Post-Joint Replacement Pain Treatment in Fort Worth, TX | WOW Spine

Post-Joint Replacement Pain Treatment in Fort Worth, TX

Dr. Mike Martinez providing post-joint replacement pain treatment consultation at WOW Spine in Fort Worth, Texas

Still experiencing pain after your knee or hip replacement? You expected relief, but the pain persists. At WOW Spine in Fort Worth, Dr. Mike Martinez—a double board-certified Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist—specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain after joint replacement surgery.

While joint replacement surgery is highly successful for most patients, up to 20% of knee replacement and 10% of hip replacement patients experience persistent pain. Whether your pain is from nerve damage, soft tissue problems, infection, implant issues, or referred pain from the spine, we offer cutting-edge solutions including nerve blocks, genicular nerve ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and comprehensive pain management. Our patient-centered approach focuses on finding the source of your pain and providing effective relief.

Don’t accept pain as your new normal. Schedule a consultation to discover which treatment option is right for you.

Call 682-285-1044

Serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook & surrounding DFW areas

How We Treat Post-Joint Replacement Pain at WOW Spine in Fort Worth

At WOW Spine, Dr. Martinez develops a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with persistent pain after joint replacement. We work closely with your orthopedic surgeon to identify the pain source and find effective solutions.

1 Comprehensive Evaluation

  • Review surgical history and imaging
  • Rule out infection, loosening, or hardware issues
  • Assess for nerve damage or referred spinal pain
  • Coordinate with your orthopedic surgeon

2 Genicular Nerve Block & Ablation

  • Targets sensory nerves around the knee
  • Effective for persistent knee replacement pain
  • Diagnostic block followed by ablation if successful
  • Long-lasting relief (6-12+ months)

3 Peripheral Nerve Blocks

  • Targets specific nerves causing pain
  • Femoral, sciatic, or obturator nerve blocks
  • Ultrasound-guided for precision
  • Both diagnostic and therapeutic

4 Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

  • For persistent neuropathic pain
  • Stimulates nerves around the joint
  • Trial period before permanent implant
  • Can provide significant relief when other treatments fail

5 Spinal Evaluation & Treatment

  • Rule out lumbar spine as pain source
  • Hip and knee pain can originate from spine
  • Epidural injections if spinal component identified
  • Critical to address all pain generators

6 Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

  • Optimize joint function and mobility
  • Address muscle weakness and imbalances
  • Scar tissue mobilization
  • Gait training and activity modification

Ready to find relief from post-joint replacement pain?

Call 682-285-1044

Serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook & surrounding DFW areas

Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Joint Replacement Pain in Fort Worth

Why do I still have pain after my joint replacement?

Persistent pain after joint replacement can have several causes. These include nerve damage during surgery, soft tissue problems (tendons, ligaments, muscles), referred pain from the spine, infection, implant loosening or malalignment, scar tissue formation, or pain sensitization (where your nervous system becomes hypersensitive). In some cases, the original pain source may not have been the joint at all—hip and knee pain can originate from the lumbar spine. Dr. Martinez performs a thorough evaluation to identify what’s causing your pain.

How common is chronic pain after joint replacement?

While joint replacement is generally very successful, studies show that 10-20% of knee replacement patients and up to 10% of hip replacement patients experience chronic pain afterward. This is sometimes called “failed joint replacement syndrome,” though the implant itself may be functioning correctly. The good news is that interventional pain management can often provide significant relief even when the surgery itself was technically successful.

What is genicular nerve ablation and can it help after knee replacement?

Genicular nerve ablation uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. It’s highly effective for chronic knee pain, including pain after total knee replacement. First, we perform a diagnostic genicular nerve block—if this provides temporary relief, we know ablation is likely to help. The ablation procedure provides longer-lasting relief, typically 6-12+ months, and can be repeated.

Could my hip or knee pain actually be coming from my back?

Yes, this is more common than many people realize. The lumbar spine shares nerve pathways with the hip, groin, thigh, and knee. Conditions like lumbar stenosis, herniated discs, or facet arthritis can cause pain that feels like it’s in the hip or knee. If joint replacement didn’t relieve your pain, or if you have both back and leg symptoms, a spinal evaluation is important. Diagnostic injections can help determine if your spine is contributing to your pain.

Will I need revision surgery for my painful joint replacement?

Not necessarily. Revision surgery is sometimes needed for mechanical problems like implant loosening, infection, or malalignment, but many causes of post-replacement pain can be treated effectively without another surgery. Interventional pain management—including nerve blocks, ablation, and stimulation—can often provide significant relief. Dr. Martinez works closely with your orthopedic surgeon to determine the best approach for your situation.

Does WOW Spine accept my insurance for post-joint replacement pain treatment?

We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Most treatments for post-joint replacement pain, including nerve blocks and ablation procedures, are covered by insurance when medically necessary. Call 682-285-1044 and our staff will verify your coverage before your appointment.

Have more questions about post-joint replacement pain treatment? Call 682-285-1044 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.