Understanding and Managing Pain After Joint Replacement

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we understand that joint replacement surgeries — including knee, hip, and shoulder replacements — can significantly improve quality of life. However, some patients experience persistent pain even months after surgery. Our expert team is here to help diagnose the cause and offer comprehensive, personalized treatments to get you back on track.

Pain after a joint replacement refers to ongoing discomfort, stiffness, or instability lasting three to six months or longer following surgery. While mild soreness is part of normal healing, chronic pain may indicate a problem that needs evaluation.

Pain can occur after:

• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Shoulder replacement
• Other joint procedures

Common causes include:

• Infection: Even minor infections can cause serious joint pain and swelling.
• Implant loosening or wear: Artificial joints can shift or deteriorate over time.
• Scar tissue formation (arthrofibrosis): Limits movement and causes stiffness.
• Nerve injury: Surgical trauma may irritate or damage nearby nerves.
• Mechanical problems: Misalignment or instability of the prosthetic joint.
• Pre-existing conditions: Such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or referred pain from the spine.

Accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right solution.

You may be at greater risk if you have:

• Advanced age
• Obesity
• A history of multiple surgeries
• Diabetes or immune suppression
• Smoking habits
• Chronic pain before surgery

Proper surgical technique, rehabilitation, and early intervention can lower these risks.

Signs that pain needs evaluation include:

• Persistent or worsening joint pain
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
• Limited motion or stiffness
• Feeling of instability or weakness
• Clicking, grinding, or mechanical sounds
• Numbness, tingling, or sharp nerve pain

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use a thorough approach:

• Review of surgical history and symptoms
• Physical examination of joint stability and nerve function
• Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound as needed
• Blood tests for signs of infection or inflammation
• Diagnostic nerve blocks if nerve injury is suspected

Our goal is to pinpoint the cause and develop a customized treatment plan.

Many patients improve with non-surgical therapies, including:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, and muscle relaxants
• Physical Therapy: Stretching, strengthening, and scar tissue mobilization
• Assistive Devices: Braces or orthotics to offload pressure
• Weight Management: To reduce joint stress

Customized rehab is critical for long-term success.

When conservative measures aren't enough, we offer:

• Radiofrequency ablation: Especially for persistent joint pain after total joint replacement.
• Nerve blocks: For temporary nerve pain relief.
• Steroid, hyaluronic acid, and other intra-articular injections: Typically contraindicated after joint replacement due to infection risk, but in select cases, careful evaluation may guide additional treatments.

We prioritize safe, effective options to manage post-surgical pain.

If necessary, we may recommend:

• Revision surgery to replace or adjust the implant
• Arthroscopic scar tissue removal
• Nerve decompression procedures

Surgery is reserved for patients with clear mechanical or infectious causes.

We offer:

• Board-certified pain specialists
• State-of-the-art diagnostics
• Advanced, minimally invasive pain treatments
• Personalized, compassionate care
• Strong collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation teams

Our mission is not just to reduce pain but to help you live better.