Knee cap pain after knee replacement surgery

I am 21 months post LTKR and my knee cap pain/burning persists and is pretty much constant. Tightness above and below. Numbness in foot. Gabapentin and Tramadol prescribed by Physiatrist help some. Ortho says she sees nothing wrong, but I assure you, something is not right. I have requested appointment for 2nd opinion, but do not know how to approach. My issue is complicated by back issues. I had L5 Decompression bc Ortho said the problem not my knee. I think she is wrong and I have two issues. How do you get the doctors to listen? Am I explaining my pain incorrectly? Frustrated!

@rennie, I'm sorry to hear that your doctors don't seem to be listening. There is a great website that might help you open up the lines of communication with your doctors. Here are a couple of links:

-- Tools for the Visit: https://patientrevolution.org/visit-tools
-- Communication Barriers: https://patientrevolution.org/barriers

Do you normally take a list of questions to your appointments with you?

@johnbishop I do take questions with me, but the main ones now are why after almost two years do I still have such pain in that knee and what can be done to diagnose and fix. I have read too many horror stories in this blog to be willing to go under the knife again without some serious consultation. My issue is complicated by sciatica/leg pain (L5 Decompression in May) and a fractured heel. My brain is assaulted with pain messages so I am part of the problem explaining how it feels. But, I sincerely think the knee and the back are two separate but connected issues. Connected only bc my gait change contributed to the back pain. My knees were valgus with tibial torsion so I had my walking/balance totally changed and my spine shifted/nerves pinched. My back/leg and knee pain are on my left side. My second knee replacement in August does not have these issues. Still some pain, but muscular in nature and improving. I think my Ortho has just been afraid to do anything for fear of making matters worse. I am pretty miserable and worse, I am unable to do things. I want to travel, hike, volunteer, entertain…live my life. I have asked for 2nd opinion and will look at the prep info you sent. Thanks.

This is just a thought but have you had any PT to help with your gait? @sueinmn has posted in other discussions about hip and back pain associated or caused by gait problems.

@johnbishop Oh yes! I have made great progress with gait. I have tried PT, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and every rub/patch known to mankind. I will still take a look at other’s experiences! Thanks!

I have had 4surgeries on left knee total replacements due to infections. I am in severe pain and knee weakness. Dr told me there is no small cushion under knee cap and there is no way to attach it..
I need to kown what possible recourse I have other than drugs since I had a liver trasplant 6 months ago,

Welcome @entegra. Sorry to hear that you have such severe knee pain and weakness after multiple surgeries. I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Knee cap pain after knee replacement surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/knee-cap-pain-after-knee-replacement-surgery-7-week-post-op/

I did this so you can connect with other members like @rennie @dmk @sprinrosa64 @vbfriz and get some helpful tips.

You might be interested in this related discussion:
- Alternatives to knee replacements: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-to-knee-replacements/

As a liver transplant recipient, you know to check with your transplant team before considering treatments. I'm tagging @contentandwell and @cmael who have had organ transplants and joint replacements, and who may have helpful experiences to share with you.

I developed knees pain about 6 months after TKR. I knelt with garden pads on my knees. That caused excruciating pain. I went back to my surgeon and he said I was still healing. I went for a second opinion and they x-rayed my knee cap and discovered it was fractured. I had knee cap replacement surgery. That pain is gone but I cannot kneel. That was 3 years ago. Was it worth it? I wish I had a third opinion before that second surgery.

I can't really kneel since my tkr on both knees. It has been five and six years. My kneecaps are just to sensitive.

I am sending you this article I recently read. I found it to be very interesting
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/orthopedic-surgery/news/saphenous-nerve-neuroma-after-total-knee-arthroplasty/mac-20482753