Why Do I Have Pain & Swelling 3-6 Months Post Total Knee Replacement?

Pain and swelling is a common struggle and frustration after a knee replacement surgery. So why does it linger so long and how can I help it?

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[Shirleenkj]

I’m 8 weeks out and soooo needed to hear this !
THANK YOU !!!

[coringtonbaldwin]

My Benchmark for pain and swelling was 6 months post op...At 6 months the pain started to go away...By 8 months...I had no more swelling..At the 12 month part...I was at 90% normal...I am currently at 13 months and I have totally forgotten that I have a prosthetic knee...I thank God that I did not have pain 2 and/or 3 years post op and I am very pleased with my Total Knee Replacement 💙

[marlonmilo]

Thank you 😊I had a total replacement for my right knee on August 18th, 2022. I am still having trouble with swelling and pain at night, and I was doing way too much trying not to act like I needed sympathy or help, but I was wrong. I am improving, but I am not able to walk the Mall. I can't wait to be able to get on my knees and pray and look under my bed or put lotion on both legs. Just getting dressed is still a problem, but I shall succeed because I am not giving up.

[TracyLee-ri]

It's like you've been reading my frustrated mind. ESPECIALLY where you mentioned regretting/wondering why you had the surgery. I keep saying, "I sure do miss my old knee." It's been depressing to feel this way 5 months out, but now I have a new perspective. Thank you SO much!!

[roncairney]

I'm 5 weeks out and soooo needed to hear this!

[kellylaher]

I know this video is 2 years old but I needed to hear this. I have been doing too much. Thank you for the reassurance!!!❤❤❤

[hugoaguilar]

Thank you for this video. I am exactly 6 months post opp today and I feel like I have not improved in the last few weeks. I needed to hear this. The ups and downs are no joke. I will be patient and with a positive attitude for the next 6 months and see where this goes. You are right about the extra work on my knee though, I don't think playing pickleball this early is a good idea!

[Troy-vm]

Right knee was done six months ago and my left knee was done two months ago. I was a Roofer for 43 yrs. What ive learned is everyones body makeup is different. You cant pay any attention to anybody else because nobody is exactly like you. Everyone healing time is different. My first Knee replacement was very painful, the second Knee replacement was like nothing happened. Very little pain. Im walking miles everyday and im beginning to run again. Pain in both knees is still there but everyday i get just alittle better and its little. Its gonna take some time. So just Chill, everything will be better down the Road from now. Its just a matter of time.

[jamessisk]

A million thanks for all your helpful videos where you provide information and advice that is not readily apparent. Someone can search hundreds of websites and still not get the essential information they need so succinctly and straightforward as you present. You’re a gem.

[achlapanchali]

Your words fill me with positivity.I have completed three months of tkr but still not at ease.

[roberttresemer]

Thank You. I really needed to hear this. I'm 3 months out from having my right knee replacement surgery. As you said, I have been trying to do too much too soon. The aching seems to be worse at night when I'm trying to sleep. When my knee aches at night, there is no comfortable place I can put my leg. At least I know what to expect for the next 9 months or so.

[sanjaykumardas]

Very encouraging video. It has indeed boosted our sprit. Thanks doctor.

[keithcrackett]

Almost 6 months and it has improved still a bit of swelling. Struggled to keep my activity level on a lower level. Pain is up and down but nowhere near pre op pain. To all of those who have just had the op my heart goes out to you. It was bloody painful for weeks and sleeping was so difficult

[nariepittman]

16 weeks post op here. Thank you for this video. I am as swollen now as I was when I had it done. ROM 1/116 because of swelling. Surgeon says I can easily get to 130 once swelling goes. Going to private Physio to build up strength. I do my exercises daily which I can tolerate but the sides of my knee and back of my knee ache so bad, especially with walking. It is the most frustrating surgery to recover from, and don’t get me started on the emotional part of it. I hope it improves.

[jennyl.]

I just got a right knee replacement last week and I'm on day four. Yesterday my knee was in so much pain I felt like it was torture. But today it was easier even though I still feel pain. I was able to get up more with my walker. We just have to ride it out and hopefully it will get easier every day. Thanks for the great information on what to expect!

[antoniokasto]

it is 4 months for me and she is 100 percent correct what she says thanks doctor sam

[jimratti]

I'm 6 months post and LOVING my new knee. Only pain I have is from either standing or sitting too long. I have a sedentary job (computer) so I'm sitting all day. If I don't get up and walk around every 20-30 minutes my leg starts swelling and there's pain, but it's just stiff muscles, tendons and ligaments. I've also found that if I don't continue with my post op exercises I have more issues. Guess keep moving but don't over do!! Cant wait to get back up on a wakeboard.... hoping this summer to just get up and cross the wakes!

[tempest]

Superb! and absolutly correct! I'm at 6 months post full knee replacement in the UK and simply put yes excercise BUT rest as well. The surgery is very hard on the knee with added complexity being a full job. I here of so many people over doing it! Let yourself heal rest!

[karst]

thank you for this conversation. 6 months post op TKR and to get up from sitting is very painful and It take a half a minute to get fluids moving and then I have a working period and have to sit again. i thought this was more pain than should be, so I will see where I am at 8 months. Between now and then I am purchasing a Recumbant exercise bike nautilus 618. And start slow and low. cheers from the Atl

[franklake]

Thank you Dr. Sam I needed to hear this.