What Causes Pain Around Knee Joint After Total Knee Replacement?

Posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2014

Question: I have a total knee replacement on my left leg. three days ago when I got out of bed i could feel the knee cap rubbing ( this is nothing new and okay per my ortho. ) after that I have a pain on the right side of my lower leg. Not sure if it is the muscle there but there is a 3 cm spot that really hurts if touched or when i extend my leg. it actually hurts all the time but incredible pain when bumped. seems to be getting worse. unfortunatlly i am not home or would have gone in, should I here or what to do

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is possibility of metallosis or infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

Pain around knee joint post TKR can be due to many reasons.
I would like to ask some detail history like do you have redness in area of pain? Is there local rise of temperature?
There is possibility of metallosis or infection around knee joint.
As pre your history infection needs to ruled out by tests

You may need to investigate blood like CRP, CBC, ESR.
You may need x ray of knee standing AP and Lateral to see for bone spike leading to pain and position of implant.
Yes friction of patella can be normal and in rare cases only it is cause of pain.

Till time take rest and take over the counter analgesic.
There can be age related osteoporosis associated take calcium and vit D supplement.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (5 hours later)

It is not the joint itself but mid calf on the side . it is about 3 cm in size and yes it is swollen but not I believe infected. it is incredibly sensitive to touch and the pain is worse when my leg is extended not flexed. I do know it is not my joint. that feels fine
my concern is whether or not I should go see someone or wait to see if pain gets better

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should consult your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

You may need to consult your doctor and take proper treatment after clinical examination.

There can be neuroma or inflammatory swelling.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar