How long does the pain last after a knee replacement?

How long does the pain last after a knee replacement? The first 48-72 hours is about managing post surgical pain. Between 1-2 weeks most clients have found a balance between activity and rest. Acute swelling and inflammation will typically last 6 weeks. For some clients pain, swelling, redness, and warmth can be felt in the knee up to 12 months after surgery.

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[billstrube]

I was good after five weeks. I'm now five months post op, and l never felt better. I have to add that l an seventy years old, and had both knees replaced at the same time. Good luck to all of you out there.

[marytesta]

Thank you. I thought I was a wimp. I'm just 8 weeks post-op and took a gentle water exercise class. The next night, my knee hurt so bad I got up atv3am and took a pain pill. It subsided after a day but I'm glad to know it takes a bit. I hadn't needed any pain reducing meds in weeks so wasn't expecting this. I'm at 125 degrees of flexion.

[edan]

I am 10 days out having total knee replacement and if my other knee gets so bad that it has to be done, i will get me a wheelchair. I have never been in so much pain and felt so useless in my life. Maybe on down the road i may feel better about it being fixed, but my feelings now is i will never do this again.

[sherrcon]

thanks for telling me the truth instead of saying "it will go away within 3 to 4 months...

[nepatsken]

I am 1 month out from having knee replacement surgery. I have very little to no pain in my knee. I have issues the morning when I get up and that is because the knee feels stiff. But, it goes away. I guess I have been fortunate, because I have seen videos were people are in agony. Agony is what I was feeling when I went into the hospital for surgery. I noticed a big difference after the surgery and it was for the better. My message is just be positive about it, sure there will be some pain, but it will go away.

[gregpeterburs]

My knees were so bad before surgery that it only took about 6 weeks to feel less pain post surgery, much, much better 👌👍

[PuraVidaLives]

I don’t know if this plays a part, but I’ll be 73 next month. I’m 10 weeks out from TKR surgery. The first 3 weeks were totally 24/7 pain. Much worse than giving birth and that was 42 hours. I started PT that first week and at my 6 weeks check, my flexion was 141°! After the 3 painful weeks, within a couple days it dropped dramatically. But the 5th week, I started having saphenous nerve pain. It was so painful that I couldn’t have anything touching between my legs. It felt like the worst carpet burn all the way down both legs. That’s under control now. It’s a long haul, but after the pain I was continuously having-now I have no pain in my knee. I wish everyone good luck with your post op.

[GIJOE]

I’m 9 weeks post TKR. My pain level is about a 5, but I try and do a little more daily to stretch, exercise and move to get my range of motion back. Keep a positive attitude and patience are key to letting your body heal and return to health.

Thanks Tony for your videos that address many questions about the recovery process.

[SusanWiggins-xf]

I am one week out today from my second TKR. I had no choice but tondo the second one. I gritted my teeth so bad in the last couple of days that I lost one filling and broke another tooth. A TKR is the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I was scared the first time. The second time is was terrified because I knew what to expect 😞

[Sandyman]

Oh my goodness! I’m in the south of the UK, it’s Sunday morning and my first right TKR was carried out successfully on Thursday. The surgeon and anaesthetist were amazing. I was due to be in hospital for 2 nights and go home yesterday. Unfortunately I nearly fell during the coming down the stairs test. I was in so much pain afterwards that the physio wouldn’t let me have a second attempt so I will try again today. I want to be positive and get home to start the full recovery process. I know it’s a long journey. Hate to be negative, but the pain is brutal. Right now I’ve just been woken up by it. Not just the knee area, but the entire length of my right thigh and, as a male, can I say the pain is also in my right ‘groin’ if you know what I mean. God bless all of you that have been through this! I will prevail! A positive mental attitude, I’m sure, will get us all through.

[CJada]

I am 6 weeks post op from a bilateral TKR. The pain that I had from the surgery was nowhere near as bad as the pain that I had for years before the surgery. Now, it’s not pain so much as getting used to the prosthetic in both knees, and that gets better each day. I even have full ROM per my physical therapist. I still have stiffness, but stretching helps a lot with that.

[robertburwood]

6 months post op and I have no pain and my leg is stronger than it has been for years I am lovin it. First 2 weeks were very tough but give it time and keep doing the rehab and you will be amazed.

[shirleyjeremiah]

I'm into my second week post op and also my second knee replacement, my first week was agony but it gets better each day. Looking forward to walk freely again.

[kipkern]

Total time, one year. Exercise helps immensely. The more I ride my dirtbike in the woods, the better my TKR feels. Takes at least a year to feel somewhat normal.

[viccigoddard]

I'm 18 days after surgery...I guess I thought I would bounce back fast...so I will just be patient..

[jeldkl]

5 months and still dealing with some pain, stiffness and swelling. Had MUA last week and was pain free for a week but swelling and stiff again. 20 weeks of physical therapy and 6 more ordered. So frustrating, I want to get on with my life. Not an athlete, but active 71 year old.

[johnfraser]

Thanks. I'm six weeks out and was wondering about the little bit of pain that's still there. I'm basically OK and mobile. Cheers!

[richardgurtner]

25 weeks on the left knee no pain can go all day. My right knee is 15 weeks. My right leg and knee after about 3500 steps and that is it. have to ice no more that is it my leg swells up. Thanks for the video it really helps. Because each knee is different, and we need reassurance this is a hard thing. to go through both legs were bowed., and know they are straight. Way worse than hip replacement. Thank You

[kathyclark]

Boy, you hit the nail on the head! And whoever said using a walker doesn't give you exercise, is very wrong 😂😂

[KellyFellows-vz]

I had 2 knee replacements 7 months apart. I had very little pain. Took pain meds every 4 hours for 2 weeks then to otc.