Is there anything that helps relieve sensitivity and pain in the knee

Posted by wolfie54 @wolfie54, Jun 26, 2023

I just had a left total knee replacement about 6 weeks ago and have been dealing with sensitivity in the knee and down my leg. It hurts for anything to touch it. I have taken my pain medicine, tried massaging it, using pillows, etc, but nothing seems to help relieve this type of pain. If anyone has found anything helpful that worked for them could you please share it? The pain seems to be the worst at night for me and I find it difficult to get much sleep.

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Welcome @wolfie54, I was fortunate to not have a lot of pain after my TKR but did struggle some with problems sleeping. There are a couple of other discussions you might want to look through to learn what others have shared:
--- Miserable from TKR: What can I do to get better?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/miserable-from-tkr/
--- Trouble sleeping after TKR: What helped you sleep?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trouble-sleeping-after-tkr/.

Six weeks is still pretty early in your TKR surgery recovery. Have you discussed your sensitivity and pain with your surgeon or care team to see if they may have some suggestions?

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I think your symptoms are pretty normal (judging from my experience.) I still have sensitive skin after 5 1/2 months. It is all around my knee and numbness down the leg. It will get better. I discussed it a few time with my Physical Therapist for helpful tips.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @wolfie54, I was fortunate to not have a lot of pain after my TKR but did struggle some with problems sleeping. There are a couple of other discussions you might want to look through to learn what others have shared:
--- Miserable from TKR: What can I do to get better?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/miserable-from-tkr/
--- Trouble sleeping after TKR: What helped you sleep?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/trouble-sleeping-after-tkr/.

Six weeks is still pretty early in your TKR surgery recovery. Have you discussed your sensitivity and pain with your surgeon or care team to see if they may have some suggestions?

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I did discuss with my Physical Therapist and they suggested gently massaging the area to desensitize it and to continue with what I have been doing such as icing it and taking pain medication. They did say it would get better in time.
I guess I just have to be patient until then. I know it’s still early on after surgery. Glad to hear that you had very little problems with your TKR.
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.

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@jazzy155

I think your symptoms are pretty normal (judging from my experience.) I still have sensitive skin after 5 1/2 months. It is all around my knee and numbness down the leg. It will get better. I discussed it a few time with my Physical Therapist for helpful tips.

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Thanks for your response. It’s good to know that it is somewhat normal to experience this and that I’m not the only one. Best of luck on your recovery as well!

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I had same issue with sensitivity. Ice felt like it was burning my leg and when something brushed up against my leg it didn’t feel good at all. I just laid something thin across my leg when I iced it and didn’t cover that part of my leg with a blanket. The feeling probably lasted about a month.

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@aml01

I had same issue with sensitivity. Ice felt like it was burning my leg and when something brushed up against my leg it didn’t feel good at all. I just laid something thin across my leg when I iced it and didn’t cover that part of my leg with a blanket. The feeling probably lasted about a month.

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I know exactly what you mean and have done some of the same things that you have tried. It definitely is painful at times. I saw my doctor yesterday and asked him what could help since I have already tried all those things you mentioned. He suggested taking Gabapentin at night to help with the sensitivity and pain. I took it last night and had a good nights rest for most of the night. The first I have had in quite a while. Thanks for sharing what you have tried and worked for you.

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Agree that six weeks is still early. I experienced numbness on the skin of my kneecap for a few months after surgery. Nerves can be damaged no matter how good the surgeon. It is a traumatic procedure. I'd gibe it a little while. For pain, Voltaren topical ointment might help, but I'd check with the surgeon before doing anything.

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@heyjoe415

Agree that six weeks is still early. I experienced numbness on the skin of my kneecap for a few months after surgery. Nerves can be damaged no matter how good the surgeon. It is a traumatic procedure. I'd gibe it a little while. For pain, Voltaren topical ointment might help, but I'd check with the surgeon before doing anything.

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Thank you for sharing your experience and insight with me. I had actually thought about trying Voltaren gel to see if it would help. I’ll ask my doctor about it first. I agree with you that it is still early and I do need to give it time.

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I hear you for me was time …. I don’t really remember how long but one day I as able to wear pants, and put a blank over my leg…as far as nerves at 10 months I still did not feel right side of my knee …. I had a revision at 11 months I am almost year out of that still no feeling on right side …. But honestly come to think of it after revision I did not have the sensitivity issue I had the first time…but you are fresh out I know frustrating but just give it some time ….. it does get better

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