I am on mscontin 30mg er and mscontin ir 15 mg one three times a day the other four times a day. still in lots of pain. having another t.k.r tomorrow on other knee. I hope someone can give me hope.
I hd total knee replacement August 2011. I still have pain is this normal?
Question posted by rainrenaye on 29 Aug 2012
Last updated on 20 October 2019 by DrRDG
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
20 Answers
DrRDG
21 Oct 2019
I read SEVERAL of the scenarios listed. Seriously, if more than just nuisance discomfort, residual pain more than 6 months after a knee replacement is not normal. While it is imperative to make sure it is not infected, unless that is obvious (draining, red, hot, etc) it is more likely from a remote source (Hip arthritis can present as ONLY knee pain for instance), from loosening, malalignment, or, more likely, metal sensitivity. DON'T just live with the pain. See an ortho guy that really cares about diagnosing your problem (and potentially offering you solution choices). We ARE out there. Heck, come to sunny and warm Ft Myers, FL and WE will get you started. Ron Gardner, MD
Angron
11 April 2018
Had my left knee replaced in late 2016. Hurt horribly bad for about 7 months then fairly bad for another 7 but now I'm a little over a year and a half and I have no complaints. Sometimes if I sleep at a weird angle or I bang my knees together it will become sore for a while but it's definitely not the same pain that I was experiencing before the surgery. I worked really hard and still am with PT. You have to move it, stretch it, work on it. Not as flexible as a normal knee but only about 8 inches less bend to the butt as the other. Having my right knee done in a couple week in May of this year (2018) hopefully it will heal like the first one.
NVYwife2012
28 March 2018
In June of 12, I had a partial knee replacement on L knee. I still have pain, especially when it's going to rain or is cold. Not to mention, stairs are no longer my friend.
But, the pain is better than before the procedure. I'm also not falling down stairs because my knee gives out.
I've heard about residual pain for many years. I didn't want to believe the truth, but diet and exercise help tremendously.
Sunshine65
28 March 2018
I had left TKR in 2013 and right TKR in 2015, the recovery was worse and I'm sorry to say it still hurts, only when it's cold or wet. With my pain medication I get some relief. But the pain is not as bad as it was prior to surgery. So you have it!
Ithurts2much
28 March 2018
I had a tkr about six years ago. I wish I wouldn’t have had it done. My other knee is still hanging in there and is better than the tkr knee. I’ve always had intermittent pain since the surgery but two weeks ago I was shopping and it began to hurt so much that I left my friend who was with me and went home. The third day I could barely walk because the pain was so severe. I went to see my ortho who did a ct scan and said it looked good. He also withdrew synovial fluid off of it to check for infection. There was none. He prescribed me 50 mg of tramadol which doesn’t help a whole lot and I am supplementing with ibuprofen and aspirin. I start therapy on Monday. I’m hopeful that it will relieve the pain. If it does, I will get serious about exercising it regularly. If not, I will most likely be looking at a revision. Not that I want one.
Mahead
2 Sep 2017
I had both Knees done in 2015. Easy rehab, no pain walking, But, now suffer with nerve pain both knees and legs. Also, pain, on both sides of knees, but mostly
At night, when I'm in bed. Having to take pain meds plus nerve pain med.
Sunshine65
15 March 2017
. I had 1 knee replacement in 2013 the other in 2015, it does get better but the 2nd surgery is not a year old yet. Much pain, lots of stiffness and grinding when I walk. It's better than before the surgery, I hope this helps! The recent surgery was more painful!
Wanda Kellems
17 Feb 2017
What do I do..find me another dr..to see what he can do..if my other leg an knee wasn't swelling I worry so much..I would make my self live with it..I have developed a limp putting pressureally on ..the swelling in my good leg is starting to worry me..also I am limping..noticeable to my family an friends..what should I do..nit going back to the dr..that did the surgery..he gets angry with me..
