Knee Surgery & Psoriatic Arthritis

By Vickie Wilkerson

3 min read

For several months now, I have been dealing with the pain and swelling of a torn meniscus in my left knee. Turns out the tear was so bad that it's going to take knee surgery to fix. As I was told by the surgeon, once you tear the meniscus it never heals. I have to admit that was mind-blowing to me.

Why couldn't it be like a bone fracture that would eventually mend? No, that would be too easy. Instead, I need surgery, which is just the way my luck runs.

Connecting psoriatic arthritis to the knees

Living with psoriasis for 17 years and psoriatic arthritis for the last 7 years is the start of what made this the perfect storm.

Psoriatic arthritis attacks your joints from the inside. There is no doubt in my mind that this disturbance is what got the storm started. Add to the fact that I am overweight puts me at strike two. The final strike that swirled the tornado was laying floor tile in my new kitchen.

The up and down motion on that knee could not handle it all. What I thought was overexertion turned into so much more.

Preparing for knee surgery

Believe it or not, the more time that passed between the actual day that the meniscus tore and the day of the surgery, I really did not worry much. The only thing on my mind was that I wanted the pain to stop.

I lead a pretty active lifestyle. This torn meniscus was hindering my ability to do that. Psoriatic arthritis does enough of hindering all on its own. I was very relieved when they scheduled my surgery as being the first one of the day.

Never fully prepared

No matter how prepared you are for something you are never fully prepared. I sure wasn't prepared for the huge ace bandage they would have on my left leg. It started about halfway down my leg, wrapped around my knee, and then finished about halfway to the ankle.

Know what else I wasn't prepared for? Being released with no crutches or walking aid. It was on me to walk around as best as I could. Almost a week past my surgery and I still struggle.

To say I have no confidence in the strength in that knee is totally inadequate. Do I worry if I am going to fall? Yes.

The impact of stress

We all know what stress can do to the body. Stress is never a good thing. Not only is there pain in my knee each day but it has not helped my arthritis either.

My right hip hurts because of the extra pressure I am putting on it because I cannot put all my weight on my left. The same thing holds true of my back hurting. With psoriatic arthritis, most of my pain is mostly in my back.

Seems to me my back is in pain all day every day since I have had this surgery. Maybe it has to do with not being active since I am still limited. Stitches come out Thursday which I am hoping will make it where I can move around more.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

Have you or someone you know had this type of knee surgery done before? Did you find that it made your psoriatic arthritis flare? I would really love to hear your input on this.

