DEAR DR. GOTT: One year after having had both knees replaced, any pain I previously had is gone. Problem solved? No. A few weeks (after surgery) that turned into months, and now one year later, my knees (both) still click with every step I take. There is no pain involved, just annoyance. At times, it feels as if my new knees are rattling around in there. My wife and I enjoy walking in our development, but it is driving me nuts. I asked my doctor about it, and his comment is that all patients’ knees click to some extent. My question to you is, how can I eliminate or at least reduce this annoying problem?
DEAR READER: While I don’t have a ball or X-ray vision, my first guess is that you are likely experiencing normal noises. This is because if your knee replacement were tightened too much, you would likely experience lost range of motion and pain. By allowing the device some laxity, it will allow for a more normal range of motion without pain. Clicking and clunking noises are a normal result of this.
Second, your bilateral implants are composed of metal and plastic that will separate slightly when you perform such activities as walking or squatting. This does not imply that anything went wrong during the procedure, that it was done incorrectly, or that anything is amiss. If you were to experience pain or knee deformity as well as clicking, it then may signify that the false knee is loosening excessively and may need attention.
As a general rule, physical therapy is begun within hours of surgery. As long as you are not experiencing any pain and are not suffering any physical limitations, you should be good to go. I suggest that you sit down with your physician and demand answers to your questions. He or she should explain to you what is happening and why he or she thinks it is normal. If the doctor refuses, seek out another physician for a second opinion.
