Knee replacement surgery is supposed to reduce pain and improve how you move.
But for some people, that’s not what happens.
If you’re dealing with nerve pain after knee replacement, you’re not alone—and it’s not just in your head.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we see this more often than people think.
Nerve-related pain can show up weeks or even months after surgery.
The good news?
There are real solutions that don’t involve more surgery or a lifetime of pain meds.
GET RELIEF FROM YOUR KNEE PAIN
What Causes Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement?
During surgery, nearby nerves—like the saphenous nerve or peroneal nerve—can get irritated, pinched, or damaged.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Swelling or scar tissue pressing on the nerve
- The nerve being stretched or cut during the procedure
- Tight bandages or a poor fit in the new joint
- In some cases, a painful nerve bundle called a neuroma can form
When that happens, it can lead to neuropathic knee pain.
This pain behaves differently from the usual soreness after surgery.
What Does Nerve Pain Feel Like?
You know your body, and you can usually tell when something feels off.
Nerve pain often shows up as:
- Burning or stabbing sensations
- Electric shocks or tingling down your leg
- Numbness or sensitivity around the knee
- Pain that lingers long after it should have faded
It’s different from the deep ache of joint pain.
If what you’re feeling is sharp, shooting, or persistent, it could be nerve-related.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Some pain after surgery is expected.
But if it’s not getting better—or getting worse—you should talk to someone who understands how nerves work.
Here are a few signs it’s time to act:
- Pain that keeps you up at night
- Numbness that doesn’t go away
- Sensitivity that feels “off” or extreme
- Pain that stops you from doing rehab
We always tell our patients—don’t wait and hope it goes away.
Post-surgical nerve pain is much easier to treat early on.
What Can You Do to Treat Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement?
Let’s look at some of the options for treating nerve pain:
Start with Non-Surgical Options
Most people don’t need another surgery to feel better.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we focus on helping your body heal with treatments that work with your biology—not against it.
Here’s what we often use:
- Medications that calm overactive nerves
- Gentle physical therapy to restore movement without flaring pain
- Nutritional support and supplements for nerve repair
You can also learn more about how we help patients with knee pain recover without relying on long-term medications.
Regenerative Therapies for Nerve and Joint Pain
If standard treatments aren’t enough, regenerative medicine offers another path forward.
These options focus on rebuilding damaged tissue and improving nerve function.
We may recommend:
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to support healing. Studies show that PRP can be effective in relieving neuropathic pain.
- Peptide therapy to stimulate nerve repair.
- Exosome therapy for improved cell-to-cell communication and recovery.
When Surgery Becomes an Option
Surgery is rarely the first step for nerve pain, but in some cases, it may be needed—especially if a neuroma or trapped nerve is confirmed.
Procedures like nerve decompression or neuroma removal can sometimes help, but we work to avoid that route if possible.
How We Help at Marin Regenerative Health With Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement
We take a full-picture approach to pain.
That means we look at your nerves, joints, movement patterns, and overall health—not just the part that hurts.
Our clinic focuses on:
- Personalized care plans tailored to your goals
- Non-invasive treatments that aim to heal, not just cover symptoms
- Advanced regenerative therapies that address both knee pain and nerve pain
You don’t have to bounce between specialists.
We help you connect the dots and get back to moving confidently again.
Can You Prevent Nerve Pain After Knee Surgery?
In some cases, yes.
Strengthening your muscles and improving mobility before surgery—what we call “prehab”—can lower the risk.
Managing inflammation, keeping blood sugar stable, and addressing other health issues also helps support nerve recovery.
After surgery, early rehab, good nutrition, and staying aware of your symptoms can make a big difference.
We offer support before and after surgery to give you the best shot at a smooth recovery.
Final Thoughts: Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement
If you’re dealing with nerve pain after knee replacement, it’s time to stop wondering if it’s normal and start finding answers.
This kind of pain isn’t just frustrating—it can interfere with your healing and your life.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we help people every day who are stuck in the same place.
With the right tools and support, it’s possible to calm nerve pain, restore function, and get back to living on your terms.
FAQs: Nerve Pain After Knee Replacement
What helps nerve pain after knee replacement?
Nerve pain after knee replacement can be managed with a combination of medications, physical therapy, and regenerative treatments like PRP or peptide therapy. At Marin Regenerative Health, we focus on personalized plans that target nerve healing, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility without relying on more surgery.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after total knee replacement?
Nerve healing can vary depending on the extent of the damage. Some people feel relief in a few weeks, while others may need several months. In more complex cases, recovery could take a year or longer. Early intervention and supportive care can help speed up the healing process.
How do you treat neuropathy in the knee?
Treating neuropathy in the knee involves calming irritated nerves, improving circulation, and supporting nerve regeneration. This can include targeted physical therapy, supplements, nerve-soothing medications, and regenerative therapies offered at Marin Regenerative Health.
Can you get neuropathy after surgery?
Yes, neuropathy can develop after surgery if nerves are stretched, compressed, or damaged during the procedure. This is especially common in joint replacements like the knee. Symptoms may include burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain.
Can physical therapy help with neuropathy?
Yes, physical therapy can be a valuable part of neuropathy treatment. It helps improve nerve mobility, reduce inflammation, and prevent further damage. At Marin Regenerative Health, we often combine therapy with regenerative options to support more complete healing.
