What should you know about TKR in rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect several joints, including the knee. Persistent joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, and morning joint stiffness may signal ongoing activity, while finger stiffness or hand swelling can show that other joints also need attention. A knee replacement addresses damaged joint surfaces; it does not remove the underlying tendency toward inflammation.

The orthopaedic and rheumatology teams may review disease activity, skin health, mobility, bone quality, and medicines before surgery. A plan for anti-inflammatory medication around the operation should be individualised rather than changed without instruction.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list and describe recent flares, infections, wound problems, and mobility changes. Arrange help at home and consider how hand symptoms may affect crutches, a walker, dressing, or stairs. After surgery, rehabilitation builds knee movement, leg strength, balance, and confidence while respecting fatigue and other painful joints.

Keep appointments with both teams. Report a flare or infection early because it may affect the timing of medicines, exercises, or wound review. Use prescribed pain relief and mobility aids as directed.

Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a sudden reduction in knee movement. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or a painful swollen calf. A new, severe rheumatoid flare or suspected infection also deserves prompt advice, particularly when immune-modifying medicines are being used.

Ask how active your rheumatoid arthritis should be before surgery, who will manage each medicine, and what symptoms should delay a dose or procedure. Discuss hand and foot limitations, walking aids, home assistance, physiotherapy goals, wound checks, and the plan if another joint flares during recovery.