Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Knee Pain After Failed Surgery

Knee pain can make every step painfully frustrating, especially if you’ve had surgery and expected relief, only to find the pain still lingers. For many people, a knee replacement or other procedure is supposed to be the “fix,” but that’s not always the case.

At Pain Care, we specialize in meeting the challenge of chronic conditions such as knee pain after failed surgery. Serving Georgia communities from six locations, our highly skilled team relieves pain with minimally invasive procedures and innovative, medically backed technology like peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

Here’s what we want you to know about PNS for managing ongoing knee pain after failed surgery.

Why does pain persist after knee surgery?

While knee surgery often yields positive results, not everyone achieves the outcome they hoped for. Some patients continue to struggle with pain due to:

Scar tissue or nerve irritation
Changes in the way nerves send pain signals
Ongoing inflammation around the joint
Central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain

When pain persists after surgery, it’s sometimes called “failed knee surgery syndrome.” This can be discouraging, especially if traditional options, like medications, injections, bracing, or physical therapy, haven’t worked.

Understanding peripheral nerve stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that targets the nerves responsible for carrying pain signals. Instead of relying on medication to block pain throughout the whole body, PNS works locally, right at the source of the problem.

At Pain Care, we favor the advanced Stimwave StimQ Peripheral Nerve Stimulator System due to its safety and reliable results.

Here’s how it works:

A small, thin wire (called a lead) is placed near the nerves around the knee.
The lead delivers gentle electrical impulses to these nerves.
These impulses “interrupt” pain signals before they reach the brain.
The result: Patients report significant pain relief and enjoy improved mobility.

The procedure is typically done in two stages. First, a trial period lets you “test drive” the therapy to see if it works for you. If you notice meaningful relief, a small implantable device can be placed for longer-term use.

Benefits of PNS for knee pain

Many patients find that PNS offers several unique advantages:

Non-opioid relief

PNS provides pain management without relying on narcotic medications.

Minimally invasive

The procedure is much less invasive than major surgery, usually performed as an outpatient.

Customizable

The stimulation can be adjusted to your comfort and needs.

Improved function

Less pain often means better walking, climbing stairs, and enjoying daily activities.

Reversible

If it’s not helping, the device can be easily removed during an outpatient procedure.

Who is a candidate for peripheral nerve stimulation?

PNS may be an option if:

You continue to experience knee pain after surgery (such as knee replacement)
Conservative treatments like medications or injections do not provide adequate relief
Your symptoms limit your ability to participate in physical therapy
Your pain limits your daily activities and quality of life

Your Pain Care specialist can evaluate your specific condition and determine if PNS is right for you.

Finding hope after failed knee surgery

Living with chronic knee pain after surgery can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Modern treatments, such as PNS, offer hope to individuals who once felt they had no options.

At Pain Care, we specialize in advanced therapies for pain. Our goal is to help you get back to living life with greater comfort and freedom. Schedule an evaluation today.