Knee Pain After Hip Replacement

After hip replacement surgery, you expect relief from your hip pain, but some people find themselves dealing with knee pain after hip replacement instead.

This can be a frustrating and unexpected development.

Let’s explore the reasons behind knee pain after hip replacment, what can be done about it, and how you can recover!

 

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Why Does Knee Pain Happen After Hip Replacement?

 

There are several factors can lead to knee pain after hip replacement surgery:

• Gait Changes: After hip surgery, the way you walk may change as your body adjusts to the new joint. This shift can put new pressure on your knees, leading to pain​.
• Leg Length Differences: Your legs may end up slightly different lengths after hip surgery. This can cause uneven pressure on your knees and lead to discomfort​.
• Pre-existing Knee Issues: If you had knee arthritis or another knee problem before surgery, it may become more noticeable as your focus shifts away from hip pain​. There are treatments for knee arthritis without further surgery.
• Compensation: Your body may be putting more weight on the non-operated leg while you recover, which can strain the opposite knee​.

 

Treatments for Knee Pain After Hip Replacement

 

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage knee pain without additional surgery:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help correct your gait and strengthen the muscles around both your hip and knee. This reduces strain on the knee when bending or straightening and helps you move more comfortably​.
• Pain Relief Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce knee pain. This can help your body have time to heal without pain. If pain persists, your doctor may suggest injections to ease inflammation.
• Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can relieve pressure on your knees and reduce pain​
• Regenerative Medicine: At Orthobiologics Associates, we offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell treatments, which use your body’s natural healing processes to repair tissues and reduce inflammation​. Both PRP and stem cell treatments have pros and cons, so its important to consult your healthcare provider when considering these options.

 

Preventing Knee Pain After Hip Surgery

 

Prevention starts with good preparation and post-surgery care:

• Pre-Surgery Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around your hip and knee before surgery can help prevent pain afterward.
• Post-Surgery Exercises: Low-impact exercises, such as cycling or swimming, can help you stay active without putting too much strain on your knees​.
• Correcting Your Gait: Working with a physical therapist to improve your walking posture can reduce the chances of knee pain after surgery​.

 

How Orthobiologics Associates Can Help

 

At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in non-surgical treatments for hip and knee pain.

Our personalized approach is designed to help you recover more comfortably and avoid complications like knee pain.

• Regenerative Medicine: We use PRP therapy and stem cell injections to promote natural healing in your joints, helping reduce inflammation and repair tissues​. Studies show that PRP therapy is effective at reducing pain from issues like knee osteoarthritis.
• Customized Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists design individualized rehabilitation plans to correct your gait and strengthen muscles, reducing knee pain during your recovery.
• Comprehensive Care: Every patient’s journey is unique, and we tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs, ensuring you get the best care possible.

 

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Conclusion

 

Knee pain after hip replacement can be frustrating, but it’s not something you have to live with.

By working with Orthobiologics Associates, you can find relief through personalized, non-surgical treatments that target the root cause of your pain.

If you’re experiencing knee pain after hip surgery, contact Orthobiologics Associates today to learn about our treatment options and get started on the path to recovery.

 

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FAQs

 

Is it normal to have knee pain after surgery?

Yes, it’s fairly common to experience knee pain after hip replacement surgery. This can happen due to changes in your walking pattern, leg length differences, or pre-existing knee conditions. However, while some discomfort is expected, severe or persistent knee pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Why does my knee hurt after a hip replacement?

Knee pain after hip replacement often occurs due to biomechanical changes. After surgery, your gait may shift, putting new pressure on your knee joints. Additionally, a slight leg length discrepancy or stress on the opposite knee as it compensates for the operated side can lead to discomfort.

Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain?

Moderation is key. While resting can help in the short term, walking and gentle exercise are important to keep the muscles around your knee and hip strong. Too much rest can lead to stiffness, while overexertion can worsen pain. It’s important to follow a balanced rehabilitation program, ideally under the guidance of a physical therapist.

What if my knee pain keeps getting worse after hip replacement?

If your knee pain continues to worsen after surgery, it’s essential to speak with your doctor. Persistent or increasing pain could signal issues like improper gait alignment, leg length discrepancy, or complications with the surgery. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent further damage and help manage the pain effectively.

Will my knee pain go away on its own after hip replacement?

In many cases, knee pain improves over time with physical therapy and proper care. However, if the pain is severe or doesn’t improve within a few weeks, it’s best to consult your surgeon or a healthcare professional to rule out any complications and explore treatment options like regenerative medicine or physical therapy.