I had my knee replaced 5 months ago and have had burning sensations on the outer to upper part of my knee since the surgery. The doctor gave me a steroid shot about 8 weeks in and it got better for a while. Now the burning is back and is so bad I cant stay in any one position for more than 15 minutes. I've been told that as my quad gets stronger the less pain I will have. Well I have been diligent with PT and exercise and it's only getting worse. I cant go up or down stairs or hills without tears in my eyes. Does anyone know if this is normal?
I had my knee replaced 5 months ago and have had burning sensations on the outer to upper part of my knee since the surgery. The doctor gave me a steroid shot about 8 weeks in and it got better for a while. Now the burning is back and is so bad I cant stay in any one position for more than 15 minutes. I've been told that as my quad gets stronger the less pain I will have. Well I have been diligent with PT and exercise and it's only getting worse. I cant go up or down stairs or hills without tears in my eyes. Does anyone know if this is normal?
Hi @emmar and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to a discussion by the same name. Click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to scroll through past posts of members who have experienced a similar burning sensation, like @connie1559@gator1965 @contentandwell @mhort1213@ruthannejoan@artscaping. For some it resolved, for others it did not, and still others never had the burning experience.
Emma, are you able to get a televisit with your doctor or physiotherapist?
I had my knee replaced 5 months ago and have had burning sensations on the outer to upper part of my knee since the surgery. The doctor gave me a steroid shot about 8 weeks in and it got better for a while. Now the burning is back and is so bad I cant stay in any one position for more than 15 minutes. I've been told that as my quad gets stronger the less pain I will have. Well I have been diligent with PT and exercise and it's only getting worse. I cant go up or down stairs or hills without tears in my eyes. Does anyone know if this is normal?
I too welcome you to Connect, @emmar
I have had two TKRs but was one of the fortunate ones who never had the burning feeling that so many do have. My only problems are not quite as much flex as I would like (both knees hover at around 120°) and sometimes when I do a lot of exercises my R knee complains a bit. I suspect the lack of flex is my own fault for not following the PT exercises as much as I should have on my own.
As @colleenyoung mentioned, there are many on here with the same problem, I am sure you will be hearing from some of them. I wish I could be more help.
From what I have heard people on this forum say, most doctors will not take a patient for a consult within a year of their TKR. If you still are having a problem at that point, and your orthopedist offers no help, I suggest getting another opinion -- from a really top-notch orthopedic surgeon. Both of my TKRs were at large medical centers in Boston with very well-regarded surgeons. If there is a large medical facility, preferably at a teaching hospital, at all within your reach I hope you will consider going to one of them. I know of people who have had TKRs here in southern NH but had to go to Boston to get them fixed afterward. It may be a long drive, but it's worth it if you are able to find a surgeon who can give you the relief you hope for.
JK
Hi @emmar and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to a discussion by the same name. Click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to scroll through past posts of members who have experienced a similar burning sensation, like @connie1559@gator1965 @contentandwell @mhort1213@ruthannejoan@artscaping. For some it resolved, for others it did not, and still others never had the burning experience.
Emma, are you able to get a televisit with your doctor or physiotherapist?
@ernmar, I would like to begin by welcoming you to Connect and to this frequent issue of (TKR) post-surgery pain and
the discomfort that has not responded to PT and just briefly to steroid injections.
May I suggest that you take a look at the whole subject of fascia, the layer of tissue that surrounds all of your muscles, bones and other organs to protect them. Sometimes when the fascia sticks to itself, it becomes restrictive and quite painful. So then you may want to explore Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome or MPS. The physical treatment is called Myofascial Release Therapy or MFR.
For me, I followed instructions and thought I had the perfect situation. It wasn't. I went back to my surgeon who jumped up and said come with me. After images, he just looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Chris, it's the fascia."
He was correct and the MFR journey began for two reasons. I had to be able to feel my feet in order to drive, and I wanted to be able to walk without pain if at all possible. Both of those situations have resolved themselves. Yet, it does seem that I do have flares of fascia restriction......and MFR every week keeps the lid on them.
Here is a link to "Strolling under the Skin" that introduces the structure and purpose of the fascia.
The second link is to the website.
https://myofascialrelease.com/
@ernmar, have you expressed your concerns about lack of effectiveness so far to your surgeon? What does your PT tell you? Did you ask to see the images and have them analyzed for you so you had even a basic understanding of the body parts and their current status?
Just let me know how I can help without leading you astray. Heaven forbid! We all are committed to seeing you through this situation. Remember that we cannot recommend or proscribe for you. We can share what we have experienced and facilitate introductions to others with greater expertise. And that is a two-way street, we need to hear from you.
Be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
Ive had TKR on both legs. Second was 14 years after first at age 42. First surgery caused so much pain I cried for days. Pain was off the charts. Dr got mad at me thinking I was just being a baby. Yelled at me. The knee, to this day still hurts every day, 14 years later. I am no baby. I thought I'd lose my mind. Scared to leave hospital. Doctor wrote in my records that my knee felt better and I was happy. Lies. I was in agony, which lasted a month. Insufficient pain control. The horrible pain subsided, but the knee has never been comfortable or without pain.
