Chronic knee pain

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Janeblonde
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Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 11:11 am
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by Janeblonde on Thu Oct 06, 2016 6:13 pm

Chronic knee pain

My mother had a second complete knee Operation in July 2014. It was considered a successful Operation and my mother seemed to be recovering reasonably well, attending physiotherapy for her knee and back problems. However, earlier this year, she had been complaining about worsening pain in her recently operated knee and now it is showing that it is inflamed and swollen. She finds it difficult to walk, and also has severe Degeneration of the spine and had a Steroid injection for the second time in April this year. I wonder if you have any suggestions? She tries to go out as much as possible and lives on the second Floor of a small block of flats, the stairs are fairly steep, but luckily there is a good bus service within walking distance, but shopping is increasingly becoming a pProblem, but she needs to get out, breathe in some fresh air and remain independent! She lives alone and is 80 years old - she could easily pass for under 70 years old! Thanking you - worried daughter!

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Nicola Footman
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Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2016 12:11 pm
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by Nicola Footman on Thu Oct 06, 2016 7:08 pm

Re: Chronic knee pain

Hi - sorry to hear your mother is struggling.

Firstly, has she had the knee x-rayed since it became swollen and painful? Has she had blood tests to rule out any infection? Has she spoken to the orthopaedic team/had it reviewed? It may be worth doing this to ensure there is no loosening of the replacement/any other complications.

If this is not the case and the joint replacement is stable then some gentle physiotherapy may be of value. Strengthening exercises in a non weight bearing position, similar to those she would have been taught initially after the operation, may help to support the knee and reduce the symptoms. Regular ice/heat packs (as long as she has no circulatory/sensation pathology in the legs) may also help to ease her pain. Does she walk with a stick? If not, using one to offload the knee could be an option?

Furthermore, the deterioration in her spine maybe contributing to the knee symptoms as she maybe loading it differently during her walking. Has she had any other treatment for her spine other than the steroid injections?

It might also be worth liaising with her GP as a short course of anti-inflammatories may help reduce her knee symptoms whilst she is trying to strengthen it.

Hope you find some of this advice useful!
Nicola
Nicola Footman
Senior Physiotherapist - BSc (Hons) MCSP SRP
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ootman.php

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Mr Adrian Wilson
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Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 9:42 am
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by Mr Adrian Wilson on Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:07 pm

Re: Chronic knee pain

What a shame that your poor mother had a good result and now has gone backwards..

The first thing to do is to get an opinion from a knee arthroplasty (joint replacement) specialist someone who concentrates on one replacement surgery as oppose to key hole..They should do a minimum of 100 total knees a year.

We need to rule out infection with appropriate tests and make sure the implants are still well fixed and in the right alignment.

Good luck..
Mr Adrian Wilson
Consultant Knee Surgeon - BSc (Hons) MBBS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Tr & Orth)
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... wilson.php

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Arthritis Care
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Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 10:27 am
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by Arthritis Care on Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:56 am

Re: Chronic knee pain

Hi Jane,

Sometimes there can be a bit of a wait before a referral to the orthopaedic specialist comes through. At that time it can be very helpful to get some practical advice and support from a physiotherapist.

In the meantime here's some information about managing pain:
https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/managi ... -with-pain

I hope that's helpful

kind regards

Guy

Arthritis Care Helpline

Tel 0808 800 4050 10am - 4pm weekdays

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