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Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement
I had knee replacement 3 years ago. It is worse than previous knee pain, and getting worse as more time goes by. My surgeon (in another state) says everything normal based on X-ray. Ortho doc here says the same, and said I’m having pain and he referred me to pain clinic for possible nerve block. I want to know WHY am I having pain, although I didn’t call it pain. ROM is 100. They can’t see everything on X-ray. I want an MRI. Want to go for second opinion. Should I tell new doc I’m there for second opinion, I don’t think that’s necessary......I think that would cause some bias, ie they would just say same thing.
Has this happened to anyone ? Thoughts ?
TIA
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Hello @monroe1234, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. Normally, icing and elevating the knee help with swelling. If I understand what you are saying is that you had a knee replacement done 20 years ago, you had swelling right away and it's still getting worse and you are trying to find out what is causing it and what you can do about it.
20 years is a long time for a knee replacement and there are a lot of factors that affect the longevity of a knee replacement - https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-long-do-knee-replacements-last-2549612. Have you discussed the swelling with your doctor and possible causes?
Yes, his comment was replace the knee replacement. But that still might not help my swelling problem. It is impacting my walking. They could never explain why this knee swells up at times.
" A swollen knee may be the result of trauma, overuse injuries, or an underlying disease or condition. To determine the cause of the swelling, your ..." -- Swollen knee - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-knee/symptoms-causes/syc-20378129
8 Home Remedies to Reduce Knee Swelling Quickly: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-reduce-swelling-in-knee-quickly
i had a kinee replacement 20 years ago. Had swelling right away and still I have swelling. Basically they say there is nothing can be done. Live with it. I use ice, etc.
Go outside of your community for a second opinion.
I’m similar to you 20months down the line pain starts as soon as I get up knee support helps had bone scan X-rays show nothing been referred to pain management for nerve block he said didn’t think it would work so surgeon referred me to another pain clinic I’m at my wits end because I’ve got constant back pain now. Scan showed thumbs and shoulder joints have oa and I knew the pain is awful in my thumbs. I’m 64 feel like I’ve aged 10 yrs wish I’d never had it done os seems to be at a loss but said “DONT THINK IM GOING TO BE DOING ANY MORE SURGERY ON YOU” like I want that not him coming anywhere near me again! Sorry for the rant it’s just so depressing
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1 ReactionI am appalled at the problems so many of you have encountered. They are the very mirror of my problems. Began my knee journey in 2012 and still on the train to nowhere! Now I have a blood clot in the knee that has been operated on four times. The right has been done once. The pandemic hasn’t helped, as the gyms were closed. My own doctors simply ignore me, as I’m just an attention seeker!! Changed their tune and ran for cover when the blood clot appeared??
Back at gym but the pain is always there!
As I approach my seventies, I know I will be left in this sorry state, and my medical reputation will continue to be appalling. They really believe sending you to a psychologist for Pain Management will help. The main issue is Scar Tissue. It will just reappear if I did have another operation. So it’s a no win situation! Until they can deal with scar tissue, we are going to be on this long painful journey.
What would help is honesty! Another consultant told me that I have to put up with the pain, and was most sympathetic. Respect does help. At least your not alone, and you are believed!
The answer would be prior knowledge! If your body could be scanned in some manner, to warn you that scar tissue would be an issue. But I’m just dreaming.
Hope you all find some joy somewhere. I’m off to have a morphine day. Only joking! Maybe?
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1 ReactionTruth,
Something to consider. To anyone having issues. I have done both knees, a little over two years now. All has been great until a few months ago knees became very difficult and painful to bend.
I had been having what I thought were allergies at the time, this developed into a severe nasal problem, swelling, headaches, fatigue etc. My regular Doctor gave amoxicillin with little change.
I finally saw an ENT, he immediately diagnosed as a staph infection. Ran cultures to confirm. Began a different antibiotic and within days the knee issues as well as sinus began lessening.
What I am asking is if you had been doing well, might you have a bacterial infection causing the issues?
GOOD LUCK to ALL!
I hate that for you. I am 6 months out from tkr and changing Dr's. My leg has not been straight since surgery. I have been in P T most of this 6 months. Now my back has started up with pain from walking like I am with a cane. I have had 2 back surgeries and that was doing well til.now. can anything possibly help my leg straighten after 6 months out of T K R?? If not I will limp forever. I hope the new Dr next week can help me. I have seen him before and he is very good. He was my first choice. I just couldn't get a way as far as his office is. All I can say listen to that gut feeling and that small still voice telling you not to use a Dr. And to wait a little longer.