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Suggest Treatment For Pain And Stiffness After Left Knee Replacement Surgery
Question: Am a 66 year old woman with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. I had complete left knee replacement last October, and am still having pain and stiffness. Could the pain be fibromyalgia?
Brief Answer:
Usually a normal finding.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You are in post acute phase of knee replacement.It is not uncommon to have pain, swelling and stiffness.
There will always be some differences among patients when it comes to set time frames with pain and recovery.
The complete healing of surgical wounds and internal soft tissues usually take six months with regular pain relief medications and regular physiotherapy sessions.
The recovery is considered when the pain and swelling improves much beyond the arthritic pre-op pain level and dysfunction.
The symptoms that you are going through are normal after a knee replacement. These are not suggestive of any pathology. It is not likely to be related to fibromyalgia. If the replaced knee is stable clinically then continued pain medications and regular physiotherapy will take care of your symptoms.
Do a hot fomentation at least thrice daily and elevate your legs as much as you can. By “elevate,” I mean having your feet higher than your hips.
If you do get a sharp pain that you haven’t had before, especially after exercise or physical therapy, there may be an inflammation in one of your muscles or ligaments. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor if this happens.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Usually a normal finding.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You are in post acute phase of knee replacement.It is not uncommon to have pain, swelling and stiffness.
There will always be some differences among patients when it comes to set time frames with pain and recovery.
The complete healing of surgical wounds and internal soft tissues usually take six months with regular pain relief medications and regular physiotherapy sessions.
The recovery is considered when the pain and swelling improves much beyond the arthritic pre-op pain level and dysfunction.
The symptoms that you are going through are normal after a knee replacement. These are not suggestive of any pathology. It is not likely to be related to fibromyalgia. If the replaced knee is stable clinically then continued pain medications and regular physiotherapy will take care of your symptoms.
Do a hot fomentation at least thrice daily and elevate your legs as much as you can. By “elevate,” I mean having your feet higher than your hips.
If you do get a sharp pain that you haven’t had before, especially after exercise or physical therapy, there may be an inflammation in one of your muscles or ligaments. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor if this happens.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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