1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

Heaviness

Posted , 19 users are following.

diane1959
diane1959

Does anyone else feel as if the leg that has had a TKR is a lead weight, this is becoming a real problem now, feels like they have put a lead knee replacement in not a titanium one.

2 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

Prev
  • pegs_girl
    pegs_girl diane1959

    Posted

    I am old hat at this 2 years and 4 months since my TKR,,I agree with everyone the knee is now metal and not bone so is bound to feel heavier

    I don't notice it now I think it's a case of just getting used to it. My leg just gets on with it.

    I have a 140 bend and have done since week 20, I can walk for miles and I don't let it hinder me.

    It was the right thing to do having the operation I am pain free and I don't allow it to change my life style.

    The only thing I do have is clicking and clanging which told is normal.. something a squirter of WD40 would help.

    Keep on with the excercisescan just well stay positive..the outcome is well worth it.

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX diane1959

    Posted

    It actually weighs around two pounds and it "feels" heavy because you have no strength built up in your surrounding muscles (quad, calf...).  Once you get to zero / +120 (or more)...full range of motion...hit the gym and get your strength back.
  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 diane1959

    Posted

    My first knee surgery was HEAVY LEG TIME for several weeks. My second never felt that way. Very strange!

    Sometimes, even now, nearly a YEAR since my first surgery, that first leg will STILL feel heavy at times.

    I think weather affects it as does sitting too long or standing too long.

    Try drinking more water. That lessens swelling.

    Also, walking helps me. It gets circulation going.

    Try ankle pumps to help circulation. I do those throughout the day.

    • john_04330
      john_04330 cheryl90571

      Posted

      I think everybody is different Cheryl. I dont usually walk very far,a mile at the most but if i do my operated leg swells up. I feel it hasnt healed properly after 7 months. Apparently it can take a year. But I agree about sitting/standing. I went on holiday last week and due to delays/little sitting room was on my feet foor longer than normal. And I paid for it for a couple of days after.
    • cheryl90571
      cheryl90571 john_04330

      Posted

      Yes! Doing the thing that the leg doesn't WANT surely causes PLENTY of grief!😲

      I think the healing MUST go on even longer than a year! My left one will be a year next week, and nearly every day I feel nerves waking up that cause weird temporary twinges. My right one was better off from the get-go even in the recovery room. This was a huge surprise for me because my right knee was ALWAYS the most painful of the two.

  • Ingrid54
    Ingrid54 diane1959

    Posted

    Have the same problem. Struggling to lift leg makes exercise nearly impossible. Been 6 weeks since op. Pet today and my bend has improved slightly in the last 2 weeks Was 77 now 80. Good luck
  • suzidownunder
    suzidownunder diane1959

    Posted

    Hi after 18 months I still have trouble with tightness and stiffness. I'm quite active, not overweight.

    Some people have no problem after the first weeks.

    We are all different. The TKR weighs about a kilo. Deduct the weight of the bone removed and you have a little extra weight there. But it will be the fluid and muscle weakness that makes it feel heavy.

    You've pretty much had the leg cut off. Bone replaced and all stitched back together, inside and out.

    Good luck

  • deborah751
    deborah751 diane1959

    Posted

    Very early days yet. Had 2 TKR. This is a common feeling until you gain strength again.

    But i would like to point out that i haven't seen anyone mention about getting a gait assessment. Different shoes are needed. Makes all the difference.

    Best of luck on your recovery ??

    • anne07663
      anne07663 deborah751

      Posted

      Deborah, you are so right. I got rid of my old shoes and bought new when I started walking again. I noticed when I had my first one done and the difference between the two shoes was incredible. 
    • sue37592
      sue37592 deborah751

      Posted

      Hi Deborah, I was told by my physio to change my shoes, not to wear pumps but good supporting shoes especially for work wher i am on my feet 8 1/2 hours a day. I have only had left knee replaced but when I went to wear some of my old shoes my knee did feel strange as I was walking differently. I have been living in my trainers a lot as they support my feet but as for work I have to wear smart shoes which I can not get comfy enough ones, I used to live in pumps,. S
  • debbbie50246
    debbbie50246 diane1959

    Posted

    Yes I keep saying that too how long ago was your op mine was 6 weeks hopefully will start to feel easier soon
  • philip37745
    philip37745 diane1959

    Edited

    I'm 5 weeks post op. At three weeks it seemed to be improving. But now its no better. heavy and stiff. I get very disappointed. I'm excercising three times a day and walking. during the night it aces all the time. I'm still taking codine evey four hours. Don't think I would have it done again.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.