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3 weeks post op

Posted , 15 users are following.

laila20290
laila20290

It’s me again . Can you settle an argument please, I now use one crutch only as I am walking better, my surgeon advises that I should have the crutch on the same side as the operated knee (right) , however the physio therapist says the crutch should be on the opposite side (I find that more comfortable) what do you think?? Also as my leg is not bruised anymore, only tightness on the knee area , how long should I be carrying on icing for . Thank you dear friends 

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo laila20290

    Posted

    I think that it depends why your surgeon has told you to use on operated side, did you or have you asked?? I am using 2 but I'm told that when I can progress to one it has to be used on the good side and to use in going forward with bad leg if that makes sense, remember you need to be governed by your experts not forum members

    • laila20290
      laila20290 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      It was the difference of opinion between the experts that confused me , and I did ask the surgeon he said, should the injured leg give way having the crutch on the same side should stop me falling . But I will go with what I am comfortable with . Thanks
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX laila20290

    Posted

    I honestly don't know that answer.  To be on the safe side, compromise.  Get a very small crutch and put it between your legs.  Should make both of them happy...or not...

  • louise_48509
    louise_48509 laila20290

    Posted

    I'm using it on my operated side. You've got me thinking now. I can't remember what I was told to do

  • cynthia89958
    cynthia89958 laila20290

    Posted

    Cannot answer for you though I have one TKR op leg, still sore and the other non op knee is painful now (though they tell me not bad enough for surgery - I'm not ready for that knee going through all this either). So I can, in theory, use either side for the walking stick. Suits me to swop according to what feels right at the time. Hope you get the answer you need.

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 laila20290

    Posted

    The leg doesn't looked bruised on the outside but on the inside it looks like raw meat...wait a minute, it is raw meat. Lets try another analogy, this is tough, anyway its still bruised on the inside because you are beaten up more internally than externally. They have to move tissue out of the way, chisel and drill bone tear the soft tissue off the bone and it has to reattach itself. Then you get all that stinking scar tissue that keeps getting ripped and torn over and over. Aren't you glad you asked that question. You may be icing for months.

    I never used a crutch as walkers are standard issue in my neck of the woods but I have relied on a cane a lot and was always taught the cane goes in the opposite hand.

    • laila20290
      laila20290 Oldfatguy1

      Posted

      Glad I asked 😩and good job I was under general anaesthetic while all that was going on . Joking apart you are right I was looking only on the outside trying to forget all the trauma my knee suffered on the inside . Carry on regardless 

  • Leisel
    Leisel laila20290

    Posted

    My understanding is always on the non operated side. Same as cane.
  • sue_01024
    sue_01024 laila20290

    Posted

    Hi, You should always use crutch on ppposite side to operated leg. I had my operation 3 years ago but I remember the tightness around the knee was always worse in the afternoon and evening. I think it’s because you sit down more. I kept icing up to about a year and still do occasionally. I does get much better so try to stay positive. 
  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 laila20290

    Posted

    Oh dear? I would just stick with two I think! For a few more weeks. It is better for gait to have a balanced way of walking ...

    I carried on icing for a couple of months, but less frequently as time went on.

    Your call on that...it can be good pain relief so if you are off medications then use ice as alternative pain relief as needed maybe?

    • laila20290
      laila20290 jenny80029

      Posted

      Thank you Jennie, I always get good feedback from you , the physiotherapist told me to ice every hour if I can , but I do it every two . I am still on pain relief specially at night as I still suffer. They gave me Morfin in the hospital to take home with me but I stopped taking it even though it worked very well at night but it was making me nauseous and constipated the next day . I am on just your normal paracetamol and ibuprofen.
  • brent77382
    brent77382 laila20290

    Posted

    Physiotherapist told me to use the crutch on your non operated side,I asked why as I found it easier on my op side, the reply was if you have it on your op side you tend to tilt hips and shoulder but on the non op side you will stay straight.
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