11 weeks post TKR, can't straighten knee.
Posted , 19 users are following.
Hi, I know this has been mentioned in the past, I think I commented on it, but I am now beginning to stress about this. My recovery seemed OK until about 7 weeks post op when I realised that I couldn't straighten my knee. I don't know if the swelling had stopped me noticing this before, but at my 6 week check, all was well and my surgeon was happy. Now I can't walk properly, uphill is ok, but downhill is a struggle and painful, also back of knee really stiff and painful after even a short sit down.
I attend physio weekly and have been advised to hold off from all usual exercises, can use the static bike, bend and extend my knee and use the bottom stair as a "step" for exercises. I can also use the pool when I can get there, but there seems little or no improvement.
Has anyone else experienced this at 11 weeks or beyond, or have any advice that has worked for them.
I am in the UK.
Thanks.
3 likes, 45 replies
telcpa tricia2396
Posted
It's close but not quite there. I do the foot on a chair thing and hang a 5 pound weight from the top of the knee for 5 minutes twice a day, so I hope it's getting there but I also thought it would be straight by now.
Looking forward to responses from the group!
tricia2396 telcpa
Posted
I have had to resort to using a wailing pole when put and about now, I had discarded it weeks beforehand. I was using the weight method, but my Physio said to stop as he thought it was doing more harm than good.
I was certainly hoping to have a straight knee by now, my walking makes me look like a drunk!!!
tricia2396
Posted
However, not a bad description of my use of it!!!
telcpa tricia2396
Posted
Annibgood tricia2396
Posted
I was using weights on knee too. Lying on stomach on bed and letting knee hang over end of bed. Still do it but without the weights, definitely set me back. Nearly there with the straight leg but not quite. Gently gently is my motto now. Everything the PT told me to do I would do double. The boys and girls on the forum told me I was doing more harm then good and to pull back, so I did and they were right started to improve a few days later. Like they all say here its a marathon not a sprint.
Good luck
Ann
Ydnic217 tricia2396
Posted
tricia2396 Ydnic217
Posted
Thanks for taking the time to reply, I hope you continue to do well.
Ydnic217 tricia2396
Posted
Ydnic217 tricia2396
Posted
telcpa Ydnic217
Posted
I can do that for five minutes twice a day, I am hoping that will eventually do the trick. Glad to hear that it doesn't need to be perfectly straight yet, as long as I get it there eventually.
Cass73 tricia2396
Posted
tricia2396 Cass73
Posted
irish_linda tricia2396
Posted
tricia2396 irish_linda
Posted
I now do them slowly and properly which of course equals more pain, but in the long run it will be only good I'm sure.
irish_linda tricia2396
Posted