Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Can Persistent Pain After A Knee Replacement Be Managed?
Question: I am sorry> I listed my question under what have you tried? I had a third TKR on my left knee in May 2017, strep equine. I have had much pain ever since. I am taking cehphalexin for infection since then. I had an x-ray recently, the fifth, ordered by my Infectious disease Dr in answer to my continued pain but she says no infection from her readings and her system read the x -ray. That is, a radiologist from a different hospital from my surgeon stated there is possible loosening. My surgeron said the radiologist was wrong and there is no loosening and the pain if from residual infection. SO whom am I to believe? And why does the pain vary during the day regardless of activity. The pain is severe at times and incapacitating. I take Tylenol 3 and I tried Tramadol with no benefit. I don't like oxycodone and other stuff.
Brief Answer:
Can be a residual infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The persistent pain after a knee replacement can be due to infection or due to loosening. A persistent chronic pain can be due to a mild inflammation due to left over infection. But if the pain is intermittent- absent at rest and more felt during weight bearing on the knee and you feel an instability while walking or climbing stairs then a loosening of the implant is likely. An infection itself causes loosening. This can be confirmed only after a direct clinical examination. You need to trust your treating doctor and in case the problem persists it is best to have a second opinion from another orthopedist after a direct examination.
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.
Regards,
Dr. Praveen Tayal
Can be a residual infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The persistent pain after a knee replacement can be due to infection or due to loosening. A persistent chronic pain can be due to a mild inflammation due to left over infection. But if the pain is intermittent- absent at rest and more felt during weight bearing on the knee and you feel an instability while walking or climbing stairs then a loosening of the implant is likely. An infection itself causes loosening. This can be confirmed only after a direct clinical examination. You need to trust your treating doctor and in case the problem persists it is best to have a second opinion from another orthopedist after a direct examination.
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.
Regards,
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
