instability or Ligament Damage

If the knee feels unstable after surgery, it could be due to ligament damage or imbalance during the initial procedure. This can cause pain with movement or when bearing weight.

6. Patellar Problems

Pain in the kneecap (patella) may occur if the patellar component of the knee replacement wasn’t properly positioned or if the tissue surrounding the patella is irritated. This is another common cause of knee pain after surgery.

Solutions for Knee Pain After Replacement Surgery

If you're dealing with ongoing pain after knee replacement surgery, the good news is that solutions are available. Each case is different, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some treatment options:

1. Physical Therapy and Non-Surgical Treatments

In many cases, physical therapy can be an effective way to manage pain and improve mobility after knee replacement surgery. Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help reduce pain and improve functionality.

2. Medications and Injections

Pain management through anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, especially if caused by tissue irritation or mild wear on the implant.

3. Surgical Solutions: Revision Knee Arthroplasty

For patients dealing with severe pain due to implant loosening, misalignment, or wear, revision knee replacement surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the original implant and replacing it with a new one. Revision surgery is more complex than the initial knee replacement and requires a surgeon with expertise in correcting problems from the first surgery.

4. Addressing Infections or Scar Tissue

If an infection is the cause of your knee pain, surgery may be needed to clean the infected area or remove and replace the implant. Additionally, scar tissue around the knee may be treated with procedures designed to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Extensive Experience in Revision Knee Arthroplasty

As a knee specialist with extensive experience in revision knee arthroplasty, I focus on understanding the cause of your pain and finding the best path forward. Revision knee replacement is more challenging than a primary knee replacement, and it requires a surgeon skilled in correcting previous procedures.

With my experience in diagnosing and treating patients with ongoing knee pain after surgery, I offer tailored solutions that are aimed at providing long-lasting relief and restoring knee function.

Correcting Knees That Haven’t Healed as Expected

If you're experiencing pain after your knee replacement, don't lose hope. Whether the pain is due to implant issues, scar tissue, or misalignment, revision knee replacement can provide the relief you're looking for.

My approach is focused on giving patients a second chance at a pain-free life. Whether you're dealing with ongoing discomfort or significant limitations in mobility, I’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and restore your quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation Today for a Solution to Your Knee Pain

If you're still struggling with knee pain after replacement surgery, schedule a consultation to explore your options for revision knee arthroplasty. With the right treatment, it's possible to find relief and get back to living your life fully.

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