Understanding and Managing Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery
Experiencing continued pain after knee replacement can be frustrating. Unfortunately, nerve pain is an all-too-common yet often overlooked cause of persistent pain after surgery. This is because, while nerve pain can be quite pronounced to the patient, both the clinical examination and X-rays are often fairly normal. Itβs easy for a knee surgeon to miss, especially in a fast-paced clinic setting, unless he knows to look for it. The good news is that most cases can be effectively managed without th…
Treatment Options for Nerve Pain
1. Ice Massage
Ice massage is a simple but effective way to calm hypersensitive nerves and reduce pain.
2. Topical Treatments
Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin, derived from hot peppers, helps desensitize nerves by depleting pain-transmitting chemicals over time.
Diclofenac Gel (NSAID Anti-Inflammatory Cream)
Diclofenac is a topical NSAID that reduces inflammation and nerve irritation, making it helpful for nerve pain aggravated by swelling.
3. Oral Medications
Corganics CBD (Physician Recommended)
Corganics CBD is a physician-exclusive CBD formulation designed for neuropathic pain relief.
Nervive (Over-the-Counter Nerve Support Supplement)
Nervive contains nerve-supporting nutrients such as alpha-lipoic acid and B vitamins to support nerve health.
Gabapentin & Lyrica (Prescription-Only Nerve Medications)
Gabapentin and Lyrica are prescription medications that work by stabilizing nerve activity, reducing hypersensitivity, and improving nerve pain symptoms.
Best for: Moderate to severe nerve pain
Prescription required
4. TENS Units
AUVON TENS Unit
A simple, effective TENS device for blocking nerve pain signals and retraining hypersensitive nerves.
iReliev TENS + EMS Unit
A more advanced option that combines TENS for nerve pain relief with EMS for muscle relaxation and recovery.
5. Advanced Interventions
Genicular Nerve Ablation
Genicular nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency to disrupt nerve signals and reduce chronic knee pain.
Cryoneurolysis (Cryoablation)
Cryoneurolysis involves freezing the affected nerves to temporarily stop pain transmission, allowing for prolonged relief from nerve pain.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulators
Peripheral nerve stimulators are small devices implanted near the affected nerves, delivering electrical pulses to modulate pain signals and provide long-term relief.
Final Thoughts
If youβre experiencing continued pain after knee replacement, youβre not alone. It’s a common reason for referral to my practice. There are effective treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, available that can significantly reduce pain and help you achieve the results you were looking for the first time around.