If you have any tips on things that helped you during this time, please share. Surely having the stitches out is not the end of it? I want to be prepared for anything else that could impact my PsA while I recover.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Psoriatic-Arthritis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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notfromhere Member
I would highly recommend Physical therapy even if you believe you don't need it, I was 6 weeks past my surgery when I began and could have felt better much sooner. I absolutely hate, LOATHE doctors appointments of any kind for any reason and often find reasons to avoid them, I cannot emphasize that enough. So when I say I would most definitely schedule and attend as much PT as needed to recover, you know I think it's valuable. And I'd hate every second of it. I have an unfortunate mixture of Osteoarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis in my right knee, I severely dislocated it in high school, then 4 more times by the time I reached 40. I finally had what's called a lateral release as well as a clean out of the debris (bone fragments & bits of torn cartilage) in 2010. It was done Laproscopically so I only had 4 small cuts surrounding the kneecap. However, what I wasn't told, nor prepared for was how flippin excruciating any kind of messing about with joints can be. I figured I'd need a few days of narcotics, then move to NSAIDS. Nope! I took the entire 10 day RX and was in agony after I was out. I also didn't know that taking them for that long actually prolongs the pain. I should have been in Physical Therapy 6 days after surgery but didn't want to go, had nobody to drive me and couldn't use my right leg/foot to operate the car. In the end I had to painfully drive with my right leg up and over the car console and operate the pedals with my left foot, fortunately it was a short drive. I couldn't bend my knee more than about 2 inches because I waited nearly 6 weeks before going to PT. I couldn't believe how much I improved and how much the pain began subsiding within 2 weeks. I went 2 times a week for 8 weeks and was faithful to do the exercises they gave me to do at home too. One and a half years later I was able to squat 215 lbs, 3 set of 10, do 350 lbs in the leg press, 3 sets of 10 and do 3 sets of 15 one legged bodyweight squats. Yet on that day of my 1st PT visit I was 100 lbs overweight and using a walker just to navigate my house and sitting around most of the day in agony. Go to PT and buy your own walker like I did, because that helped me not overdo it on days that were bad. I got the one with a seat & basket, it greatly helped me with housework when there was a lot to do and the energy was very low and pain high. Sometimes you can find them on craigslist or Offer Up much cheaper than new. By the way, strengthening the muscles surrounding the knees really helps support all the tendons and ligaments and reduces knee pain. I know it's a real battle too because I'm also struggling with knees and feet which makes any kind of exercise an ordeal. Hope you find some relief soon, take care. 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 That is some excellent advice, @notfromhere. It really is crucial to start PT immediately after surgery. After ACL surgery for both my husband and daughter, the hospital had machines that moved their knee joints in the recovery room. Your recovery is impressive! Thanks so much for sharing. - Lori (Team Member)
Tripp Member
I had a knee replacement about 12 years ago. I have had psoriasis and then psoriatic arthritis develop in the last 8-9 years. The knee that was replaced his become very painful recently. The good knee does not bother me. I have tried adjusting my diet, seeing a rumatologist for diagnosis, Tylenol, acupuncture, physical therapy, heat, cold, exercise and am currently seeing a chiropractor. It is a mystery to me why the titanium knee is painful and the original one is not. 
1. Tripp Member
 <inline-mention username="Lori.Foster" user-id="3297576"/> Thank you Lori. I did have my knee replacement checked and was told that it was fine. I am 82 and not likely to have it replaced again but if it would help and I was younger, would consider it. I am so happy to have found this website. Reading what others are experiencing has explained many of my symptoms. Thank you, Bobbie
2. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 HI @Tripp. I am glad the knee replacement is in good shape, but I wish you were not in so much pain. I hope the chiropractor is able to help you. Have you tried wearing a compression sleeve or a knee brace? Hugs! - Lori (Team Member)
Tripp Member
I have not tried the brace lately but I will. I have learned so much from this chat group and I want to share something that I use for Psoriatic pain almost every day. You will probably think I am crazy but it is a product named BIGELOIL and it is a topical liquid, or gel used on horses. I live in a small southern town with a Steeplechase race course and horses a big business here. Someone said this works on people too , so, since I try almost everything I hear about, I tried it and it worked. I put it on my lower back, buttocks, thighs, knees, and lower legs almost everyday. so far, nobody has accused me of smelling like a horse. You can find it on Amazon. If anyone tried it, please let me know if it works for you. Bobbie
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Hi @Tripp! I am glad you have found something that helps. I do have to note though (in case other members read this) that Bigeloil is not approved for human use. Have you asked your doctor to review the ingredients to make sure they are safe? I hope the brace helps as well and that you get some relief. Sending lots of healthy vibes your way! - Lori (Team Member)
ddavis Member
I'm so sorry you need knee surgery. Five years ago, I had my ACL replaced, and MCL repaired. And sadly, something in there is not right again. I don't want another surgery!!
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi @ddavis thanks for responding. I can say it has brought me and my son closer since he already had knee surgery. So I am happy for that part. Sorry to hear something is not right again. I can only imagine how much facing another surgery would be disheartening for you. Vickie W., Community Moderator