Paracil1218
19 Nov 2016
I had left TKR 9/27/16 and have been doing physical therapy for the past 6 weeks. I have severe osteo arthritis in both knees and it was so painful I could barely walk or get around. I still have a lot of stiffness and some pain, almost as if I never had the surgery. I've read many of the responses here and it all seems to come down to doing the physical therapy and exercises at home, which I am doing. I also have some numbness on one side of my left knee and also have some swelling in back of my knees (Bakers cysts) which press on nerves and tendons which are painful. It's better painwise than before I had the surgery, but I find the replacement clicks sometimes and the pain seems worse when it's humid or damp outside. Also sleeping at night is a problem because I have a burning pain in my knee. I was planning to have the right knee done within the next 2 months, but the recovery time for the left is taking longer than I expected. I wish there was an easier way!!
Bev4971
3 Oct 2017
Hi there. Both me and my hubby have both had TKRs and still have this pins and needles and numbness feeling. He's 18 months post op and I'm 6 and a half years. He was told the muscle is cut during the op and nerves can be affected when that happens and I was told the tingling sensation is the nerves regenerating and healing. Heap of nonsense that as we are living proof all this time later our nerves still haven't 'healed'. Overall we are both heaps more mobile than we were before our respective ops but I've just started to experience pain like a stiffening that I haven't felt since immediately after the op - about to contact the surgeon x
DeEdWitt
7 April 2016
Ice works. But chronic pain needs something more. Look up Discover magazine article from the Jan / Feb 2016 issue page 73.
Brtblueyes
20 Jan 2016
My mom had TKR at my urging. She did everything perfect PT, walking, all of it just as she was told. That was about 5 years now and her knee has never quit swelling or hurting, it is worse than it was before. I feel so bad, now she can barely stand on it. No one knows why. Every X-ray shows it to be fine. Now she has Alzheimer's and freaking medicare won't continue PT because she says it hurts and doesn't like the pain. So they dismiss her for not cooperating! Duh- she no longer understands that to be able use it at all she needs PT and it's going to hurt bad until she gets some strength back in her leg. I let the doctor convince me that if she didn't get it fixed her knee would give out and she would break a hip. I am furious. Her independence has been stripped from her and that has made her so depressed. I would suggest PRP injections which of course insurance companies still call experimental so they don't have to pay.
TKR is the biggest medicare fraud out there. I would never recommend it for a loved one. Check out PRP, which is platelet rich plasma injections from your own blood. Expensive, but success us phenomenal!
marcman1
29 Jan 2016
I have had a TKR and it has been about three years. It has been the worse three years of my life, I have had nothing but pain and stiffness and the doctors act like they haven't a clue? I have been to many and lots of PT. I don't think the doctors really don't know what to do after the Knee Replacement if it does not work out! They act so dumb and scratch their head like what do we do, well if they do not know what to do, who does?? Please tell me???
maryellenpowers2014
27 April 2016
I am so sorry about your mother's pain and the confound of the Alzheimer's now. I would tell you not to take on blame, however. You listened to her doctor and followed his direction when encouraging your mom to have the surgery. I had to make decisions based upon what my mother's doctors told me. I wanted so badly to help keep my mom well that I had to trust them.
I had my tkr in Oct of 2013 and was doing quad sets in the recovery room. I did everything I was told and gave everything I had. Unfortunately, my surgeon didn't do everything he said he would do in terms of following the guidance of my endocrinologist. I ended up with poor pain Mgt and went into adrenal crisis and was hospitalized several times in very critical condition - one time I spent 6 days in cardiac critical care. My PT was interrupted but I did what I could and asked for PT to see me while I was inpatient. I really didn't lose much ground...
my husband drove me directly to my PT from the hospital and my therapist massaged my leg, used graston tools, and stretched me. My leg was still at a 120 bend and almost straight. Problem is that I have never been without swelling and pain in the tissue around my knee since the surgery. I wonder how I would handle it if I didn't have all my mental faculties... I will be praying for your mom and for you.
katt1971
5 July 2016
I am so sorry for your mom. I think you have convinced me, along with all the other posts from people who have never lost the pain after surgery despite doing everything they were told to do. Thanks for sharing.
