How Long Do You Have Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Pain after a knee replacement surgery is normal and should go away within a few weeks. However, if this pain worsens or persists, it could be a sign of an infection or a loose implant. Orthopedic Rehabilitation in Woodstock, GA, offers a drug-free and effective approach to relieving your pain and helping you heal properly. Your physiotherapist can examine your knee to ascertain the cause of your pain.

Why Do You Need Knee Replacement Surgery?

Your surgeon will perform knee replacement surgery to replace part of an injured or worn-out knee joint. These damaged parts are replaced with artificial parts to relieve pain and restore mobility. You may undergo this surgery if you have problems climbing the stairs, walking, or getting out of chairs.

Should You Feel Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Feeling pain after a knee replacement surgery is normal. This is mostly because your body has undergone trauma from the surgery and needs time to heal. Sometimes, this pain may last for a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition. 

How To Deal With Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery

Because pain after knee replacement surgery is normal, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment to provide relief. These treatments may include;

Medications 

Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to relieve pain. It is advisable to use these drugs as prescribed and only for short-term pain relief. 

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)

RICE treatment can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation after your knee replacement surgery. You should rest your leg and prop your body against a pillow. This reduces swelling and stress on your knee. Ice can also reduce swelling and pain. Apply an ice pack to your knee for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use the ice directly on your skin to prevent frostbite. Instead, wrap it in a cloth or towel. 

Compression helps with swelling. You can wear compression socks to improve blood circulation and reduce blood clots. You should also elevate your leg above the level of your heart. Place a pillow under your calf or ankle instead of your knee for proper elevation.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is drug-free and can help with pain relief. This treatment is one of the fastest recovery methods after knee replacement surgery. Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that can help restore movement and strengthen your knee. The plan may include gentle exercises at home to reduce swelling. Walking to do these exercises for 30 minutes, two to three times daily, is best to improve your mobility. 

When Should You See Your Doctor For Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Although pain after knee replacement surgery is normal, it should only last a few weeks to months. Also, the pain should be mild and not excessive to the point of interfering with your daily activities. You should see your doctor for knee pain relief in Woodstock, GA if you experience any of the following after your knee replacement surgery;

• Chills
• Fever
• Intensifying pain during activities
• Instability of knee joint
• Increased redness and tenderness in the wound
• Implant loosening 
• New inflammation

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Physical therapy after knee replacement surgery can help with pain management and relief. Your physical therapist will monitor your symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan. This plan is progressive, and your therapist will adjust based on your recovery rate.

Physical therapy can also reduce your need for medication as it promotes your body's natural healing response. The treatment also aids proper healing by reducing scar tissue formation and promoting blood circulation. Your physical therapist will also perform passive exercises, giving extra support during recovery. 

Physical Therapy For Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery

Physical therapy after knee replacement surgery occurs in phases. Starting this treatment as soon as possible after your surgery promotes healing and helps reduce pain. The phases of Woodstock physical therapy post-surgery include;

Day 1 - 3 After Surgery

Physical therapy during this period starts while you are still in the hospital. Your physical therapist will work with you and teach you how to use assistive devices like walkers. You will also learn how to get in and out of bed. Your physical therapist will also recommend exercises to improve your strength and range of motion in your quadriceps muscles. 

Week 2 - 3 After Surgery 

This period mostly consists of at-home exercises. You will continue with your range of motion and strengthening exercises. Your physical therapist will also teach you how to walk with a cane and eventually without one.

Up To 4 Months After Surgery

This period is an outpatient treatment. You may continue with your strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Your physical therapist will increase the intensity of your workouts to improve your cardiovascular strength. You will also learn how to return to your normal activities without difficulty. 

Physical Therapy Exercises For Pain After Knee Replacement Surgery

Your physical therapist will create an exercise program for you and show you how to do the exercises properly and safely. The following physical therapy exercise for knee pain in Woodstock, GA, can help after your surgery;

Straight leg raises

• Lie on your back with the non-affected knee bent and your operated knee straight.
• Tighten your quad to straighten the affected knee
• Keep your knee straight and lift your leg straight up into the air
• When your thighs are parallel to each other, hold the position for 2 to 3 seconds
• Slowly lower your leg so that your heel touches the floor before your knee does

Knee extensions

• Sit with your knee bent
• Fully straighten your operated knee
• Squeeze your quadriceps on the extended leg

Squats

• Sit in a chair
• Stand up
• Sit back down

As you progress, you can remove the chair and add weights to the exercise

Conclusion

Pain after knee replacement surgery is normal and should last a few weeks to months. However, if this pain worsens or is persistent, you should visit your physical therapist for treatment. 

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Hickory Flat has a team of physical therapists who will monitor your condition and create a treatment plan for you.