After the use of a knee TEP, there is still a lot of work to be done before the patient can cope with everyday life again without any problems. In the days after the operation, many patients still suffer from more or less pronounced post-operative pain. The pain symptoms can be explained by the major operation and the associated surgical wounds, bleeding and manipulation of the affected structures in the knee joint.
In addition to the pain, other symptoms usually develop in the course of rehabilitation. These symptoms include limited mobility of the operated knee joint. On the one hand, this is due to swelling, on the other hand, to the stiffening of the structures due to the long period of rest.
A feeling of weakness in the operated leg can also occur, as the musculature is atrophied in part and the leg cannot yet bear full loads. Pain during special movements such as climbing stairs or getting up from a chair are also typical symptoms after a knee TEP. Some patients experience symptoms such as a slight tingling sensation or numbness in the area where the skin was opened up, as skin nerves can be injured by the surgical incision. In rare cases, the prosthesis may not fit properly or loosen, which is reflected in pain and an increasing feeling of instability for the patient.
Causes of the pain
Pain after the use of a knee TEP is very unpleasant for the patient and delays the rehabilitation process. A poor general condition of the knee joint before the operation and possible pre-existing conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism or other joint diseases are risk factors for post-operative pain. Other causes of pain can include loosening of the prosthesis, infections, instability, osteolysis (bone abrasion) or arthrofibrosis (inflammatory disease of the connective tissue).
Sometimes the reason for the pain is not the TEP itself, but another diseased part of the body from which the pain can radiate to the knee joint (an example would be diseases of the hip). Strength training that is too early or too intensive can also lead to pain with the TEP. Patients should therefore adhere strictly to their rehabilitation plan and not overstrain their bodies. If the cause of pain with a TEP cannot be identified or the pain is particularly severe and lasts for a long period of time, consultation with the treating physician should be held to avoid complications and a delayed healing process.