NVYwife2012
23 June 2015
I had my partial knee replacement in 2012. I have pain stooping, kneeling, and even more difficulty trying to stand. After my surgeon said that he had a 40 something tear old construction worker ready to go back out to work 3 weeks post surgery, and the doctor compared myself to him. But I am in continuous pain upon any regular physical exercise on my replaced knee.
I am just wondering what can be done. Have you heard of any ideas besides "lose weight"?
Patches2012
23 June 2015
I'm starting to use Curamin from the health food store. I couldn't handle the aleve anymore and no other over the counter medications were helping. This actually is helping more than those did. I mentioned in my previous statement about my constant pain. I do find the swimming exercise helps more than any other type of exercise. I tried walking daily for a couple of years but then my toe nails turned black and started falling off. The doctor said walking was too much pressure on my feet so recommended the swimming. Surprisingly I actually enjoy it and the days I swim the pain is much less. I still can't stand still or the knees immediately swell and feel like the skin will burst open around the knees. By night time my knees are quite painful some times. I lay in bed with my knees raised on pillows and the pain and swelling subsides. You would have to sleep on your back to be able to do that though.
My surgeon told me I'd never be able to kneel on them again and I'm afraid to even try. I've also been told if I lose weight it would help the knees but no matter what I do I seem to be stuck at the weight I'm at, even after 2 gastric bypasses. The first was done wrong so the 2nd was just to correct it. That surgeon told me I'd probably never lose the weight. I keep hoping the swimming will help that too. I do all my gardening in 5 gallon buckets now so that I can easily take care of them. I'm hoping over the next year or so that the pain will finally end. It's been 3 years now.
Patches2012
16 May 2015
I had my surgery on right knee 9/12/2012 and my left knee 10/30/2012. The knee joint is awesome. No pain anymore there. However, I've suffered with constant pain and swelling in tissue around both knees, especially the left one, ever since the surgery. I've been taking Aleve but now I'm having reactions to it. I'm not sure what to take to relieve the pain. I can't stand still because the knees begin feeling like I have steel bands wrapped tightly around them. I can't sit on most chairs because I get the same pain results. It's very frustrating. I can't be on them for a long period of time. I've started swimming lately and have noticed it helps somewhat. There's a few people I swim with that have the same problem. One lady is 8 years out from her surgery and is worse than me. I don't know what to take for the pain now that I can't handle NSAIDS. Any suggestions? Is there any hope that this problem will eventually go away?
jacque1000
9 Sep 2015
I have used Lidocaine patch covering the knee with more relief than anything else. On 12 hrs.off 12. I was walking one hr.3x wk.but this week the pain is worse,so will wait any see what else happens. I hate to be negative but I don't think there is much that can be done. My pain hasn't improved in 4 years. Hope the patch will give you some relief.
JGordonFan
20 Nov 2015
I had TKR on right knee Nov. 09, knee was great after surgery and therapy so I decided to have left knee done Mar. 30 of 2010 and haven't been out of pain since. Both knees were bone on bone before surgery. I have went to 2 Specialist and all they did was take x-ray's then proceed to tell me they didn't know why my knee was hurting because the implant was in perfect alignment. I also have degenerative disc disease. I can't walk much just to even go grocery shopping makes my knee hurt. Then when my lower back hurts the sciatic nerve hurts severely which in turn makes the nerves in my knee hurt too. The only way I have found to relieve the pain is put an ice pack on it so it freezes the knee. I do the same for my lower back. I have been under the care of a doctor at a pain center. I have a really high tolerance to pain meds so it takes strong meds to even help control the pain. I have had physical therapy and pool therapy with no relief.
I am currently taking Norco 10-325, Neurotin 800mg 4 times a day which is the max (which mostly controls the nerve pain but not all the time), then I am on Soma 350mg 4 times a day. If I am active at all and even when I m just watching tv I am in some degree of pain. The only time I am not in pain is when I am asleep with a pillow between my knees. The minute my feet hit the floor I am in some pain. I have researched a lot of different websites on why my left knee still hurts and the doctors have come to the conclusion is they DON'T know what causes the pain. The consensus is I will be in pain the rest of my life. Therefore I have no quality of life even though I am l living on pain pills. Our winter is starting and I absolutely dread it because the cold makes everything hurt worse.
DeEdWitt
29 Jan 2016
Pennsaid is a great prescription liquid. I find multi pain relief items from Vicodin to Gabapentin to a tens unit and ice water pump into a bladder around the knee works best for me. Both knees were replace but my R-knee need extra surgeries. First surgeon wreck my R-knee replacement and the second surgeon bailed out the mess. I won a law suit; well my lawyer & wife won, I was left in chronic pain going on 12 years. The botch surgery negatively effected my life. I wills the ice water while cumbersome to use, does give the best relief. I walk the day of the replacement, through the pain. I do that just to get home ASAP so I can remove the bandage and then I get to use the cryo pump. Best exercise is a stationary bike.
knoblyknees
11 May 2015
My consultant told me I needed my knee to be replaced as I was bone on bone at my knee joint, I had my knee replaced 26th January 2015, it's now May 11th 2015, I have to use two sticks when I get up in the night or first thing in the morning, then after a while I can use one stick, my leg will not straighten despite being put under anaesthetic to have it straightened.
Due to muscel cramps I spend most nights awake in pain, the knee itself gets burnning hot and therefore I have to keep applying ice packs to cool it down, I am in the building trade and was semi retired, but this has ruined my life, I can't see myself ever being able to work again or walk without a stick, every morning my knee is a stiff as a board, I was meant to have my other knee replaced, but needless to say I'm not having it done now, my consultant say's it's not uncommon for people to suffer the way I am, I only wish he had told me what to expect before the op, if he had of done I would have put up with the Arthritis pain, has anyone else had such problems ? if so, how are you dealing with it, have you found anything that has help reduce the problems ?
cowtowncutie59
4 Aug 2015
I have had both knees replaced (5 years apart). My mobility is improved but the pain is still there. It wakes me up continuously at night. To relieve it I get up and walk around for awhile. Do I wish I had never had the surgery? No. Even though I still have pain (I also have RA) I can get around much better, although stairs are still a challenge. I wish that I hadn't waited so long between surgeries. God bless you, knoblyknees. You have to keep walking and strengthening the muscles and ligaments. The stiffness, well, I guess it will always be there. The pain, though still present, IS diminished.
jacque1000
9 Sep 2015
I had total rt knee surgery 4 years ago,have constant knee pain radiating down leg,also burning pain. I've talked with the surgeon many times without any satisfaction. He doesn't give any reason as to why the pain continues,just has a blank look.Has prescribed Lyrica foe the burning pain,but due to the many side effects with this med I really don't want to take it. This has changed my life completely. I am in more pain than before the surgery Wish I could callback the time,I certaintly would NEVER had rhis surgery. I am a retired RN so should have known better. It's amazing and sad to hear so many people having pain and no solution available. I understand some have had goog results but it's far too many that hasn't. I take Tramadol 50 mg. every 12 hrs with little results also use Lidocaine patch with more relief than anything else. I pray some other procedure will be available in the future to correct knee pain .