Second knee replacement still hurts after 4 years, but healing process was much less torture than first. A better experience. I don't have the burning but i experience sharp pains in both knees every day. Like pinching inside the joints. Despite the discomfort, I do not regret having it done because I'd be in a wheelchair. Both knees were that far gone. Yep. They hurt, but I can walk. Thank God.
I know everyone has different experiences with their individual TKRs, but my experience says the Dr should be involved if you are really in pain. Please remember, there is a difference between pain, uncomfortable and just being aware.
I know everyone has different experiences with their individual TKRs, but my experience says the Dr should be involved if you are really in pain. Please remember, there is a difference between pain, uncomfortable and just being aware.
Hello @wesallbritton, Welcome to Connect and thank you for your suggestion. Sometimes is seems like a no brainer to talk with the doctor if you are in pain but there are some of us including me that try to tough it out which sometimes makes things worse.
It sounds like your TKR went well. I'm a few months over a year from my right TKR and fortunately did not have much pain but did have a lot of swelling because I didn't do what the care team told me to do - ice and elevate frequently. My frequently was not the same as theirs and at my follow up appointment the surgeon explained what he meant in no uncertain terms 🙂
I have had 5 major knee surgeries. 1st TKR Dec 2013, developed arthrofibrosis. Surgeries 2014 and 2015 to clean out scar tissue. Revision October 2018 for arthrofibrosis. Then major change. Had revision surgery 12/10/2019 by Henry Finn, Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Chicago Weiss Memorial Hospital and University of Chicago Hospital. Dr. Finn's process was to apply low dose radiation to the bone and scar tissue a couple of hours before surgery followed by a complete revision with a hinged implant. I am now 3+ months out from surgery and have been experiencing burning pain around the patella and radiating up a few inches an down the length of my leg. I had my other knee replaced in 2004 without issue but I am feeling a similar burning pain in that leg also, although not as intense. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what it might be?
I had TKR in 2008. Have lot of pain the first month but lessened through out the year. Now I am experiencing burning sometimes after mowing the yard or other exercise. Not sure what the cause. X-rays show no problem or wear on the replacement.
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jul 6, 2020
Good evening @@abmjr, I am quite concerned about a 12-year-old TKR that causes pain but doesn't reveal the reason for it. May I suggest that you review this youtube display of what is called Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The fascia forms on our body parts in layers.....and when they stick together, you can feel a burning pain.
The solution is MFR (myofascial release therapy) a form of hands-on therapy that releases the fascia and lets it move freely in the joint area. Once you have watched this film you may want to see a demonstration by John Barnes on the MFR site. https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/
Let me know if you have questions or concerns that I can help you with relative to your specific issues. By the way.....where do you live? We can try and find an MFR therapist near you who can sit down with you for a chat.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
Good evening @@abmjr, I am quite concerned about a 12-year-old TKR that causes pain but doesn't reveal the reason for it. May I suggest that you review this youtube display of what is called Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The fascia forms on our body parts in layers.....and when they stick together, you can feel a burning pain.
The solution is MFR (myofascial release therapy) a form of hands-on therapy that releases the fascia and lets it move freely in the joint area. Once you have watched this film you may want to see a demonstration by John Barnes on the MFR site. https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/
Let me know if you have questions or concerns that I can help you with relative to your specific issues. By the way.....where do you live? We can try and find an MFR therapist near you who can sit down with you for a chat.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
Chris thanks for your response. It was very informative. Before the pandemic I had regular visit to massage therapy. But have not had massage for several months now.
My therapist mentioned realignment of fascia, I more clearly understand after watching video you sent. Also I found an MFR about 90 miles from my home in KY. I my contact them in the future. Thank you, I appreciate your advice.😊
Hi @pmac - Welcome to Connect! I'm wondering - have you had a TKR? It sounds as if you may be wondering about nerve ablation. Could you say more about what's going on?
I am 10 weeks out of TKR and have had so much pain with it, especially at night, and today it started burning on the inside of my knee like fire. My issue is there is only a few pain medications that they can give me due to severe allergy’s to a lot of them and I am also on blood thinners that makes it hard to find other options for inflammation
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I had my knee replaced 5 months ago and have had burning sensations on the outer to upper part of my knee since the surgery. The doctor gave me a steroid shot about 8 weeks in and it got better for a while. Now the burning is back and is so bad I cant stay in any one position for more than 15 minutes. I've been told that as my quad gets stronger the less pain I will have. Well I have been diligent with PT and exercise and it's only getting worse. I cant go up or down stairs or hills without tears in my eyes. Does anyone know if this is normal?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi @emmar and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to a discussion by the same name. Click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification to scroll through past posts of members who have experienced a similar burning sensation, like @connie1559 @gator1965 @contentandwell @mhort1213 @ruthannejoan @artscaping. For some it resolved, for others it did not, and still others never had the burning experience.
