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Should I have knee replacement with neuropathy?
Neuropathy | Last Active: Sep 2 8:46am | Replies (53)Comment receiving replies
I am 77 and have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and had a minimally invasive TKR July 25, 2024. I'm not sure if that's the same as Jiffy Knee. My incision is much smaller than most and off to the medial side. Both of my hips have been replaced as well (2013, 2016). My neurologist warned me that my neuropathy in the affected TKR leg might get worse, and he was right! Although my recovery has been very good, I went through a tough period during the first three months of neuropathy exacerbation. I describe it as a combination of sunburn, fire ant bites and bee stings on my surgery leg - all happening at the same time. After adjusting my gabapentin dose and adding 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, and occasional meloxicam, it has calmed down somewhat. I also use Mama Bear cream at night. It is very soothing and helps my feet and lower legs feel less numb and tight. My spinal stenosis and pinched nerves in my back don't help, but I'm strict about doing the exercises and stretches my PT recommends. I also do water aerobics and Silver Sneakers classes and take walks whenever I can. Recovery from TKR is a full-time job so set your mind to that. The surgery is the easy part. After 10 months, I can get through most days without thinking too much about my legs, and those days are a win! I plan to stay active until the LORD has other plans for me.
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THANK YOU again for your beautiful, thorough and detailed history of your Jiffy Knee replacement. Your detailed history inspired me and led me thru unexpected events to a “Jiffy” knee replacement.
My Follow up:
I had bone on bone OA both knees. Had a difficult time finding a surgeon I “felt” was right for me. (Worked as a PA for 39 years, retired in 2018.). In 2024 I noticed I have muscle wasting right knee greater than left and requested a Physical Therapy consult to help me strengthen my knees for eventual TKR. (my PCP is in Massachusetts and I had moved to a place on a lake in NH after retiring, so my PT ended up being in NH). During that time a huge family emergency took me away from PT as I cared for a loved one (and still do) after a series of serious surgeries. During that time I developed worsening pain left knee and began to limp. The last thing the PT offered was the name of the only surgeon in NH that does Jiffy (minimally invasive) TKRs. Finally I was able to drive the 1.5 hours to his practice. Long story short : I knew he was the one I would allow to operate on me. After 2 cancellations on my part, (more emergency surgeries for my loved one) my left knee (the knee that limped”) had the “Jiffy” knee replacement on June 17, 2025 and the right knee was done on July 29, 2025.
(yes, the “Jiffy” knee, which IS a TOTAL knee replacement is considered “minimally invasive” because the incision is a little smaller, more medial, and the quadriceps tendon is not cut, but retracted. Apparently this allows for a quicker recovery).
By POD#3 I was walking without the walker and walking the stairs one at a time. By POD #10 I was driving, running errands, etc. POD# 13 I walked 3/4 mile with a neighbor on an even trail by the lake.
THE RIGHT LEG WAS A MUCH DIFFERENT STORY.
Neuropathy to blame. In recovery room I knew it felt different. Much worse pain as hours went by. I did not feel well until about POD#5 or 6. I am 30 days post op, driving, walking, going up and down stairs, although I am much more careful with “down”. Neurontin at bedtime helps but I feel drugged the next day, so I stopped taking. Aches, pains, tingling, the click of the kneecap as I walk is intermittent. Swelling continues to improve (so slow!). The worst pain was on the outside of my knee, over the head of the fibula area. Easing up now. I do my exercises, still going to outpatient rehab, walk quite a bit, ice the knee.
As you have noted in your excellent reply, it takes time and dedication. I am looking forward to the six month mark.
I was surprised that one knee could be so stellar and the other was fraught with issues.
Sending you Best Wishes and Blessings. Tracy