Livewithit
27 Dec 2015
Unfortunately you learn to live with. I was 39 when I had my first knee replacement. Didn't have a choice the bones were splintering from the friction. Doc went in had a cyst the size of an egg that ate a whole in my femur. I couldn't put any weight on the leg for six weeks or my femur would fracture. So I was 6 weeks behind in PT. Had nothing but problems and had a revision a year later. Still being swollen, in constant pain and knee buckling I had revision #3 2 years later. I've gone through every narcotic for pain nothing works. So now I take sleeping pills so I can get some rest. Then I was dumb enough to have my shoulder done. I guess I didn't learn. Now I've accepted this is my life and live with it. I won't let pain dictate my life. I'm to young for that
DeEdWitt
18 Jan 2016
I had both Knees replace. My right Knee replacement was done incorrectly and a top surgeon redid it aswell as the 2nd knee. First surgeon left me with pain in the back crease of the R -knee. This was back in 2004. I am still in sever pain in my R-Knee. Seem that barmetric pressure and changes in the jet stream plays havoic with me. Gabapentin helps a lot - although I use 2400mg to 3600mg daily. I also use 5mg/ of Hydrocodone on sever days. My arsenal on fighting pain : tens unit, cryo ice water pump to a bladder (your teather to the wall outlet), Pennsaid & OTC creams. I one a lawsuit (wife and lawyer happy) I still have a life of pain. Any help would be appreciated.
marcman1
29 Jan 2016
I had TKR about three years ago and it has been horrible. I was told everything would be alright, yeah right. I have been to many doctors and they say the replacement looks good, well why the pain and stiffness?? They can not answer that?? I can not sleep at night and my walking is so painful. I wish I would have never had a TKR also!! I am sorry for your pain but it has got only worse. Plenty of PT and doctors saying they do not know what's wrong? I think I am stuck with pain and not being able to sleep!
ianb1957
7 April 2016
I am 2 years post TKR. The pain and flexibility is worse than it was prior to operation.
I'm 58 years old and wish i had never had it done.
good luck hope yours has improved
kcfletcher
24 April 2017
I had double knee replacement five years ago which I am grateful that my doctor listened to me. The surgery was successful according to three dr. opinions. I have knee pain every day but much less when I am in Mexico during the winter for four months. So I know a lot of the pain is weather driven by the northwest humidity and temperatures less than 55 degrees. Wondering how other people cope with this constant pain each day. Presently I am on 50 mg Tramadol up to 4 pills a day when necessary. Coupled with my knee pain, my L1 in my back is a pain. I am 72 and 148 lbs having lost 20lbs recently. How do you cope?
Inactive
30 Aug 2012
Ok, think about this. A surgeon went in, tore apart your knee, and took it OUT. A structure that was there from birth. They sawed off your knee at two different areas, and then drilled pins, and bolts and all sorts of hardware, foreign substances into the remaining bones to put together a fake knee to keep you walking. Pretty rough, huh? How big is the scar, does that give you an idea of what you went through?? Also, how old are you? Unfortunately, the older you get, the harder it is to get over the surgery. Also, it depends on the physical shape that you were in also. It can take a while. You have to give it a chance,and everybody is right, you have to strengthen the muscles that hold your knees together, so that they take a big part of the pressure off of your new knee. that is why physical therapy is so imperative. Some people have no pain afterwards, some develop arthritis and have pain. It's not your knee that hurts anymore though because you don't have one.
It's the insult to your leg, and bones, that you have to recover from. Ask your doctor about this. they wouldn't have you on this type of pain meds, if they didn't know that the pain was a big problem.
Best of luck to you!!
Lisa01
30 Aug 2012
Thank you, my friend! There are a lot of people out there that seem to think that because it's been replaced, your knee (or rather the surrounding bones and whatnot) should be dandy and never hurt again. Unfortunately, that's untrue for a great many people as my ortho dr told me going in. I'm happy with my replacement since I no longer suffer the agonizing, bone on bone pain that I once had and would encourage anyone who needs a replacement to get one. But I'll never be the one to tell them they won't experience any pain afterwards. That's an unrealistic goal for some people.
Lisa
jgonet17
13 Dec 2014
I agree completely I had total knee replacement surgery on my left knee and I did physical therapy I try to walk but it feels like there's more pain then I started with my legs 12 my cats 12 my feet swell and even when I walk or do what I need to do it's excruciating so it's not just that easy to get up and do what you got to do when you're in constant pain in your feet fall off to the point where you can't even wear shoes I feel so frustrated and wish I never did it
4everyounger
30 Dec 2014
I was 54 last May when my doctor said I needed have a total knee replacement after 2 to 3 years of pain and injections of cortizone. I am 5'6'' and weigh 125. Had hardware in my leg from 1997 accident. It is now 8 months after replacement and I am in more pain! Have lost mobility and range! Why???
