1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

Night time pain

Posted , 5 users are following.

kimmers88
kimmers88

I had a full knee replacment about  7 1/2 weeks ago, I know I'm better than I was but this is taking so long to get better. Lately I have been having pain at night in both legs and in my knee and it's still so stiff. I no long take pain meds, just Tylenol. Is there something stronger that would help with my pain? I also use a topical cream but don't feel it helps much.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • lynda72291
    lynda72291 kimmers88

    Posted

    I take dihydrocodeine last thing at night.  These were prescribed in hospital but as they can be addictive I have cut it down to just the one.  The remainder of the time I have Ibuprofen and Paracetamol every 8 and 6 hours.  I'm sure this helps but does not give me a pain free night.  I have been walking around the bedroom and then try to settle down again.  This usually happens 3 or 4 times nightly!  All good wishes to you.

    • kimmers88
      kimmers88 lynda72291

      Posted

      Sounds like you feel like I do. My Dr. took me off pain meds about 4 weeks. I sure could use one at night time! I notice if I move around it helps a little because it gets so stiff and hurts so much. Thanks Lynda! How long ago did you have your replacement?
    • lynda72291
      lynda72291 kimmers88

      Posted

      3 weeks ago so I know it's early days just wish I could feel bit more comfortable.  I forgot to say that using the ice bag helps.  I tend to use it for about 20 minutes at a time.  Have you tried this?

    • kimmers88
      kimmers88 lynda72291

      Posted

      I have what you call an Ice man. It's a machine that you fill with part ice and part water and it runs though a tube into this wrap that you put on your knee. I ice 3 times a day for 20-30 minutes. You should start to feel a little better every day.

    • lynda72291
      lynda72291 kimmers88

      Posted

      That's what I had in hospital but not allowed to take home with you.  I have a little bag you put in the freezer and then put it into a cuff which fits around the knee.  It definitely helps. Thanks for saying I should feel better each day, these nights are not so good.  I don't know where in the world you are but here it is 2.55am so you can see it's not easy to sleep, 😒.  I have never felt this uncomfortable ever!

    • kimmers88
      kimmers88 lynda72291

      Posted

      Well it's only 9:59 here and I'm in Northeastern NY, about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. I hope you can get some sleep soon, I am going to try shortly too! Good night.

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX kimmers88

    Posted

    Docs can RX Tramadol (Ultram) 50mg.  Also get Voltaren Gel (RX in the US)...the second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.  (The BEST is available in Colorado with a special card through a special store...but it's FANTASTIC!!!!!)

  • valerie04000
    valerie04000 kimmers88

    Posted

    Hi i am now 6 months after TKR and only in the last month can I sleep comfortably at night. Believe me it takes time but keep taking the tablets and icing your knee and you will get there. I live in England and have a lovely Consultant and go for my 6 month check up tomorrow, so I hope he is pleased with me.

     

    • lynda72291
      lynda72291 valerie04000

      Posted

      Sleeping at night must be lovely after such a long haul.  Thank you for your encouragement and good luck with your visit tomorrow.
  • RangerJack
    RangerJack kimmers88

    Posted

    K88, I highly recommend three items for your consideration. First, try using heat to relax the knee prior to beginning the day. About 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient. Second, keep doing your rehab streches on your own every day, better yet, twice a day. Walking is a marvelous exercise which will give you many healthy returns. Third, use ice after each exercise and walking session. I have found doing as much physical movement combined with heat and ice are the best medication. Bonus suggestions, get as much rest as possible from sleep, naps, and meditation. Positive thoughts are highly recommended. Regards, RJ.

     

    • kimmers88
      kimmers88 RangerJack

      Posted

      Thank you for  that info. I have been doing most of them. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.