How will knee replacement surgery affect pain from psoriatic arthritis?
It's normal to experience pain during the first few weeks after knee replacement surgery. The surgery itself may temporarily increase discomfort, and in some cases, the stress from surgery can cause PsA symptoms to worsen initially.
However, joint Show Full Answer
How will knee replacement surgery affect pain from psoriatic arthritis?
It's normal to experience pain during the first few weeks after knee replacement surgery. The surgery itself may temporarily increase discomfort, and in some cases, the stress from surgery can cause PsA symptoms to worsen initially.
However, joint replacement surgery is designed to relieve pain and repair damaged tissues, which can significantly improve quality of life for people with advanced psoriatic arthritis. Most people return to doing activities they love within about three months, though full recovery can take up to two years. Your doctor will discuss pain management options with you, which may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling
- Local anesthetics applied to specific areas
- Opioids for severe pain (though newer non-opioid options are now available)
If over-the-counter pain treatments aren't keeping you comfortable during recovery, let your healthcare provider know so they can adjust your pain management plan. To manage PsA after surgery and prevent further damage:
- Continue taking your prescribed medications to control inflammation
- Stay active with exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability
- Keep up with physical therapy (typically 4-8 weeks recommended)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid foods that trigger inflammation
MyPsoriasisTeam members emphasize that staying active, doing range of motion exercises, and avoiding long periods in one position really help with managing pain after surgery.
December 10, 2025
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