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Heat or ice?

Posted , 9 users are following.

susan33930
susan33930

Hi everyone

Someone mentioned putting heat on the knee on a different thread and I wondered what everyone's thoughts/experiences are on this?

i am 15 weeks post TKR and still have a bit of swelling and it gets warm so I ice and elevate still a few times a day.  Would heat help me or not?

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 susan33930

    Posted

    My medical group says absolutely no heat on the tp or sides of the leg.....only ice.heat on underside of knee occassionally to allow tissue to the loosen. Apparently heat causes swelling and disturbs nerve endings. Due to their emphatic warnings i have never even attempted.
  • caroline46398
    caroline46398 susan33930

    Posted

    Heat is for muscles a lot later down the line quads and calves but not on knee. Stick to ice for reducing pain swelling and stiffness.
  • pyesangel
    pyesangel susan33930

    Posted

    No, no heat on the knee, just ice and elevate. You'll probably want heat later on, if your calf starts to hurt (like a pulled muscle). BUT ask first. If your incision has healed massage with cocoa butter, Bio Oil or Palmers cocoa butter helps a lot with the swelling. Massage helps break up any scar tissue that forms. I am 18 weeks PO and find massaging helps a lot!!  I still have some swelling and warmth even after 18 weeks. Remember this is a long road to recovery and we all deal with it differently. Onward, one day at a time. wink
  • donna4434
    donna4434 susan33930

    Posted

    I see everyone is saying no to heat...but ar my physio they give us warm moist bags to lay on and under the knees before we start exercising. Loosens the muscles and tendons..only thing i was told is NO heatinf pads as the heat is too direct for the metal implants which conduct the heat...they sais a hot water bottle or those bean things that you can heat in the microwave are ok...but alternate with ice.....
    • Oldfatguy1
      Oldfatguy1 donna4434

      Posted

      I have always been told no because heat can cause bleeding and swelling. Ice contracts the tissue while heat expands. My surgeon specifically mandates no heat to the top of the leg/knee. Feels good but harmful in the long run.
  • sueisobel
    sueisobel susan33930

    Posted

    I am 2 years down the road, my knee feels like a lump of cold metal and it is swollen. I use heat.  It works.  At the end of the day it is what you feel comfortable with.  You don't know until you try it.  If your knee is HOT and swollen, then yes, it makes sense to ice
  • carol66249
    carol66249 susan33930

    Posted

    heat on back of knee only - to help with loosening muscle behind knee for extension.
    • sueisobel
      sueisobel carol66249

      Posted

      2 years down the line on the latest TKR and heat works for me, even on hot days. 
  • susan33930
    susan33930

    Posted

    Thanks guys. Going to go with the majority and stick to my ice. 
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