Causes of Joint Stiffness from Knee Replacement Surgery Knee stiffness and pain that can occur after a knee replacement may be because of scar tissue and collagen attaching to the knee implant. This is called arthrofibrosis, and it is your immune system's reaction to the new “invader” in your knee.
Sometimes prolonged stiffness in the knee can be caused by surgical errors. If the knee implant used for a knee replacement is not properly placed or the wrong size of an implant is used, prolonged stiffness in the knee might occur.
Knee stiffness is a complication that may occur. Treatment options include aggressive physical therapy, manipulation under anesthesia, surgical removal of scar tissue, and revision knee replacement. Your surgeon will decide which treatment is best for your unique needs.
Those with a long-term stiff knee may need about 2 months to feel better. Shelbourne Knee Center discharges patients from the Knee Rehabilitation Program for OA after 2–4 months. But patients need to continue the daily exercises and strengthening at least 3 times a week.
Notify your physician immediately if you suspect infection. Chronic pain, swelling and stiffness that affects daily activities. This could indicate a failed implant due to falling or loosening. This is rare for most patients and generally does not occur until many years after surgery, but is a possible side effect.
Implant failure
Knee implants are built to be long-lasting. But there's a small chance that the implant will fail. Implant failure is when the replacement joint isn't able to work properly. Typically, persistent pain and stiffness can be signs of implant failure.
Timeline for Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
Most patients are able to care for themselves and resume normal daily activities within 6 weeks and drive within 3 to 6 weeks. Knee Replacement. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com.
If you have arthritis in your knee, walking can be a great way to relieve pain, stiffness and swelling. Moving your legs at even a gentle pace allows the muscles to stretch, which can help reduce arthritic knee pain.
A person should see their doctor as soon as possible if they suspect a torn or injured knee. Receiving prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of further injury. A person should also see a doctor if knee stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or swelling.
Inflammation and swelling: Walking increases blood flow to the tissues, which can help reduce knee inflammation and swelling. Joint stiffness and weakness: Low impact activity helps build muscle strength and joint mobility.
Slowly let your affected knee bend by lowering your feet. At some point, you will feel a gentle stretch. Hold for the desired amount of time, and then use your unaffected side to help straighten your knee out once again. Repeat.
One year after surgery: You will continue to make progress for an entire year after knee replacement. By this time, your knee should reach its full strength, and you should be able to return to most activities, though you may notice additional improvements for up to two years after knee replacement surgery.
Tightness in the knee can occur as a result of injury to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage inside the knee. In some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Anyone who experiences tightness in one or both knees should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Although this new knee should theoretically not have the same issues of pain and stiffness as before, there can still be complications that cause knee pain and stiffness. If you've had a knee replacement and are experiencing stiffness, let your surgeon know.
The most common culprit of stiff knee pain is osteoarthritis, also known as wear-and-tear arthritis. Other potential causes include trauma to the knee joint, knee bursitis, gout, or knee tendonitis. The cause of pain directly impacts the physician-recommended course of treatment.
Muscle tightness — You can experience muscle tightness around your knee due to overuse. This is common among athletes, runners, and workers who stand on their feet for long periods of time. Muscle tightness around your knee can also occur while exercising while using improper form.
It can be due to reduced blood flow, tight muscles and ligaments, fluid pooled in the body's lower extremities, or pins and needles sensations in the feet.
Make squats a regular part of your workout routine and in a few weeks, you should notice a marked improvement in knee mobility and strength. Of note, its best to check with your doctor before starting a new workout routine, especially if you are experiencing bone and joint pain.
Don't Overdo It
Although exercise is the key to healing, you could be backpedaling progress by overworking your knee.
If you have had a knee replacement and your knee still feels unnatural, this is perfectly normal. It's normal for you to feel this way as recovery from a total knee replacement takes time.
The majority of patients expect to be able to kneel after TKR,2,4,5 however, these expectations are frequently not met,1,6 with between 50% and 80% of patients reporting that they have difficulty kneeling or do not kneel in the months and years after TKR.