Nighttime pain after a knee replacement is common because your body concentrates on healing while you rest.
Here's a breakdown of why you might experience increased knee pain at night after a knee replacement:
- Focused Healing: At night, your body prioritizes the healing process, which includes the surgical site in your knee joint and the surrounding muscles in your shin and thigh. This heightened activity can lead to increased sensitivity and pain.
- Even after a partial knee replacement, you should anticipate experiencing pain at night.
- Reduced Distractions: During the day, you are often distracted by activities and movement. At night, with fewer distractions, you become more aware of any discomfort or pain in your knee.
- Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process. Lying down for extended periods can sometimes increase inflammation in the knee joint, contributing to nighttime pain.
- Decreased Movement: Lying still for a prolonged period can cause stiffness in the knee joint, leading to increased pain when you try to move or change positions.
- Medication Timing: The timing of your pain medication may also contribute to nighttime pain. If your pain medication wears off during the night, you may experience increased discomfort.
