Post Knee Replacement Pain at the back of the knee

jasleenarora

Hi,

My mother has had a total knee replacement surgery in December 2022 so it has been 6 months now. Although her recovery initially seemed to have been going well, in the last 8 weeks or so, she has started to feel a lot of pain at the back of her knee, when touching the area she complains about, it seems like there are some form of cysts or an issue with a muscle at the back of her knee. We can feel small "lumps" and when pressing on this, the pain becomes unbearable. Not a single NHS physiotherapist has been helpful in telling us what this issue could be and we are simply being told to keep exercising which seems to be making things worse as her pain is increasing.

We have been trying massages which provide temp relief for 1/2 hours then the pain comes back.

My mother understands that daily exercises are important and she has been doing them consistently but the pain is not reducing and her mobility is not getting better.

I essentially just wanted to know if anyone has experienced this type of pain before behind the knee where she can feel small "lumps / cysts" at the back of her knee and what they could possible be?

We are considering private physiotherapists who can help but don't know where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time to read this.

Many Thanks

Jasleen

Anna

Hello @jasleenarora and welcome to the online community,

I understand that your mother is experiencing pain at the back of her knee six months after having a total knee replacement. It feels like there are small lumps or cysts at the back of her knee and you are wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

Other members may be able to tell of their own experiences, but I would advise you to contact your GP or hospital consultant since it could be one of several conditions that need addressing.

I’ve linked to the Versus Arthritis page that has some information about having knee replacement surgery. It talks about some of the complications that can arise so you might be interested in having a look. It does sound like your Mum is doing all the right things to recover, so well done to her, but she could need the advice of her GP before she continues.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/knee-replacement-surgery/

Do have a look round the forum and join in any conversations that you feel comfortable with. Please do carry on asking questions.

Anna ( Moderator)

stickywicket

Hi Jasleen,

I'm sorry your Mum's having problems but she's lucky to have such a caring daughter.

I'm impressed that she's persevering with the exercises but, for once, I'm wondering if she should. I've no medical expertise at all but what you describe sounds to me like a Bakers' Cyst. Anyone can get them but thòse of us with arthritis are more prone to them. I had one years ago and my husband had one about 10 years ago. Have a read here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bakers-cyst/

I think your Mum's best bet would be to see either her GP or, if she's still in touch, her surgeon. A good physio might be able to diagnose it but I think it's more a GP thing. Please let us know how she gets on.