Stapling sensation after knee surgery
You have recently had knee surgery and are now suffering from an unpleasant clamping sensation, limited mobility or even painful swelling. What could be the cause?
The tissue around the knee joint has been injured during knee surgery. The natural healing of the injured tissue takes time and requires inflammation. As a result, the tissue is better supplied with blood and the area feels warm. At the same time, more fluid penetrates the tissue because the inflamed tissue is more permeable. This leads to swelling and blockage of the lymph channels and the corresponding feeling of tightness and pain. These consequences of the inflammation are different for each person.
Measures against inflammation
The following different conservative remedies can help to alleviate the feeling of stapling after knee surgery:
- Physiotherapy plays an important role in the healing process. It can relieve swelling and pain with targeted massages and lymphatic drainage.
- Regular intake of anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or anti-inflammatory tablets consisting of medicinal herbs.
- Elevation and cooling as well as wearing support stockings also have a supportive effect.
- Special tapes help to keep the lymph channels open and improve the drainage of tissue fluid, which counteracts tissue swelling.
- Fascia therapy with Blackrolls and acupuncture
The knee joint should also be rested for a certain period of time. The degree of swelling and the level of pain indicate healing. If the pain decreases, the load can be adjusted again. If these measures do not lead to a significant improvement in the situation after one to two weeks or if the condition even worsens, this should be urgently clarified with the treating orthopaedic surgeon. In addition to a detailed clinical examination, this is often followed by an imaging clarification with X-rays and/or MRI and blood tests.
Other causes
If the conservative measures have not led to the desired improvement and relief of the symptoms, other causes must be involved. These include
- Infections
- scarring
- renewed meniscus tear
- Tearing of a meniscus suture or cruciate ligament suture
- Non-optimal position of the new cruciate ligament transplant
- Bouncing of the kneecap
- Increase in cartilage damage
- Osteonecrosis (death of bone)
- Free joint piece
- Non-optimal positioning of the artificial knee joint
- fracture
- Allergy to material etc.
Depending on what was initially operated on the knee (e.g. meniscus suture, cruciate ligament suture or replacement, artificial knee joint) and what the cause of the clasping sensation is, the therapy is reassessed and further conservative and surgical measures are initiated.
Book a consultation appointment
We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.
Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a recognised expert in knee problems and has extensive experience in the field of artificial knee joints and alternative treatment methods.
Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer
FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Areas of specialisation: Knee, hip and foot surgery.