Emma, are you able to get a televisit with your doctor or physiotherapist?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI too welcome you to Connect, @emmar
I have had two TKRs but was one of the fortunate ones who never had the burning feeling that so many do have. My only problems are not quite as much flex as I would like (both knees hover at around 120°) and sometimes when I do a lot of exercises my R knee complains a bit. I suspect the lack of flex is my own fault for not following the PT exercises as much as I should have on my own.
As @colleenyoung mentioned, there are many on here with the same problem, I am sure you will be hearing from some of them. I wish I could be more help.
From what I have heard people on this forum say, most doctors will not take a patient for a consult within a year of their TKR. If you still are having a problem at that point, and your orthopedist offers no help, I suggest getting another opinion -- from a really top-notch orthopedic surgeon. Both of my TKRs were at large medical centers in Boston with very well-regarded surgeons. If there is a large medical facility, preferably at a teaching hospital, at all within your reach I hope you will consider going to one of them. I know of people who have had TKRs here in southern NH but had to go to Boston to get them fixed afterward. It may be a long drive, but it's worth it if you are able to find a surgeon who can give you the relief you hope for.
JK
@ernmar, I would like to begin by welcoming you to Connect and to this frequent issue of (TKR) post-surgery pain and
the discomfort that has not responded to PT and just briefly to steroid injections.
May I suggest that you take a look at the whole subject of fascia, the layer of tissue that surrounds all of your muscles, bones and other organs to protect them. Sometimes when the fascia sticks to itself, it becomes restrictive and quite painful. So then you may want to explore Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome or MPS. The physical treatment is called Myofascial Release Therapy or MFR.
For me, I followed instructions and thought I had the perfect situation. It wasn't. I went back to my surgeon who jumped up and said come with me. After images, he just looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Chris, it's the fascia."
He was correct and the MFR journey began for two reasons. I had to be able to feel my feet in order to drive, and I wanted to be able to walk without pain if at all possible. Both of those situations have resolved themselves. Yet, it does seem that I do have flares of fascia restriction......and MFR every week keeps the lid on them.
Here is a link to "Strolling under the Skin" that introduces the structure and purpose of the fascia.
The second link is to the website.
https://myofascialrelease.com/
@ernmar, have you expressed your concerns about lack of effectiveness so far to your surgeon? What does your PT tell you? Did you ask to see the images and have them analyzed for you so you had even a basic understanding of the body parts and their current status?
Just let me know how I can help without leading you astray. Heaven forbid! We all are committed to seeing you through this situation. Remember that we cannot recommend or proscribe for you. We can share what we have experienced and facilitate introductions to others with greater expertise. And that is a two-way street, we need to hear from you.
Be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI know everyone has different experiences with their individual TKRs, but my experience says the Dr should be involved if you are really in pain. Please remember, there is a difference between pain, uncomfortable and just being aware.
Hello @wesallbritton, Welcome to Connect and thank you for your suggestion. Sometimes is seems like a no brainer to talk with the doctor if you are in pain but there are some of us including me that try to tough it out which sometimes makes things worse.
It sounds like your TKR went well. I'm a few months over a year from my right TKR and fortunately did not have much pain but did have a lot of swelling because I didn't do what the care team told me to do - ice and elevate frequently. My frequently was not the same as theirs and at my follow up appointment the surgeon explained what he meant in no uncertain terms 🙂
Did you have any burning or pain after your TKR?
I had TKR in 2008. Have lot of pain the first month but lessened through out the year. Now I am experiencing burning sometimes after mowing the yard or other exercise. Not sure what the cause. X-rays show no problem or wear on the replacement.
Good evening @@abmjr, I am quite concerned about a 12-year-old TKR that causes pain but doesn't reveal the reason for it. May I suggest that you review this youtube display of what is called Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The fascia forms on our body parts in layers.....and when they stick together, you can feel a burning pain.
The solution is MFR (myofascial release therapy) a form of hands-on therapy that releases the fascia and lets it move freely in the joint area. Once you have watched this film you may want to see a demonstration by John Barnes on the MFR site.
https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/
Let me know if you have questions or concerns that I can help you with relative to your specific issues. By the way.....where do you live? We can try and find an MFR therapist near you who can sit down with you for a chat.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionChris thanks for your response. It was very informative. Before the pandemic I had regular visit to massage therapy. But have not had massage for several months now.
My therapist mentioned realignment of fascia, I more clearly understand after watching video you sent. Also I found an MFR about 90 miles from my home in KY. I my contact them in the future. Thank you, I appreciate your advice.😊
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am 10 weeks out of TKR and have had so much pain with it, especially at night, and today it started burning on the inside of my knee like fire. My issue is there is only a few pain medications that they can give me due to severe allergy’s to a lot of them and I am also on blood thinners that makes it hard to find other options for inflammation