Bi Lateral full double TKR 11 weeks

i had both knees done at the same time 3 years ago and was back at work in 7 weeks but even now I still have swelling and stiffness so I wish I could say something encouraging but I did do the elliptical after my 5 weeks so I think that helped with strengthening

I had bilateral patellofemoral knee replacement almost 6 months ago. I still have noticeable swelling in both knees, and was having trouble walking with a normal gait until about 3 weeks ago. I have worked hard on strengthening my quads and definitely experienced better walking after adding more quad strengthening to my daily exercises. Specifically, I added machine leg extensions, kettlebell squats (limited range) and dumbbell stiff legged deadlifts, both double and single leg. Prior to those additions, I had only been able to do band exercises and bridges on the 65cm exercise ball, which really only worked my hamstrings and glutes. I also added inclines to my treadmill walking, gradually increasing incline and speed a bit every other day. I am only doing 30-45 minutes per day on the treadmill, but am at 8 percent incline and 3.1-3.2 mph. I have honestly experienced a drastic improvement once I was able to finally add this quad focused work to my exercises. But, it is important that your surgeon and physical therapist approve of any new exercise that you may want to add. I know that at 12 weeks you feel like you should be over the recovery hump - I certainly felt demoralized when I wasn't walking normally at 12 weeks, but hang in there - it will definitely get better. With me, I really did feel better rather suddenly. As I mentioned, I still have swelling and stiffness, but the last 3 weeks have brought significant improvement. BEST WISHES!

I underwent bilaterals in March 2016. I still have issues with stiffness, swelling and balance. Perhaps you need to be patient. My GP states that 20% of knee replacements deliver unsatisfactory results. I'm in that category. Good luck.

Paul ,

I had bilateral knee replacements in JULY 2018. like you I struggled to find someone who had both done at once .

i bought a cyrocuff which really helped with the swelling as it ices and compresses at the same time . I also used it during the night if I woke and one of my knees was stiff or sore .

As previous folk have said exercises really help . I don't know of you are in the UK or US ? i'm in the Uk and I got a private physio at 8 weeks post op and this really made a difference , she did deep tissue massage which helped with range and swelling and also started an exercise regime on gym equipment which she built up weekly . I attended her weekly for 4 weeks then once a fortnight 3 times .

My knees still swell and feel stiff if I stand for any length of time and I'm not moving around . However , can walk 30,000 plus steps a day, climb up and down stairs with no pain.

I think improvement can be slow and frustrating .I still have times where one or other of my knees become sore for a day or so and then it resolves.

it take a year to 18 months to fully recover from this surgery so be kind to yourself and keep going with the exercises . wishing you all the best

Larive