Some nerve-related symptoms after knee replacement are extremely common and usually nothing to worry about. Numbness, tingling, and burning sensations affect many patients in the weeks and months following surgery. These symptoms are typically due to minor nerve irritation during the surgical procedure rather than permanent nerve damage. For most patients, nerve symptoms improve significantly over weeks to months as the tissues heal and inflammation subsides. True nerve injury is rare, occurring in less than 1% of knee replacement surgeries. Understanding what's normal can help manage your expectations and reduce anxiety during recovery. This guide explains what to expect and when to seek help. Learn more about the full knee replacement procedure.

Numbness - most common, around/below scar area. Often permanent but not problematic. Tingling/pins and needles - nerves recovering, good sign. Burning sensation - nerve irritation, usually temporary. Hypersensitivity - skin feels overly sensitive to touch. Sharp shooting pains - nerve regeneration. Electric shock feelings - similar cause. Cold sensitivity - altered sensation to temperature. Most symptoms part of normal healing process.

Nerve symptoms follow a typical recovery pattern, though individual experiences vary. During the first few weeks, symptoms are often most intense as this is the peak inflammatory period. Between one and three months, most patients notice gradual improvement as healing progresses. From three to six months, significant reduction in symptoms occurs for the majority of patients. Between six and twelve months, continued improvement happens, with any remaining sensations usually stabilising. Beyond twelve months, persistent symptoms are usually stable and unlikely to change further. It's worth noting that permanent numbness around the scar is very common and considered normal - it's rarely problematic for patients once they're used to it. Severe persistent nerve pain is rare but should be assessed by your surgical team if it occurs.

Several strategies can help manage nerve symptoms during your recovery. Gentle massage around (not directly on) the scar can help desensitise the area. Desensitisation techniques using soft cloths or different textures can retrain nerve responses. Ice packs may help with burning sensations, while a light compression sleeve can provide comfort for some patients. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol can be used if needed. Keeping mobile actually helps nerve recovery by promoting blood flow and healing. Patience is important as nerves heal much more slowly than other tissues. Distraction techniques can help when symptoms are bothersome. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing over the knee reduces irritation. Most patients find symptoms become less noticeable as they return to normal activities.

While most nerve symptoms are normal, certain signs warrant medical attention. Contact your surgical team if you experience severe pain that isn't improving over time, complete numbness in your foot or lower leg, weakness or difficulty moving your foot or ankle, symptoms that are worsening rather than gradually improving, pain that prevents sleep or significantly affects daily activities, or signs of infection alongside nerve symptoms such as fever or wound changes. True nerve injury is uncommon but needs assessment. Don't suffer in silence if symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life.

Self-Pay Health can help you find orthopaedic specialists and pain management consultants if you need additional support with persistent nerve symptoms. For troublesome cases, treatment options include specific medications designed for nerve pain, nerve block injections, or specialised physiotherapy. The good news is that most nerve symptoms resolve without any specific intervention beyond time and patience. However, effective treatments do exist for those who need them. Don't hesitate to seek help if symptoms are affecting your recovery.