← Return to Pain after recent Knee Replacement. What is normal? For how long?

Discussion

Pain after recent Knee Replacement. What is normal? For how long?

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Apr 4, 2023 | Replies (102)
Comment receiving replies
@flaredhead

I'm just tired of being in pain and am looking for answers. I had TKR about 10 weeks ago and am still doing outpatient physical therapy. I understand that PT can cause pain in your muscles as you try to rebuild them and regain strength. But over the last three weeks I have started experiencing aching in the middle of my back and sciatic pain after my therapy sessions. I am addressing this with OTC pain relievers and heat, but am wondering if other TKR patients have experienced this as the result of PT. If so, does it go away when PT is finally over?

Jump to this post

Replies to "I'm just tired of being in pain and am looking for answers. I had TKR about..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 7, 2022

You asked, "If so, does it go away when PT is finally over?" Any pain that gets worse after PT should be addressed with the therapist. There may be some adjustments that can be made to your exercises to help you - just like shoes and pants, PT should not be "one size fits all."
A couple of other considerations - the TKR will have changed your movement as you learn to walk with the implant, and with less pain. Ask the therapist to evaluate your gait and see if you need "gait training". Others here have mentioned needing orthotics because the position of their leg & foot has changed. Check out this ongoing discussion to connect with others: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/posterior-pain-9-weeks-after-total-knee-replacement-surgery/

Ten weeks out is early days - hang in there and it will get better. You are well on your way by keeping up the therapy!
Sue

VIEW AND REPLY