Total knee replacement nighttime pain control.AVI

[solda14073]

Thank you so much for the video. My wife was miserable with the pain she was experiencing at night. Large amounts of pain pills were marginally effective, and her requests for sleep aids went unheeded. A little Saran wrap and her favorite lotion resulted in the first good night's sleep she's had in a while.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

[32f3245f4]

@solda14073

Thanks so much for the compliments. Just remember that you may need to alternate techniques every other day or so because of the way our brains constantly try to interpret sensory signals. I used the fluffy wool lined plastic leg support that the hospital sent me home with to alternate with the plastic wrap.One nite one material and the next nite the other material.

I do find it interesting that the docs usually never mention night pains and meds don't offer much help.

[allaboutrandom]

Ben

I am 12 days post op from my tka and am not sure that i didnt make a huge mistake. I can flex 120 easy but cannot straighten to 0 yet. Mucho pain all the time this is very frustrating. I am 55 yr grandma and i've just got to get back up and going. I really enjoyed your video re phantom pain. My husband is aquiring the material now. Any ideas for increasing extension.

[32f3245f4]

@allaboutrandom

Congratulations on doing 120 deg. flex...that was the toughest for me.

The flex will come with time and patience but the two things that I did for extension were:

1) Immerse yourself in a tub of hot, hot water for loosen up leg muscles, and apply downward pressure while immersed. Do sets of thirty seconds, relax, again...etc.

2) Take pain meds then lay in bed with foot resting on raised platform so leg is concave.

Try to sleep that way if possible.

Ben

[grapernator]

I hope this will do the trick Ben! Night time pain is so frustrating. I thank you in advance. JMG 8 weeks post op

[32f3245f4]

@grapernator

Thanks. So far this technique has proven 100% successful but be sure to alternate with another technique from time to time (eg. using the furry lined plastic leg support). The idea is to not allow the brain to redefine it's pain signals. The plastic wrap creates an absence of stimulus while a furry (wool, etc.) cast overloads the sensory system to help negate stray pain signals.

Wish you the best!

[prdasful]

it stay like 1 hr i always take tylenols sumtimes both knee hurts sumtimes only 1. i never had surgery. i dont play any sports but i do splits. i have no prov with sitting nd standing

[32f3245f4]

@prdasful

Hi!-I really needs tons more info. but here are my best guesses. 1) I do not think it is growing pain.

2) Possibly a harmless (or not) growth on a bone in the knee joint. 3) Possibly a shoe/arch support problem. 4) Possible a referred pain from lower back vertebrae.

I kind of suspect (2). You can try arch supports and test guess #3. Try any spine extension exercise and test (4).

I assume there is no swelling, you have had no falls on your knee, and that the pain is local.

[32f3245f4]

@prdasful

One last thing...here is one thing you should rule out. It's possible that extreme hip flexion could produce knee pain. Try not doing any splits for a few days to see if knee pain is reduced.

[32f3245f4]

I thought I just answered this...guess not? I need to know more info. Have you had knee replacement? Need to have replacement? Don't know? When does it hurt the most? the least?What helps?, and approx. age?

I will get back to you asap.

[prdasful]

my knee hurts for no reason i cant sleep at night i have to get up and take some pain killer i tryed everything but nothing works can sum 1 help me plzzzzzzzzzzzz

[32f3245f4]

@prdasful

"my knee hurts for no reason"...help me out here. Have you had knee replacements? Are you ready for replacements? When does knee hurt the most? the least? Age?, etc.

I will get back with you asap...knee pain is not nice.

[prdasful]

@32f3245f4 im 16 and my knee hurts like at 2 or 3 at night my doctor said its growing pain but i hate it takes my sleep away:(((((

[32f3245f4]

@prdasful

Ok, be patient and stay with me. I still need more info. Is the type of pain sharp or dull and throbbing? How long does it usually last? Could it be work or sports related? What kind of meds do you take to stop the pain? Is it one knee or both that hurt? Have you had any surgery on or near the knee in the last year? Do you have any lower back pains? Do you find your knee painful after you have been sitting in a chair and then attempt to stand up?

