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Hamstrings pain after exercise post TKR

Posted , 5 users are following.

cynthia89958
cynthia89958

Hi, me again!

?I have appreciated all the replies to my previous posts.  This time, it is for hamstrings hurting after doing my PT exercises.

?I'm now at 7 weeks post op, started with a lot of pain and swelling and lack of flexion. Extension is allright. Pain lessening but swelling still bad. I have lipoedema so pain and swelling of legs happens a lot anyway.

?So, physio has given me homework before I see surgeon. I am doing them, trying not to overwork and icing and elevating.

?But the hamstrings are so sore and hurting in the night now when I never had this previously. Is this to be expected?

?I don't really want an injury or a MUA. I think I am doing the moves right and how I was shown. I have always been prone to injuries and struggled to get fit. Going to the gym was one of the things that seemed to set off the decline of my knees even though I had proper instruction - I believe this can be worse due to the lipoedema. Any advice welcomed as I cannot get appt with PT now for 10 days.

?I had Baker's cyst before op and leg would not straighten but would bend then, so now have opposite problem.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX cynthia89958

    Posted

    The "hamstrings" are a group of unpronounceable muscles that run down the back of your leg.  I addition to your quadriceps and abductors, they too have been atrophied over all these months,  In the case of the hamstrings, however, they contract and get very tight, as in "tight hamstrings".  Doing exercises and stretching those hamstrings is painful and takes a loooong time.  Don't be surprised if you have pain in that area.  Try some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US) before you go to bed.  Second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.  Works in 15 minutes.  Should provide relief.

  • marie84635
    marie84635 cynthia89958

    Posted

    I have to ask what is a mua?
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX marie84635

      Posted

      Manipulation Under Anesthesia.  Not a lot of people need this but when PT just doesn't work, the docs open you up, clean out the scar tissue and "manipulate" the knee so it works correctly.  Far right end of the bell curve.  Not many get this done...

    • cynthia89958
      cynthia89958 marie84635

      Posted

      Manipulation under anaesthesia - when they force the leg while you are under to break up scar tissue and regain the movement. cry
    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 cynthia89958

      Posted

      Chico is absolutely right, tight hamstrings need stretching, at this stage gentle stretching. Can you get some stretches from your physio? Try to stretch gently before exercise as a warm up & also after exercise as a cool down. I know you aren't doing an exercise class but it is good practice & if you are having trouble with the hamstrings now it makes sense to stretch, which is always good! 🙂

      I do stretches but it's best to get exercises from your own physio as she knows your medical history.

      If you can't see your physio, look online, the 'net is such a wonderful tool for these things. Choose the ones you feel you can do or adapt for your situation.

      As for MUA it is seldom used, but if necessary look back at some of the posts on this forum from those who have had it.

      All the best

      Marilyn

      XX

  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 cynthia89958

    Posted

    I have somewhere a set of very good exercises from when I went to back rehab classes in 2001. On there was a lovely seated hamstring stretch, if I can find it I will let you know what to do, can't quite remember now ' don't want to tell you wrong. It's good as it doesn't put any strain on the back. If not try to google seated hamstring stretch for back rehab, hopefully you will find it. Poss on the physiotherapy website.

    Marilyn

    XX

    • cynthia89958
      cynthia89958 marilyn10235

      Posted

      Thanks. The opt physio has been very nice and given a set of moves.

      It was just those that have caused the pain and they are quite gentle.

      ?My knee has just been so painful and swollen and it hates everything! Touch, moving, walking, staying still!! It is not cooperating at all.

      ?I think I will have to see what the surgeon says, when he gets back from holiday if this is not resolving. I know only a small percent need further interventions - I hope it can resolve without.

      ?I am researching the knee mechanics etc in the meantime - always worked in health so can't help it! I need to know how things should work. I will try moist heat before doing the moves and go steady.

      I'l check out that I do everything correctly! xx

  • colette58342
    colette58342 cynthia89958

    Posted

    Hi I am now 11 weeks post both Knee replacements. I had this Hamstring problem start a few weeks ago at 8- 9 weeks. My left leg then kept giving every other step. I phoned my physio as I was back on 2 crutches and feeling very sorry for myself. I was advised it is not possible to pull your hamstring unless you are doing very vigorous fast excercise. Which is certainly not the case for me as I am sure it is not with you. It is in fact my Sciatic nerves, She asked me to lay on the cauch and lift my leg up straight, she then lifted my leg a little further then pushed my to toes towards me, This created the exact same pain and give in my leg as when I am standing. (It was very clever) A lot of it is to do with posture because I am not standin upright. As soon as I stand upright it relieves the pain. So stand straight chest out and head up. Even when excerciseng on bike. There are excercises to relieve the sciatic nerves. Just by when you do your leg lifts pull your toes towards your body. The best one is too sit with your hands behind your back slump your upper body with your chin on your chest. Then so your leg lifts pulling your toes towards your body. You have to get it just right so move about a bit untill you get the sharpe pain and keep doing it
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