Knee Surgery Recovery: Pain, Rehab, and Swelling Explained - Orthopedics

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Hello! It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging recovery process following your knee surgery after the accident in December 2015. Understanding the recovery from knee surgery, especially after a fracture and fixation with hardware, can be complex, and it’s important to address your concerns about pain, rehabilitation, and swelling.

Firstly, it's not uncommon to experience pain when placing weight on the affected leg, especially in the early stages of recovery. After surgery for a knee fracture, the body goes through a healing process that can take time. The pain you’re experiencing could be due to several factors:
1. Healing Process: After surgery, the bone and surrounding tissues need time to heal. Pain is often a sign that the body is still in the healing phase. The presence of hardware (like the pins you mentioned) can also contribute to discomfort, especially if they are irritating the surrounding tissues.

2. Muscle Weakness and Atrophy: Following surgery, it’s common for the muscles around the knee to weaken due to disuse. This muscle atrophy can lead to instability and pain when trying to bear weight. Engaging in rehabilitation exercises that focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings is crucial.

3. Swelling: Swelling in the ankle and knee can occur for several reasons. It may be a result of inflammation from the surgery, fluid accumulation due to immobilization, or even overuse if you’ve started to put weight on your leg too soon. Swelling can also indicate that the joint is not fully ready to bear weight.


Rehabilitation Recommendations
1. Physical Therapy: It’s essential to work with a physical therapist who can guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program. They can help you with exercises that promote range of motion, strength, and stability without overloading your knee. Focus on low-impact activities that don’t exacerbate your pain.

2. Gradual Weight Bearing: If your doctor has cleared you for weight-bearing, start gradually. Use crutches or a walker to assist you until you feel more comfortable. Listen to your body; if you experience pain, it may be a sign to reduce the weight you’re placing on your leg.

3. Ice and Elevation: To manage swelling, apply ice to the knee and ankle for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Elevating your leg can also help reduce swelling.

4. Strengthening Exercises: Begin with gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strengthening exercises as tolerated. Isometric exercises (contracting muscles without moving the joint) can be beneficial initially.

5. Monitor Pain Levels: Keep track of your pain levels. If you notice significant pain or swelling after certain activities, it may be a sign to modify your approach.

When to Seek Further Help
If your pain persists or worsens, or if you notice increased swelling or other concerning symptoms (like fever or redness), it’s important to consult your orthopedic surgeon. They may want to evaluate the hardware placement or check for any complications such as infection or improper healing.

In summary, recovery from knee surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program. By working closely with your healthcare team, you can optimize your recovery and regain function in your knee. Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your progress and any concerns you may have. Wishing you a smooth recovery!