[32f3245f4]

Hi, thanks for the feedback. I am glad you got some relief.

[ballygomartin]

I tried this.

It works.

My scar is really sensitive when it comes into contact with the blankets of my bed.

The saran wrap deadens the pain and helps me get some sleep.

Many Thanks!

[sandramcminnis]

I will try!

[32f3245f4]

Thanks for the comments. I don't know why docs don't want to pass on some tips like these but they completely ignore people that are not medical docs.

The wrap seems to be 100% effective in reducing night time pain significantly but you also must alternate with something else from time to time.

Interestingly, a year and a half after my TKA's I continue to have some numbness in my big toes as a result of nerves they hack through. Also, sometimes at night I get hot foot. fixed that. Best to U!

[tryntjet]

Thankyou so much..I am in week 4 post surgery and I have wrapt my knee and just laying in bed is so much more comfortable..I feel sure I will sleep very well tonight..God bless you for your thoughtful lness. helen 58 years old

[VEGASTOLLY]

Thank you for the tips!!!

[32f3245f4]

@VEGASTOLLY

Thanks for taking time to reply. I wish you the best.

[32f3245f4]

Glad it works...just remember it's all about the mind at this point (neural plasticity and deficits) and later you may need some other variations.

The Best to your recovery

[miztinker]

I tried the Saran Wrap idea last night and IT WORKED!!! Not sure 'why' it works, perhaps the heat generated by trapping body heat plus moisture? but no matter, I will be doing this again for relief. Thank you for posting such a simple drug free remedy that gives instant help, kudos!

[miztinker]

Sounds too simple to be effective but will try anything ~ I am 12 days out from surgery and have almost no pain during the day but soon as I get into my bed it kicks in like a storm. Still have staples and bandages but will give it a shot with the saran wrap, nothing to loose.

[32f3245f4]

@miztinker

The dreaded "night pains" can be fierce at times. Try anything. I would recommend using a hand cream on the leg and then wrap with the saran wrap. The cream helps keep the wrap securely in place.

Also...you may need to vary the technique. For example switch back to the fleece line leg cast they probably sent you home with for a nite or two and then back to the wrap.

Remember your brain is searching for pain clues...so mix it up the texture.

Good luck.

[skcreedon]

Hi Ben,

Hope this is not a double post on my part. Today I am 2 weeks post op TKR and have been experiencing the evening/night ache that you describe. I stumbled onto your video about 2 am last night and it was like a ray of hope. Have just had my staples removed this morning and you can be sure I will be trying your paper towel and saran wrap suggestion . Thank you for posting this video -- from all the comments it has given relief to many. Hope your recovery is going well.  Best regards.

[32f3245f4]

@skcreedon

Well, I sure know what you are going through even though most doctors do not. You should get relief with the saran wrap (place some light skin cream over most of your leg first...this helps to hold the saran in contact). From time to time you will need to vary your technique such as switching to putting the plastic cast back on at nite (in lieu of the saran) and then back to saran. My recovery is going well. I did some inline skating yesterday for a few miles.

[32f3245f4]

Hi Sandy,

You will have my support. I know the pain is intense (most of the time) but remember this will build character (joke). It really is a mind game with the pain. I know you are going to think this is crazy but try convincing yourself to be friends with the pain..know that discomfort means recovery can follow. Mentally examine the pain. what color is it? Red? Can you change it to yellow? to green? to blue?

