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Can Knee Replacement Surgery Be A Trigger For Fibromyalgia Pain?
Question: I am a 66 year old woman who has had fibromyalgia for 20 years. Last October i had a complete left knee replacement, and it still gives me as much pain as it did before I had it. It can't be arthritis..... Could it be fibro pain? Thank you, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Much of the time these questions are hard.
Detailed Answer:
This isn't one of those.
Usually, not being able to see or examine someone and only being able to give general information is a hindrance; not so much here.
No, it certainly cannot be arthritis when the joint ("arthro" in Greek) is no longer attached. And... fibromyalgia is a complex disorder of pain perception. Generally, there is not as much of a trigger of the pain of fibromyalgia as major surgery! And, in fibromyalgia, pain will have more triggers, easier triggers, stay longer, etc than if you did not have it. Certainly surgery can be a trigger for fibromyalgia pain.
This is why the main therapy for fibromyalgia connects to dealing with pain rather than trying to remove it. so, with arthritis, the joint wouldn't work and the mobility of the joint is likely to be more after it is replaced. Does NOT mean the pain won't be there, just that it is different. Physical therapy, non-steroidals (perhaps), antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy EVEN if there is not a psychological issue to work on issues of how pain relates to one's life. And more physical therapy. would all be indicated in someone with fibromyalgia after an orthopedic surgery.
It will be quite hard dealing with surgical pain with fibromyalgia but it is a good context for working on it.
Much of the time these questions are hard.
Detailed Answer:
This isn't one of those.
Usually, not being able to see or examine someone and only being able to give general information is a hindrance; not so much here.
No, it certainly cannot be arthritis when the joint ("arthro" in Greek) is no longer attached. And... fibromyalgia is a complex disorder of pain perception. Generally, there is not as much of a trigger of the pain of fibromyalgia as major surgery! And, in fibromyalgia, pain will have more triggers, easier triggers, stay longer, etc than if you did not have it. Certainly surgery can be a trigger for fibromyalgia pain.
This is why the main therapy for fibromyalgia connects to dealing with pain rather than trying to remove it. so, with arthritis, the joint wouldn't work and the mobility of the joint is likely to be more after it is replaced. Does NOT mean the pain won't be there, just that it is different. Physical therapy, non-steroidals (perhaps), antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy EVEN if there is not a psychological issue to work on issues of how pain relates to one's life. And more physical therapy. would all be indicated in someone with fibromyalgia after an orthopedic surgery.
It will be quite hard dealing with surgical pain with fibromyalgia but it is a good context for working on it.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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