It’s common to feel some nerve pain or tingling after knee replacement—the nerves around your knee have been stretched or irritated during surgery and need time to heal.

You might notice burning, sharp “zaps,” or pins-and-needles sensations. Gentle massage around, not on, the scar and regular, pain-free movement can help calm the nerves. Use a small amount of lotion once or twice a day to make this more comfortable.

If your surgeon recommends it, medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin may help nerve pain, but these can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Always check before starting anything new.

Healing takes time—usually several months—but it does improve. Keep moving gently and be patient with yourself.

Some swelling after knee surgery is completely normal — it’s part of the healing process. Rest with your leg slightly elevated, use ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, and keep up gentle ankle movements to help circulation. Avoid sitting still for too long; short, gentle walks actually help clear swelling.

Here’s a general timeline many people experience:

• 0–4 weeks: Most swelling — it slowly improves week by week.
  
• 1 month: Noticeable improvement, but progress becomes slower.
  
• 3 months: Big difference — most people feel much better.
  
• Up to 9 months (sometimes longer): Mild swelling can persist — that’s normal.
  

Everyone’s body heals differently. Some recover quickly, others take longer. Don’t stress — improvement continues for many months.

Call your surgical team right away if:

• Your knee becomes suddenly red, hot, or more swollen,
• You feel feverish or generally unwell,
• Or pain increases sharply.

Otherwise, steady improvement—even if slow—is completely normal. You’re doing great.

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Post-surgery swelling can last for weeks or even months.
You can help reduce it by:

• Alternating rest and gentle movement.
• Using ice for 15–20 minutes a few times a day.
• Elevating your leg when possible.

If one leg suddenly becomes much more swollen, red, or painful, contact your surgeon to rule out complications.

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Waiting for hip surgery can be tough, but gentle movement—the kind that doesn’t cause pain—can actually help. Staying active keeps your muscles strong and reduces discomfort. Try walking, swimming, or stationary cycling if it feels comfortable.

Regular exercise not only maintains strength but often lessens pain by improving joint stability. You can explore programs like GLAD or try the JointRecovery.com Pre-Hab exercises to get started safely.

Use heat to relax tight muscles and plan your day so you’re not doing too much at once. If your current pain medication isn’t working, speak with your doctor—there are often safer or more effective options before surgery.

Avoid opioid painkillers (like morphine, hydromorphone, or oxycodone) for arthritis pain. They can be addictive and are linked to poorer recovery after surgery.

Remember—every bit of movement and preparation helps your recovery go more smoothly. Surgery is around the corner, and JointRecovery.com is here to support you ever.

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When to Contact Your Doctor

If pain suddenly worsens, limits your ability to walk, or your medication isn’t helping, speak with your healthcare team. They can adjust your plan or recommend other options to keep you comfortable and safe before surgery.

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You can help manage knee pain before surgery by:

• Doing simple strengthening exercises (ask your physiotherapist for safe ones).
• Using ice or heat for comfort.
• Spacing your activities through the day.

Always check with your healthcare team before starting new exercises or supplements.