Ben

[32f3245f4]

@32f3245f4 Hi Sandy,

You will have my support. I know the pain is intense (most of the time) but remember this will build character (joke). It really is a mind game with the pain. I know you are going to think this is crazy but try convincing yourself to be friends with the pain..know that discomfort means recovery can follow. Mentally examine the pain. what color is it? Red? Can you change it to yellow? to green? to blue?/ (cpu problem with text box I think)

Ben

[shallforesthill]

Thank you for the exercise. I am going to try it right now. I am so appreciative for your tips, you have no idea. This has been the hardest thing I have ever been thru. It has been 4 weeks now.  It is so stiff. I just keep working on it. I hope your DVT is better. God bless you. Take care. Love, Sandy

[shallforesthill]

Thank you so much for telling us about the lotion and saran wrap at nite. I have been up all nite with the horrible pain and I watched your video and wrapped it last nite and I did not have one moment of pain and this morning it is not even as stiff and hurting as it is each morning. This is my third week of recovery. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful information. It will bring me so much relief and sleep. Thank you again.

[32f3245f4]

@shallforesthill

Thanks for the kind words. You may also find that you need to switch techniques from time to time. The psoas muscle group seems to generate a lot of these 'phantom' nite pains and I found certain stretching exercises also helped to reduce the nite pain (that nobody else understands).

Your recovery will take dedication and common sense. My knees are pretty good now but I did get femoral DVT's about 4 mo. post op./ Fear those/ I wish I had stayed on coumadin longer. Thxs.

[shallforesthill]

@32f3245f4 Thank you for your letter. Only one nite the saran wrap did not work. It was itching so badly and I had to cut it off at 1 A.M. and then the pain was with me all nite long. I am on the 4th week and the stiffness and pain is still with me. Can you tell me what stretching exercises to do please? I am open for any suggestions. What are DVT's? I am sorry you got that. I hope you feel better really fast. God bless you for helping me. Sandie

[32f3245f4]

@shallforesthill

EXERCISE: Standing with calf flexed forward I fastened an elastic cord just below knee area and connected to an immovable fixture. You can use Therabands, or that yellow stretchy tubing from Home Depot or Lowes. The idea is too have enough tension so when you push your heel to the floor it is difficult. Stretches the psoas. Also try laying on your side with a round (soft) object under mid thigh and roll over it. DVT=deep vein clots. Write again and I can tell more. out of text

[blackknight22w]

thanks for the info. hope the knees feel better

[gdhairyawan]

this is very interesting.i am 5 wks into my tkr.will try this tonite.nocturnl pain do keep me awake.

[DickinAK]

Thanks for your very informative video. I am about 6 weeks out since surgery. Similar to others, I have not been able to sleep due to spasms, twitching, aching, burning and chilling sensations.

i wrapped the knee last night with the kitchen wrap as you demonstrated, went to bed at 11:30 and woke up rested at 10AM. It really worked great!!

[32f3245f4]

@DickinAK

I am really glad to hear it worked so well for you. Keep in mind that it's our brain that is trying to sort out what type of interpretations to assign to what it perceives. That is also why you may have to vary things from time to time.

I always used a thin layer of hand creme over the leg and wrapped with the saran film. That kept the film in place during the night. Also try to exercise the psoas muscle group. Nite pain is a poorly understood phenomenon, unfortunately. /The best to U

[elizadianne]

Thanks for being willing to share your recovery process. I'm 3 months out of TKA on my left knee and will have to get the right one done before too long. I'll be back to watch your videos again!

[32f3245f4]

@elizadianne

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I hope in some small way I have helped. What I found interesting is that the whole experience of pain and healing were not the same for both knees. I understand this is common.

My knees are fine now...building up good quad strength.

Unfortunately I also have a major deep femoral vein blood clot in May...that is as painful as the TKA and more frustrating. I don't think the clot was related to the surgery. Good luck!

[tiffanyespinosa]

i hope u feel better :) and heal very well!

[32f3245f4]

@tiffanyespinosa

Thanks for the kind words. My knees are doing fine now, no stiffness at all and good flex. My current setback is a severe femoral deep vein thrombosis. It's as painful as a TKA but much more frustrating. I don't think it is related to the surgery. Just something to watch out for and respond to immediately instead of waiting like I did. Good luck.

Someday I hope to get back to inline skating.