Scar tissue after knee replacement

I don't think sciatic nerve pain is considered unusual after TKR. I have struggled with it off and on since my TKR surgery in June 2022. Here' s why: The damage to my knee joint was severe and had caused me to walk knock-kneed. The surgeon told me that being knock-kneed affected my gait and the alignment of my spine. To remedy this, in addition to the joint replacement, during the surgery the doctor straightened my leg by shaving part of the bone. That meant moving some of the nerves in my leg to get to the bone. This procedure aggravated the sciatic nerve on the same side of my body as the surgical knee. So yes, I experienced sciatic nerve pain for several difficult weeks after my TKR. I'm still having sciatic pain off and on (however, not as intense), but my PT therapist assured me this pain should resolve as my spine realigns itself. I did an internet search and found a few exercises that help relieve the pain. It will get better -- don't give up hope!

I am currently at 5 weeks post TKR and have problems with flexion/extension related to old scar tissue from injury and prior surgery. Am working with a good PT and part of what he is doing involves stretching and flexing the joint but it is quite painful. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to deal with the pain when he is doing this??

fran all I can suggest is taking an anti-inflammatory - ibuprofen, Aleve - about an hour before stretching. If it's really bad, there are prescription anti-inflammatories like Celebrex that work a little better.

Other than that, you're doing the best thing you can - stretching and stretching and stretching. after each session, ice and elevate - and then do that throughout the day, ice and elevate.

Sorry I don't have a silver bullet for you.........

Joe

i'm jealous. Reached 123 and that was it. I was in great shape when i had the surgery, Had a tough time. Now with the stem cells i have my original knee. To each his own. The doctors tell me that some do well and some do not. No reasons for it in most cases. w

Hello there,
I’m three months out of TKR and my scar tissue continues. I’ve done outpatient PT 3x weekly plus walk 2.5 miles Every day & ride recumbent bicycle along w 4 exercises. My dr says he cannot do MUA. Can you provide me with stem cell information?
I live in Houston, Tx but will travel for an outstanding clinic.
Thank you!
Michelle

After my failed ist TKR i decided to try regenative meds. I did the stem cells and had mixed results. What worked for me was PRP. That is using your blood and injected into the site. I do know you need to use a Dr that knows what he is doing. Regenexx is out of Colorado and has offices across the USA. Their are any Drs that do not know what they are doing and it does not work. I had PRP on my back and never had an operation like my friends who opted for surgery. Just sat around for a coupe of weeks and good to go. PRP on the knee has worked but i do it every year. It is costly but surgery is not my thing. I still have pain from my first surgery. I suggest you go to the net and look up Regenexx and see where they are located. I am in Ohio and i kniow their are several offices in our state. I think the Mayo Clinic also does it. The main thing i like is i am a master gardener and i can get on my knee and bike and golf and plant flowers. I do use a knee brace for many activities . Good luck.

After my failed ist TKR i decided to try regenative meds. I did the stem cells and had mixed results. What worked for me was PRP. That is using your blood and injected into the site. I do know you need to use a Dr that knows what he is doing. Regenexx is out of Colorado and has offices across the USA. Their are any Drs that do not know what they are doing and it does not work. I had PRP on my back and never had an operation like my friends who opted for surgery. Just sat around for a coupe of weeks and good to go. PRP on the knee has worked but i do it every year. It is costly but surgery is not my thing. I still have pain from my first surgery. I suggest you go to the net and look up Regenexx and see where they are located. I am in Ohio and i kniow their are several offices in our state. I think the Mayo Clinic also does it. The main thing i like is i am a master gardener and i can get on my knee and bike and golf and plant flowers. I do use a knee brace for many activities . Good luck.

Hi win,

What went wrong with your first TKR and when did you have it? What leads you to say it's a failure?

I only ask because the vast majorities of TKRs are successful. Cortisone shots and other "fixes" work for a while but the bones continue to be arthritic and decline.

Thanks! Joe

Swelling is still there after 8 years. When i swim the leg swells up. Water therapy did not work. Pain is bad compared to bone on bone knee with PRP. Flexibility is poor even though i worked out to gain flexibility. To much exercise and it swells. Walk down stairs backwards to relieve pain. Sound normal?