hi all, been recovering from a LTKR for 4 months

I can't say Ive had that, after 7 mths can still be stiff, not exactly pain, still numb but that may not go , I would see how you go , it is very up and down for some people, I also didn't exercise that much, just normal things like walking, did go to pool for a while and that was good, but have to wait till water warms up to go back to water aerobics, if its hurting just maybe rest it a bit, I find even if I walk about 4 kms its a bit stiff and sore later but okay while walking. Its a bit opp and when you think what they do no wonder it takes ages , my first one 7 years ago still plays up, Im hoping the new one will be better because of better methods and parts, good luck 4 mths is early days still

Basic Stages...

1. 0-3 Months: AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Bad pain, lots of swelling, doing PT to get your 0 / +120 ROM back, ice, elevate, meds on schedule, stiffness, etc.

2. 3-6 months:  ROM work done, start the exercise plan to rebuild your dead quads, glutes and core (this will take a good 6 months), OTC meds, decreasing stiffness (tightness, band-like or cement feeling), clicking, popping clunking noises, numbness at the incision site, some residual nerve pain but decreasing, back to work in the 4-6 month range, ice when necessary.

3. 6-9 Months: Starting to feel more like your old self, pain is pretty much gone, residual stiffness and nerve issues decreasing, getting your strength back, stairs like a normal person are looking possible again.

4. 9-12 Months: Pretty much done, finish the strength training, master stairs again, dance at your one year anniversary, minor residual stiffness and noises at one year.

5 Beyond 1 Year: Some stiffness may linger up to 18 months, the noises are pretty much gone by 18 months too, numbness at the incision site is forever, nerve tingling will occur when you kneel on hard surfaces (don't do that), nerve tingling on kneeling may take years to resolve or never go away.  WARNING:  You must keep the knee active or it will start to stiffen up again.  This is a lifetime recovery...no slackers allowed.

For your current problem, may I suggest some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US, generic diclofenac elsewhere).  GREAT topical anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.  For the nerve issues, try some OTC Aspercream With 4% Lidocaine or Lidocaine patches.  Whenever you push the knee too far on any given day, it will definitely swell...count on it.  Get a pedometer and track your STEPS...time and distance are irrelevant...it's the STEPS that matter.  Go to far one day and your knee will bite you back.  Note the steps, back off, recover, increase gradually.

Yes I feel it’s common my knee is the same my  Physio told me yesterday that I need the fluid draining so I will be asking at the hospital today also need to do more  ice the knee more often do this I will be doing  good luck 

7 months post op i have a similar problem. GP advised perfectly normal. In pain when taking first few steps but this improved to normal walking. Numbness still there, scar still hurts but joint pain free. I'm in less pain than before and knee improving daily. Keep exercising !