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10 year old artificial knee has burning sensation when bending

Posted by randythehack @randythehack, Aug 1, 2019

I have two artificial knees, one right at 10 years old (right knee), one about 9 3/4 years old (left knee). During the past week or two, I've begun having a burning sensation on the inside of my left knee occasionally when I bend it. It feels like I've come in contact with something hot. Changing the position of my knee pretty much completely eliminates the sensation. Until today, I've experienced it maybe 3-4 times total, usually maybe once a day. Today, I've experienced it at least a half dozen times, and it's getting more frequent and more extreme.

I have an appointment to see my orthopedic surgeon in 5 days to get basic x-rays and exam just to see if things are still doing well... but I've had this sensation at least 4 times since I called earlier today and scheduled the appointment. As things are right now, I'm not sure I should wait; I'm beginning to become concerned my joint may be failing... and - to be really transparent - I'm beginning to freak out. This was made worse 3 days ago when I walked a half mile at the YMCA, something I've done numerous times without any issues.

Any ideas what might be causing this? Do I have cause for concern, should I insist on being seen ASAP?

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JK | @contentandwell | Aug 1, 2019

Hi, @randythehack and welcome to Connect. I would try to get the orthopedic surgeon to see you sooner. As soon as I hear "burning sensation" I think infection. I am not a medical person so I could be totally wrong, but it's definitely worth seeing your doctor about it. You do not want an infection lasting any longer than necessary. Does the knee feel hot to the touch at all?
JK

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1 reply
randythehack | @randythehack | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "Hi, @randythehack and welcome to Connect. I would try to get the orthopedic surgeon to see..." + (show)
@contentandwell

Hi, @randythehack and welcome to Connect. I would try to get the orthopedic surgeon to see you sooner. As soon as I hear "burning sensation" I think infection. I am not a medical person so I could be totally wrong, but it's definitely worth seeing your doctor about it. You do not want an infection lasting any longer than necessary. Does the knee feel hot to the touch at all?
JK

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No, it is not warm or hot to the touch. However, it is getting worse quickly. I'll be seeing the surgeon later this morning.

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @randythehack "No, it is not warm or hot to the touch. However, it is getting worse quickly...." + (show)
@randythehack

No, it is not warm or hot to the touch. However, it is getting worse quickly. I'll be seeing the surgeon later this morning.

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@randythehack Good, I am glad you were able to get in today and not have that hanging over you all weekend. Please let us know what he has to say.
JK

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1 reply
randythehack | @randythehack | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@randythehack Good, I am glad you were able to get in today and not have that..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@randythehack Good, I am glad you were able to get in today and not have that hanging over you all weekend. Please let us know what he has to say.
JK

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X-rays show both my knees are bio-mechanically sound; good clearances, no indication of any of the prostheses becoming loose, dislodged, or damaged in any way. However, what appears to be the culprit in all this is a pinched nerve in my lower lumbar. X-rays on my lower back show a very suspicious area in my lower spine where pinching is likely occurring. As things have gotten worse, the pain is radiating into my lower leg, ankle, foot, and upward into my hip. Those are hardly indicative of a TKR joint failing and far more indicative of a pinched nerve. I have an MRI scheduled for next week to confirm.

I'm was never so relieved to see the x-rays of my knees - they pretty much look like they did nearly 10 years ago when they were first put in.

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Aug 2, 2019

@randythehack I am so glad for you that it's not a problem with the knee, you must be really breathing a sigh of relief, but what do they do about the pinched nerve?
JK

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1 reply
randythehack | @randythehack | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@randythehack I am so glad for you that it's not a problem with the knee, you..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@randythehack I am so glad for you that it's not a problem with the knee, you must be really breathing a sigh of relief, but what do they do about the pinched nerve?
JK

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MRI in a week to confirm, then once confirmed, initially an injection or two of cortisone in the specific location; if more needs to be done, it's my understanding that working on spacing in the back is much easier than reworking a knee. I'll know more in a week or so.

Knowing my knees are fine is like having a thousand pound weight lifted from my shoulders!

REPLY
1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @randythehack "MRI in a week to confirm, then once confirmed, initially an injection or two of cortisone..." + (show)
@randythehack

MRI in a week to confirm, then once confirmed, initially an injection or two of cortisone in the specific location; if more needs to be done, it's my understanding that working on spacing in the back is much easier than reworking a knee. I'll know more in a week or so.

Knowing my knees are fine is like having a thousand pound weight lifted from my shoulders!

Jump to this post

@randythehack Reading so much about post-TKR problems, your diagnosis and the plans for it are a real relief for me too! I can feel the weight that has been lifted, I am truly very happy for you. I am so glad you did not have to go through the weekend with this hanging over you. Our minds can really run away with our worries and concerns, and this of course was a very real concern.
JK

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @randythehack "X-rays show both my knees are bio-mechanically sound; good clearances, no indication of any of the..." + (show)
@randythehack

X-rays show both my knees are bio-mechanically sound; good clearances, no indication of any of the prostheses becoming loose, dislodged, or damaged in any way. However, what appears to be the culprit in all this is a pinched nerve in my lower lumbar. X-rays on my lower back show a very suspicious area in my lower spine where pinching is likely occurring. As things have gotten worse, the pain is radiating into my lower leg, ankle, foot, and upward into my hip. Those are hardly indicative of a TKR joint failing and far more indicative of a pinched nerve. I have an MRI scheduled for next week to confirm.

I'm was never so relieved to see the x-rays of my knees - they pretty much look like they did nearly 10 years ago when they were first put in.

Jump to this post

@randythehack - I also welcome you to Connect and I am just thrilled to read the progress on your issue. Many times, we have stories here that do not end happily OR just keep progressing w/o end. Yours is heartwarming. I'm so glad they found the culprit in a pinched nerve. I bet you'll be all fixed up before we know it. SOOO glad your knee joints are good. I've had two TKRs myself I was scared when I read your post that somehow they could go bad that quickly. Will you keep us posted?

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1 reply
randythehack | @randythehack | Aug 2, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "@randythehack - I also welcome you to Connect and I am just thrilled to read the..." + (show)
@debbraw

@randythehack - I also welcome you to Connect and I am just thrilled to read the progress on your issue. Many times, we have stories here that do not end happily OR just keep progressing w/o end. Yours is heartwarming. I'm so glad they found the culprit in a pinched nerve. I bet you'll be all fixed up before we know it. SOOO glad your knee joints are good. I've had two TKRs myself I was scared when I read your post that somehow they could go bad that quickly. Will you keep us posted?

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Yes, I certainly will.

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