Hellish pain four months after knee replacement
January 4, 2017 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf
My mother still has hellish pain three months after knee arthroplasty (total replacement), in the back of the knee and in the thigh. She can bend her knee, but it remains stiff when walking. Is this normal or what could it be. My mother says it doesn't feel like knee pain, but more like something muscular. She cries for hours every day in pain and is completely exhausted, as she only hears from the surgeon that the X-rays are okay, she just needs to be patient. The operation was four months ago the day after tomorrow and my mother is now in a suicidal state.
Good day,
it is almost impossible to help you from a distance, unless one limits oneself to giving you tips on how to proceed. That's what I would like to do here. If this answer does not help you and you would like your money back, please contact customer service.
Here is my recommendation:
I assume that the problem does not lie in the function of the prosthesis, but rather is either neural, muscular, or possibly allergic. These three possibilities should be investigated in order.
Therefore, your mother should first see a neurologist with the question "Where is the cause of the pain?" "Is it a nerve pain?"
Next, she should consult with a physiotherapist alternatively with a body therapy practitioner or an orthopedist to clarify the muscular situation. It is possible that the muscle attachment points have shifted due to the surgery, as the position of the joint has changed (previously pain with protective posture, now correct joint with new demands on the muscles).
Finally, one unfortunately also has to consider the possibility of an allergic reaction, which can manifest itself in various ways.
However, the pain should be adequately treated with medication immediately, which is usually done by the primary care physician, for example with opioids or if the pain is very severe, with a pain patch. The investigation of the pain can still be carried out. If your primary care physician does not want to take on this task, you can contact specialized pain therapists. You can find addresses on the internet or ask your insurance company.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
All the best and get well soon.
Dr. Schaaf
