Comments on: Pain after Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

By: mistify

mistify — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:27:59 +0000

This is normal at 4 weeks, although the amount of nacotic you require should be significantly less than what it was 4 weeks ago, it’s still usual to be using them on occasion for up to 8 weeks or so.

The significant pain should subside by 12 weeks, but you may experience occasional aches and pains for the next year following surgery.
References :
I am a PT

By: Roger L

Roger L — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:21:59 +0000

I had little pain with mine, but most people are like you so don't worry
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By: Richard C

Richard C — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:06:59 +0000

Unfortunately this is going to last until all of the scar tissue has been broken down and you can move the knee without any problems. The other aspect of this is that the muscles also have to improve in size and performance. As this happens there will be a decrease in pain. One of the things that you should be doing is working on the entire leg not just the knee. The hip and ankle musculature are also important in controlling what the knee is doing. The more walking that you are able to do the better. Riding a stationary bike is also helpful in controlling the pain. Use ice on the knee for fifteen to twenty minutes per hour to control both the pain and inflammation.
References :
physical therapist

By: Benny

Benny — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:28:59 +0000

This is very normal. You will have pain, unfortunately, for quite a while. Try not to take too much of the narcotic, it is addictive. Try Advil or something like that during the day and the narcotic at night so you can sleep. I have had 3 knee surgeries and the pain does get better, but it takes awhile. Keep at it with the P.T. they may have an alternative to the narcotic. But hang in there it will get better. Good Luck
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By: C F

C F — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:07:59 +0000

Most patients will be off narcotic meds by 6-8 weeks but everyone is different. Continue to work hard with your therapy as that is the most important thing at this time
References :
20 years of practice

By: Jennifer L

Jennifer L — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:29:59 +0000

Total Knees can take a good 6-8 weeks to recover, but if you’re still needing pain meds at 4 weeks post-op, you might need to talk to your doctor about this. If your PT thinks you’re ahead of schedule, are you pushing your knee too much? Have you noticed any signs/symptoms of infection: redness, swelling, increased pain, fever?

I think it would be worth mentioning it to your doctor. It could just be that you haven’t recovered yet, but better to see the doctor and rule out something worse.
References :
RN