Causes of a Painful Knee Replacement:
Most people recover well after knee replacement surgery and enjoy lasting relief from pain. However, a small number of patients may continue to experience discomfort or stiffness in the knee.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Infection: Bacteria can sometimes cause an infection around the knee implant, leading to pain, swelling, or warmth.
Implant loosening or wear: Over time, the artificial parts can loosen or wear out, resulting in pain or a feeling of instability.
Stiffness or scar tissue: Excessive scar tissue may limit movement and cause discomfort when bending or straightening the knee.
Alignment or balance issues: If the components are slightly out of position, this can affect how the knee moves and feels.
Instability: The ligaments around the knee may become stretched or weak, causing the knee to feel unstable.
Soft tissue irritation: Muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the knee can become inflamed, leading to pain with movement.
Referred pain: Occasionally, pain may come from another area such as the hip or lower back rather than the knee itself.
If you are experiencing ongoing pain after knee replacement surgery, it’s advisable to have your knee assessed. In most cases, the cause can be identified and managed successfully.
