What is TKA or total knee arthroplasty (replacement)?

Total knee arthroplasty or TKA is a surgical procedure performed to relieve chronic knee pain in patients that have degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis. Also known as a total knee replacement, TKA can help sufferers regain mobility and live active lifestyles once again. While pain is likely after total knee replacement surgery, in some cases, chronic pain lingers for months or years or may never go away on its own. In these instances, a pain management specialist like Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) can help you regain your life.

TKA or knee arthroplasty replaces damaged parts of the knee with an artificial joint. The scope of the surgery varies, depending on the extent of the damaged joint. Recovery from knee replacement surgery may take months or longer and is a slow process for many individuals. Unfortunately, pain is a common side effect of TKA.

When pain from TKA becomes more than you can manage with conservative treatments.

Surgeons often recommend patients are active following surgery but start slow by walking short distances every day. And ice the joint after you walk or exercise to help reduce swelling and pain. Pain medication may be prescribed for a period after knee replacement surgery. However, if you’re searching for alternative pain relief following a knee replacement, MSSP can help.

MSSP offers medication management to help ensure you take the right medications at the right time and to reduce interference with other minimally invasive procedures or treatments you may undergo for your pain. We also provide preop and postop nerve desensitization treatments that are drug-free and work by disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain.

Radiofrequency ablation or RFA is a pain management treatment used to treat chronic pain by delivering radiofrequency waves directly to the affected nerves to prevent or lessen pain sensations. RFA is an outpatient treatment with minimal downtime and may be ideal for chronic knee pain either before or after knee surgery.

Peripheral nerve blocks are also helpful at temporarily reducing pain, specifically following knee surgery to ease post-op pain quickly or throughout your rehabilitation phase.

However, post-op knee replacement pain is treated differently among all patients and according to their pain level and overall health. Our pain management doctor in Corinth will assess your health records and perform a thorough examination to determine which pain management treatments are best for you.

Treating Pain Associated with Knee Replacements in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN

Approximately 790,000 Americans receive a knee replacement every year, according to the American College of Rheumatology. While many outcomes are favorable, like reduced joint pain and improved mobility, it is not uncommon to report a spike in pain levels immediately following surgery or deal with chronic pain for months afterward. Therefore, if you have knee pain associated with a knee replacement, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates to learn which pain relieving treatment is right for you. Live a more mobile and active life with reduced pain by calling (662) 284-8565.