I am (and was) a very active person. Why am I so much worse off? No answer from the doctor. ??? HELP PLEASE?!
Kkgirtman
5 Sep 2015
I just have a question, don't know if anyone out there has had this same problem or just me, honestly I'm beginning to think its all in my head anyways here it goes I had my total knee replacement 3 months ago I have a deep ache in my bone and it goes all the way Down to my ankle but to make things worse is I can't sit/stand do anything for more than about 3 hours then I have to put my leg up or I have horrible pain ? Is this normal? I'm still doing physical therapy I walk everyday and stretch and do home pt everyday also somebody please help I really need to go back to work.
Kkgirtman
5 Sep 2015
I just have a question, don't know if anyone out there has had this same problem or just me, honestly I'm beginning to think its all in my head anyways here it goes I had my total knee replacement 3 months ago I have a deep ache in my bone and it goes all the way Down to my ankle but to make things worse is I can't sit/stand do anything for more than about 3 hours then I have to put my leg up or I have horrible pain ? Is this normal? I'm still doing physical therapy I walk everyday and stretch and do home pt everyday also somebody please help I really need to go back to work.
Lisa01
5 Sep 2015
The ache is not unusual, that's where the post for your replacement is. Your bone is healing and building scar tissue and calcium around the post. I don't think most of us realized the scope of healing we'd have to go through. The muscles and nerves that were shifted, the bones that had holes drilled in them - all makes for some very extensive and long term healing. It's not something you'll be able to rush along, your body heals at the rate it heals. Some faster than others. Patience and continuing your pt is tantamount at this point. Speak to your Dr and your physical therapist about your endurance and see what they have to say. Hope this helps!
Silverlight57
17 Nov 2015
I had my knee replaced 14 months ago and it is the best thing I ever did. I have found walking is the key. You need to walk, walk and walk. Even now, i will get stiffness and discomfort if i havent done much. You really do have to move past the pain.
Just had done
21 Feb 2016
Had tkd 5 week ago , great job by doctor however known going in
Leg muscle required additional attention. Started working leg muscles
Prior to surgery. Doing pt therapy no pain whatsoever.however I was active all my life. 2 more weeks of pt I am done. Nice to be free again.
tweety292000
2 Aug 2016
I had a TKR to my right knee on February 23, 2016 and I am back to work after 5 months being off work. My problem is when it's time to get sleep for the following day of work, both my legs ache so much that they won't let me sleep and I end up waking up in the morning sleepy and not rested enough to go to work. What is the cause of this and is there anything I can do for the aching pain? I stand on my feet constantly at work on concrete. The pain at night has gotten worse since i went back to work. It looks like I'm not going to be able to work standing on my feet all day. I may have to go on disability because of this. Any suggestions on the aching pain at night? And I do have pain during my work also.
tweety292000
2 Aug 2016
To Lisa01
I am in constant pain at night with both my legs, but only my right knee I had surgery. I am 5 months out. Do you know what's causing this issue? I can't sleep at night! I toss and turn all night. Any suggestions Please!!!
Wanda Kellems
17 Feb 2017
I hate knee replacement wI'll be 3 yrs..in June..my knee has give pain an problems every since..now my foot wakes me up an my toes an top part of my foot are drawen up an painful ..wakes me from my sleep.I have to get up..put it on the floor an walk around to get it stop hurting an drawing..what should I do..I went back to this so called specialist..an after a while of tell me I was in pain he did nothing..his so called nurse told me I didn't have pain it was in my mind..after that visit I didn't go back an haven't see another knee dr..I don't know what to do..my foot on the other leg has swelling in my ankles an pain up my leg an I think it's because I am starting to limp..I don't want to lose my leg because some quack caused me this kind of problem..what can I do..I went back in the hospital in August after surgery in July an he scoped it an found nothing wrong..any suggestion..
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