Anatomy of the KneeThe knee consists of three bones, the tibia (shin bone), the femur (thigh bone), and the patella (kneecap). These bones align in such a way that allows for the necessary movements and daily functions that humans rely on. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the knee serve as stabilizing agents. Show
There is fleshy cartilage between the bones which acts as a cushion, preventing the bones from rubbing against one another called bursa. When someone experiences pain in the knee, there are several potential causes. The three most common are:
Certain individuals may be more prone to knee pain than others due to their lifestyle. These people include:
There are many more potential causes of knee pain, as the network surrounding the knee is intricately composed and there are many different things that can go wrong. Having an open discussion with a doctor about it is the first step to proper diagnosis and treatment. Conventional Treatment Methods for Knee PainKnee pain is treated in a variety of ways. Once the cause is diagnosed using proper techniques, a treatment plan is set in motion. Doctors use information such as a patient’s medical history, overall health, activity level, and comfort level to create a treatment plan that is unique to each patient. In the beginning, these plans typically enact the RICE method. This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Sometimes patients also take over-the-counter NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen. Pain is often caused by a form of inflammation, so these methods can help subside the pain. If these less invasive methods fail to relieve pain, doctors will turn to slightly more intense treatment methods such as physical therapy or corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy seeks to strengthen muscles surrounding an injury and increase a patient’s range of motion. Corticosteroid injections are used to inject a powerful anti-inflammatory agent directly into the pain area. This is most often successful at relieving pain in the short term but has been proven to damage tissue over time. Corticosteroid injections are not considered a long-term solution to knee pain. After undergoing slightly more invasive treatments and still failing to see results, doctors may discuss surgery as an option. Initial surgeries for knee pain are less invasive than a total knee replacement. These surgeries may include:
The recovery time for these procedures varies from patient to patient but usually takes anywhere from a couple of months to over a year. An individual’s commitment to the healing process, dedication to physical therapy, their body’s healing properties, and many more all play roles in the recovery process. In some cases, knee pain will persist even after the initial surgery. When this is the case, the option of total knee replacement is discussed. Total Knee Replacement SurgeryTotal knee replacement begins with removing the damaged parts of the femur and tibia. They are then shaped in such a way that will best accommodate the foreign objects that are used as replacements. The ends of both the tibia and femur are fitted with a piece of metal. The piece of metal that is on the tibia is attached to a piece of plastic. The patella is also sometimes fitted with a piece of plastic. These foreign objects allow for smooth motion in the knee, and removing the damaged parts can prevent further degeneration or injury. Life After Total Knee Replacement SurgeryPatients who have undergone total knee replacement surgery will each have a different recovery process. Typically, being able to stand up and even walk to the bathroom can occur hours after surgery. Patients will often be discharged from the hospital after a matter of days but will be encouraged to continue specific exercises. Many of the initial exercises can be done from bed. As the patient becomes more able to move around, the recommended exercises will change. The goals of these exercises are:
Physical therapy is recommended for several months following surgery. Pain management is key to having a successful recovery, as managing pain leads to more fruitful physical therapy. Pain management post-operation typically begins with the prescription of pain medication. Then as time goes on and the body heals, patients are recommended to wean off prescribed medication and begin use of over-the-counter drugs. Many patients will employ the use of an ambulatory aid such as a cane or walker at the beginning of their recovery process. The use of these tools allows patients to relieve some of the pressure that would be otherwise placed on the knee. Many patients begin with a walker and switch to a cane later in the recovery process once the knee is capable of withstanding more pressure. Recovery TimelineThe amount of time it will take to feel no pain is different for everyone. This is generally referred to as a “recovery timeline”. Patients usually report reduced pain within 3-5 weeks. After 6 weeks, patients begin to enjoy increased mobility, and some can return to driving. At this time, pain becomes less of an issue but is replaced with stiffness and soreness which can cause discomfort. By the time that the 11th week occurs, patients should almost be able to return to how their life was before surgery. The aforementioned timeline for recovery is dependent entirely on a patient’s commitment to physical therapy and dedication to following their doctor’s recommendations. Using medication will allow this process to be more comfortable for patients. There are alternative therapies available that may actually help with pain management as well as speed up recovery time. Benefits of Regenerative Medicine After Total Knee Replacement SurgeryThe relatively new field of regenerative therapies is offering patients with a myriad of ailments new hope. The two forms of therapies offered at CELLAXYS are:
Both of these forms of therapy are taking the body’s own healing processes, amplifying them, and using them to heal more intensely. Both procedures use an imaging technique such as ultrasound or live X-ray to pinpoint the exact location they should be injected to provide the greatest benefit. These procedures are outpatient and typically don’t last more than two hours to complete. Most of these procedures will be under light or moderate anesthesia known as “conscious sedation,” similar to colonoscopies. The goal of regenerative therapy is two-fold: it seeks to reduce pain and to aid the healing process, which in turn can prevent further damage in the long term. Patients have reported feeling reduced pain in as little as a couple of days, but most patients see results within a matter of a couple weeks. After a total knee replacement surgery, a patient may consider regenerative therapy for its healing properties. The replacement surgery is a drastic measure, and on its own can take a long time to fully recover. Regenerative therapies offer a sort of “boost” in the recovery process. These types of injections allow the muscles surrounding the surgery to repair faster, providing more stability to the joint. They also offer healing properties to the bones which are placed under immense stress from the surgery. The amount of pain felt after a knee replacement surgery could be reduced using these therapies. The aforementioned recovery timeline may also be altered for the better. Recovering more quickly means a patient is able to return to their normal lives more quickly. How long after a knee replacement should it stop hurting?Most people fully recover from knee replacement surgery in about six months. There may be a small amount of pain and soreness for the duration of the healing process, but this is normal. If you find yourself in severe pain after knee replacement surgery, call your doctor.
Is it normal to still have pain 7 weeks after knee replacement?In addition, postoperative swelling is often a major source of pain for patients. Pain in the knee following the operation can last from six months to as long as one year, but don't get discouraged. Once fully healed, knee replacement surgery will help provide pain relief and improved function long-term.
How should my knee feel 6 weeks after knee replacement?By six weeks after surgery many patients are now experiencing less pain than they did before surgery and it becomes much easier to visualize the end result. At this time it is common for patients to have noticed that their knee may click or clunk.
Why does my total knee replacement still hurt?Further surgery may be necessary to correct alignment problems. Other problems that can cause persistent knee replacement pain can include pinched nerves, bursitis, and complex regional pain syndrome, but these are less common.
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