grace Member
I can 100% relate in 2018 we had a power outage that lasted 3 days in the middle of winter 30 degree temperatures (can you say brrr) on the 3rd day I woke up with both of my knees swollen and in extreme pain I could hardly walk ended up seeing orthopedic doctor who told me I had a torn meniscus “huh” seriously overnight I developed a torn meniscus, seemed odd to me since I had no knee issues prior to that power outage. I did the meniscus repair and after my surgery my ortho told me he drilled holes in my bone to “promote” stronger bones (his words) and if course repaired the meniscus shortly after this surgery I ended up house bound I just couldn’t get my knees working again. I do believe this surgery created a PSA flare in my knees which still is bugging me to this day and definitely do physical therapy and use crutches like the above poster I was released to walk on my own “wasn’t happening” and I also did supratz which sadly made my issues worse 🙁
stine Member
In November my left knee completely locked against my chest. It turned out my meniscus was 80% torn and a piece got stuck in my joint. Often surgeons can trim the torn piece and it’s a simple procedure, after which people don’t do PT (though they should!). If the surgeon had done that with me I would’ve had no meniscus left, so he had to do a more comprehensive repair surgery and I had to wear a brace I called The Bear Trap foe months afterward. I started PT days after the surgery and have healed beautifully. I saw my surgeon a couple of weeks ago and have been fully cleared. I’ve been going on 10-13 mile bike rides and my knee is better than ever. 😀
1. Jill.Brodie Community Admin
 Hi @stine, I am so glad to hear your surgery went well and you are doing so good. I am sure riding your bike has brought you joy. Thanks for sharing with us. Jill, Team Member 
2. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Stine glad to hear you have mended so well. I have to admit hearing your knee locked against your chest sent chills over me. That sounded so painful. Given how painful my torn meniscus has been I can only imagine. Vickie W., Community Moderator
brooklynb951 Member
I just severely injured my knee in a fall. I have a torn ACL torn MCL and two plateau fractures in the tibula. No surgery we're just going to let it heal on its own. I'm 55 and 213 lb. Not easy carrying around this weight on one leg. After the injury my back went into a terrible flare and I was in horrible pain. Unbeknownst to me I was having back spasms which my doctor was suspect of. He put me on a muscle relaxer and it was a game changer. He doesn't want me taking muscle relaxers or no Norco all the time of course. Neither do I! But I sure did tell him I want those muscle relaxers for when I need them because that's what's been happening to my back a lot of times. I'm always in pain lower back and neck. After the injury and fluctuating my weight laying differently walking differently it really affected my back. I hope you get comfort.
1. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 brooklynb951 I totally understand putting that weight on your good knee. I weigh more than that and it's terrible how much it has done to my good leg. I wish you all the best on it healing. Vickie W., Community Moderator
Red Poodle Member
I tore my meniscus do yoga in 2012, at age 58, 8 years before I was diagnosed with PsA. At the time I was in really great physical condition and had been competing in CrossFit and bodybuilding competitions. I didn't see a sports doc or ortho for about a year and just kept working out through the pain. Eventually I had lap surgery to remove most of the meniscus which was by then, wadded up like crumpled and torn saran wrap. I did a lot of research before choosing a surgeon. He unfortunately left the practice 2 days before I was scheduled and I stupidly let another surgeon do the procedure. dumb. After a lot of PT, it was ok, not great for about a year. I started losing mobility and and was in pain again. Searched for surgeon #1, who did a clean out of the mess created by surgeon #2. Again, lots of pt and finally back to the gym! Fast forward a few years and I could barely walk or stand. My knee was bone on bone and only solution was a total replacement which I had January of 2020. The replacent has given me my life back! But the tendons all around both knees are sore to the touch and painful. My hands are agonizingly painful from PsA and osteoarthritis in my basal thumb joints. Diagnosis took a long time because I have fibromyalgia as well and at first attributed everything to fibro. With multiple pain issues, it is really hard to separate which is the culprit!
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 How frustrating to still be in pain after all that, @Red.Poodle. Are you taking any medications that help? Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
2. Vickie Wilkerson Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Red Poodle. Thanks for responding. My doctor has not wanted me to do physical therapy yet. He said it hasn't been long enough. My knee is definitely weak. It is hard to walk on it for very long because it gets to hurting. Problem is now I am having problems out of my right knee which is very disheartening. I kind of figure I tore the meniscus in that knee as well since it was laying floor tile down that tore the other one. Maybe I just didn't do it as bad but who knows. The orthopedic specialist put a shot in the right knee. I go back in three weeks to follow up. I guess we will see what is on the horizon then. All My Best to you. Hoping the Otezla really works for you. Coincidentally I am fixing to start the very same one as well. Vickie W., Community Moderator
Red Poodle Member
Thanks, Lori. I started Otezla 3 weeks ago, because a 6 weeks course of sufasalazine did nothing. I'm terrified of biologics, so I sure hope this does something for me! 
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 I hope it helps, @Red.Poodle. Keep us posted if you feel comfortable doing so. Best wishes! - Lori (Team Member)