When does the pain end or lighten up after total knee replacement?

IMO most of the comments here are right on. We are all different as are our surgeons. Going into my hip and knee surgery I did research. My requirements for that research were:

The best method
Tons of successful experience doing that method
Try to save my ACL for the knee surgery and use a bicruciate retaining implant for the knee
Does not use a tourniquet for the knee surgery.
Is a revision surgeon (revisions are difficult and one has a better chance of success with someone who has seen all the problems that can occur and how to repair them.
does functional or reverse kinematic alignments for the knee.

My surgeon and I both agreed that the most important of these requirements is successful extensive experience in the particular procedure. But I would look for all.

I found a surgeon who met all of these targets. I had no pain after my hip surgery almost three years ago. My knee surgery was far more difficult and complex but while I do have pain getting up or otherwise needing to bend that knee (surgery was two days ago) , it looks like it will also be very successful and I have avoided taking the oxycodone that was prescribed (it is nice to have it if one needs it and even nicer to have it and decide one can skip it).

Doing everything I said, there could still be problems. But I think that finding a surgeon who meets all of my targets maximizes the chance of a pain free or less painful recovery experience.

I have also seen that the successful surgeons all have different recovery protocols. After finding a surgeon who meets all of my requirements, I would recommend following that surgeon's recovery protocols. She will have figured them out based on her surgeries.

Finally, hang in there. There will be light at the end of the tunnel.

I can only agree with most all that has been shared, irishtrish. My first TKR was Jan 2023 and the second in Jan 2024. Healing takes time as well as intentional effort on our part. Be kind to yourself but expect to continue to improve.

Last month I restarted yoga at my YMCA after years of absence. Wasn’t a pretty sight. Now I have a clicking sound on the outside of my first TKR - but, no pain. 🤷🏼‍♂️ My yoga instructor always reminds us it’s called “practice” for a reason. I think that’s a nice analogy for TKR recovery. Keep on showing up.

Be positive and best of luck to you!

I am 3 months out of a bilateral knee surgery. I am 85 years old and and glad I had them both done at the same time. I am still walking with a cane because my knees were so misalighned that walking now uses a new set of muscles so I need to learn how to walk again. My PT is going well, and my strength has improved. So I am concentrating on gait and balance right now. It is not an easy surgery but I would do it again in a heart beat. Find a good surgeon who specializes in knees and hips and has a good track record. Do your research. Enroll in pre surgery PT to be as strong as you can be for the surgery. Be sure and have the support you need after the surgery. And most of all, have a positive attitude.

@lawanna85, excellent advice! Not all surgeons are created equal but, once that hour is done, the rest is on us. It takes time but will continue to improve over time, I’m 18 months from my second TKR and I’m still working and improving. No regrets but it’s not easy - much better than I was, but not an easy path.

Keep the attitude and be patient. Best of luck to you!

@lawanna85

Good advice. Why did you do them at once rather than one at a time? Alignment is a hot topic now with knee surgeons arguing about mechanical vs. kinematic vs reverse kinematic vs Functional.

I had my surgery three days ago. Aside from bone on bone, I was also badly misaligned, so much so that I had worse pain in my heel than in my knee and I am 80. My surgeon did a minimally invasive subvastus surgery and saved my ACL and PCL. He did a Functional Alignment. His protocol is to be a couch potato for the first week but it appears that I will be fine. I challenged him with a target to get me back on the golf course in four weeks and he accepted.

@lawanna85 You are so encouraging and brave. I am 87 and 10 months from one TKR. Days fine but still night pain with no full night sleep and some none.. I had PT and do required exercises and had an experienced surgeon. The prothesis is fine. I am thinking nerve
regeneration.. Best wishes for continued recovery.

@lynnn I had the same problem with sleep. Finally gave up and ended up in the recliner. I think you might be right about nerve regeneration. We were very brave to have this done at our age. But if I had to do it over again, I would. I was not in constant pain like most people but had severe misalighnment which was corrected by the surgry. My Dr. said it would add years to my life. I corrected him and said at my age it would add life to my years! Good luck to you on your recovery!

@lawanna85 Thank you. Good luck to you also.

@lawanna85

I couldn't agree more. Quality of life is important! Besides, 80s are the new 60s.

I am only six days out and walking with a walker because my surgeon insists on it but I was also severely misaligned with my right (surgical) leg splayed outward. My surgeon did a functional alignment and I am amazed at how my two legs now line up.

@steveinarizona I am right there with you! It is wonderful to have both legs be in alighnment. However, I am having to learn to walk again because I am using different muscles when I walk. I am curious, are you experience that also?