MCL pain after knee replacement

After replacement surgery, tissues around the knee can remain sensitive as swelling settles and walking mechanics change. Pain beside the inner joint line may involve the MCL region, but it can also come from the kneecap, a bursa, a tendon, the joint lining or a problem elsewhere. The timing, trigger, wound appearance, range of motion and presence of fever or calf symptoms help the surgical team sort these possibilities. Pain that is new, worsening or different from the expected recovery pattern deserves review.

Follow the surgeon's walking and exercise instructions, and avoid adding demanding activity to test the knee. Note when pain appears, whether it follows exercise, and whether swelling, warmth or reduced motion accompanies it. Use prescribed medicines only as directed. Physiotherapy can adjust gait, range-of-motion work and muscle loading when the surgical team considers it appropriate.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, wound drainage, spreading redness, fever, a newly unstable knee, or a sudden loss of movement. Seek urgent help for chest pain, shortness of breath, or a swollen painful calf. Do not assume inner-knee pain is a ligament problem without examination.

Ask whether the pain location matches the MCL, whether the implant and surrounding tissues need checking, and which exercises or walking changes are appropriate. Ask how to distinguish expected soreness from infection, instability or another condition.