I'm interested to know how others are dealing with this sudden oddity. 5 weeks post op from an arthroscopy to repair torn miniscus, cartilage, remove object and clean up knee cap the knee gives way with a sudden, sharp pain that nearly takes me down. It just started a few days ago. I want to believe it is still part of the healing process but fear the worst. I've read other posts with similar.....does it ever get better? I should mention that I'm an active 81 with one total knee replacement on the other leg. .
I have very similar history - once I had quite complicated knee replacement procedure in Poland, and three years ago arthroscopy. After arthroscopy I occasionally felt extremely sharp pain, it was gone after about 8 months of rehabilitation. In the meantime I tried to bend my leg rather carefully and move slower in general.
You have impeccable timing!! I'm experiencing the exact same thing and it's 5 weeks from 2nd arthroscopy in a year. It kills right behind the kneecap and the leg gives way. I don't know what could be causing it either. Perhaps were walking differently because there's less cartilage and the knee is not liking it! Today, so far, ok. But I am dreading those knee shockers for sure. I will ask at my follow up, but I'm sure they'll blow me off like they did when I told them my knee was still torn. It was! Good luck.
Thank you for your response. My sudden pain is more to the back of the knee and toward the outside but to be honest it could be coming from anywhere in the joint. I'm also having trouble bringing the knee straight after each episode.I'm really concerned about falling. I, too, had several arthroscopy on the other knee and eventually had to have the knee replaced. Coming up on 82 I'd like to avoid that if I can. I see my Orthopedist on Wed. and since we are at the same juncture in recovery I will let you know what he tells me.
Thank you for your response. I can only hope that rehab would be the solution but 8 mos. of it seems like a LONG time!. I see my Orthopedist this week. In the meantime I'll take your advice and move slowly and carefully.
Yes please keep me posted. I had a mini knee pain today. So I'm curious as to what is causing it. Happy healing!
O.k.....here's the scoop. My knee was especially sore today for my appointment. My doctor tells me that when there has been any debridement of the knee cap or joint there is a certain amount of "grit" left behind. Until joint fluid builds in again the grit creates irritation and can cause the painful "catch" sensation. He gave me a cortisone shot directly into the sore spot and said he'd see me again in 4 wks. That gives me some hope that it may get better . I had 4 arthroscopy on my right knee ....2 before the total replacement ...all by other doctors....and 2 after. Never had this "grit" thing but I have full confidence in this doctor and hope is all we have to hang on to. In the meantime I need to spend less time on my feet and remember to ice periodically....20 min. at a time. Keep me posted on your progress. I'll be interested. Wishing you well!
Luanne, thank you for the update. I guess that makes sense about the fluid building back up again. Good to know. Did the Cortisone shot help? I had one last year after my first scope and it didn't seem to help. Meanwhile, I think I overdid it last week. Climbing up and down a ladder while trimming the tree, chasing the puppy who kept stealing decorations and running away with them, going for a walk in deep snow, and shopping. Well, I was in so much pain and the knee swelled up again, so I was back to my crutches and ice! Then felt better yesterday, so I was in my feet for a free hours straight doing light housework, then BAM, pain in the inside knee where the 2 tears were. Back on the couch. Used a lidocaine patch and Ace bandage. Does it ever get better? I'm having company for Christmas and don't know how I'm going to manage it if I can't be on my feet without experiencing excruciating pain afterwards. This is really getting me down.
Hi Renee....I had my almost 10 wk. follow up appointment today. Pain now is reduced by about 50% but still not gone even after a cortisone shot. The plan is to wait and see another 4 wks. and if pain persists beyond another 4 wks. i can have another cortisone shot ( which seemed to push up my blood pressure) or gel injections, which would have few, if any, side effects. I did ask today just how much cartilage was removed and he said about 30%. Since we are at the same time post op I'm curious as to how you are doing now. You had a lot of pain over the holidays. Has that gotten better?
Funny you should ask Luanne. My knee is swollen and feels like the meniscus is torn again. I'm limping today. I had it wrapped in an Ace bandage all weekend. If I do anything like twisting accidentally like in snow or ice, it gets really bad. I'm in so much pain, I haven't slept for 4 nights. I know the muscles are week, but I also know if I exercise I will be on crutches. I don't know what to do. Any ideas?
Darn!....Sorry that you are having such a hard time of it! I , too, have to be really careful not to make a twisting motion. I did that this morning and let out a yelp but otherwise am on my feet a lot and up and down stairs. but I really think I've made improvement. Has your doctor offered cortisone shots to quiet things down? That did help me. I still try to ice twice a day for about 20 min. at a time. We have ice and snow on the ground, too, and I never go outside without my trusty Leki treking pole. Really afraid of slipping. I feel really bad for you. Please keep me up to speed.........if I'm not doing near 100% in the next 4 weeks I'll try the gel shots. I'm at 10 wks. today.
I haven't been icing everyday. It's been so cold outside, the thought of icing makes me cringe! I've been using the lidocaine patches. It helps some. It's pretty swollen still, so I probably should ice. I have full range of motion when it's not swollen, but couldn't bend it today or over the weekend. I accidentally knelt down on it and just about screamed it hurt so much. I'm 10 weeks same as you. We're a pair, aren't we? Oh, I had the shooting pain that takes your breath away too the other day. On a positive note, I can ride my bike and do most of my yoga workout. Progress definitely, but this latest setback is making me think I tore it for a third time. Keep me posted. Hugs sister!
Take heart, Renee....I thought I tore it again, too, because the sudden OMG pain was back but the cortisone shot took care of that. I tried kneeling on mine when I made the bed but not a good idea at this point. Doctor said to keep moving it so I don't lose range of motion but to use reason.....if it hurts, dial it back a bit. Good luck! I'm pulling for you......
Thank you so much for your support and encouragement, Louanne. So glad we can be buddies during this hellish experience. Guess I need to see the doc again. Thing is, I've been down this road already last year. Turns out the meniscus was torn again. But hopefully a shot will help. Thanks and hugs! Let's have a happy no pain day today!!
So everyday I wake up hoping I won't be in pain. Well here it comes! It feels like a rubber band is around my knee. I'm getting so discouraged. I just want to feel normal again.
Hi Renee.....Gel shot last Friday, Feb. 16th. It went fine but I was told it could be 2 wks. for full effect. Still very sore so we'll see........
Good to hear. Is it a new soreness caused by the shot? I had to use my crutches Sunday. All I did was walk to about a block to and from church. Knelt on it while there. Came home and vacuumed. Sat on the couch, the BAM! Excruciating pain. I couldn't bear weight on it. So I'm a little scared to get this shot if it's gonna cause more pain. Keep me posted and I hope it feels better.
Ok to get the shot is $330! That's with insurance. I told them I'll wait. I might try cold laser therapy from my chiropractor. It helped a lot last year when it was torn. My back is out of wack too.
Not familiar with cold laser therapy. I'll look it up.. There is also a last resort type of needle therapy similar to acupuncture but is actually covered by Medicare and my insurance. I still have a week and a half to see if the gel shot worked. I've added a brace and that gives me some stabilizing support. It's going on 15 wks. and I'm just darn sick of limping around.. I could have had the knee replaced and recovered in less time. My back has been hurting, too. I think it has to do with compensating for the knee.Let me know what you are planning next and if it works. I'm running out of options. In the meantime, hang in there!
No pain from the shot at all. The pain will come if I get a bill because my insurance didn't cover it all lol