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I am 3 1/2 weeks out of total knee replacement.

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rhonda58211
rhonda58211

I am 3 1/2 weeks out of total knee replacement and doing very well in Physical Therapy .. I am not using anything to aid my walking.. but at times the pain is unbareable ... I not only have pain in my knee but in the muscle and bones of my calf and ankle .. it is keeping me awake at nights especially on the day that I P.T. I use pain killers, heat and ice , is anyone else experiencing this .. Thank you so much

 

0 likes, 19 replies

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  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX rhonda58211

    Posted

    The pain is referred from your knee.  Since your quads, glutes and core are all very weak, the knee is taking the full brunt of the work.  Ater PT gets your ROM to at least 0 / +120, you have to hit the gym to rebuild those muscles.  Once done, they take all the strain off the knee.  This takes a lot of time...not an overnight thing.  Check of the Exercise Section in the post...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499

    Hope this helps...

  • cathy61089
    cathy61089 rhonda58211

    Posted

    I had that after my 3rd knee replacement in left leg. But it's so early after surgery. I'm sure it will all settle down. Are you pushing yourself to hard?

  • chris02353
    chris02353 rhonda58211

    Posted

    Hi Rhonda I'm 5 weeks into TKR and walking without sticks, driving as its my left and car auto.  I have seemed to be doing brilliant, so thought I would do some housework, mopped the floor .. No big deal, tidied round etc.  Was tired but okay, next two days have been awful, pain on left of knee cap, and down in my ankle and front of leg.  The tightness is unbelievable even though I exercise and use my bike I feel two steps forward one back, the PT says the pain in your lower leg and ankle is referred and If you do stand at all put one foot in front of the other don't stand with legs side by side puts too much strain on pelvic area.  Don't stand for too long and don't do too much.  She manipulates somewhere under rib cage which she says is the lower front part of your leg which is tight and into my hip which is also tIght,  she says until all muscles and nerves are free and straight you will not heal properly.  I'm desperate to be pain free too but night time seems to be worse hence Im on her at this time in UK.  Good luck seems two steps,forward one back you don't say how old you are but I'm late 60s and was pretty fit just feel my age at present but hopefully will improve. Best wishesx

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo chris02353

      Posted

      Mopping is a really bad movement. . tends to put strain on the knee laterally, and on the back.  I have back trouble, and mopping and sweeping are the devil for me!  Ironing is another bad one!
  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 rhonda58211

    Posted

    Hi Rhonda

    All pretty typical, but don't try to do too much too soon. Build on your exercises but do it slowly.

    You will get there but it is a massive, brutal operation you've had & you need to heal too.

    Be more tortoise less hate.

    All the best

    Marilyn

    XX

  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo rhonda58211

    Posted

    I always found that the knee itself was not the main source of pain. after all, it's artificial!  Pain in my foot made it almost impossible to put my foot to the floor.  It's pretty normal . .it will get better! Only one question . .why specifically are you not using anything to aid walking?  using crutches actually makes it easier to concentrate on the correct movement, heel first, etc, and is not a negative thing to do.  

    • rhonda58211
      rhonda58211 martinarvelo

      Posted

      my physical therapist told me I didn't have to use anything.. that I was getting around good ... this weekemd has been the worst yet .... still  hurting from the therapy from fri ... 

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 rhonda58211

      Posted

      Sometimes, Rhonda, the health professionals don't give realistic goals! If you still need 2 crutches, use 2. If you are ok with 1 use 1. Only you know how bad the pain is & if your knee will hold up. If it's bad use the crutches, that's what you are given them for. If you can get around in the house without ok do that, but outside is very different. You find obstacles & pitfalls awaiting you, like say a loose paving stone. Don't be a martyr because your pt is telling you you should. Push yourself a little bit more that the last day ok but don't put yourself in difficulty.

      You will get there, but sometimes you have take the diktats handed down by someone who has not had a TKR with a pinch of salt!!

      Truthfully only you know how confident you are in your mobility. And as we all heal & improve at different rates, we can't expect to be what our physios want us to be all the time. You are an individual. Use you common sense as to what you can do & when.

      Good luck

      Marilyn

      XX

    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 marilyn10235

      Posted

      Hi Marilyn. Love your text to Rhonda, it makes sense & reassured me that I only do what I can more some days than others. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post Tkr & when I go to the PT I don't do much else. He seems pleased with me though. I get @ the house often without aids but Do use 2 crutches when outside, mainly for confidence as you say we don't know what is happening outside also I think if folk see the crutches they don't barge into you,I'm only 7 1/2 stone & easily fall. Great discussion. Eileen

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 eileen15268

      Posted

      Hi Eileen

      You are absolutely right about the crutches, people tend to be a little more understanding of your difficulties when they see you with crutches. Instead of tutting & trying to get past you they will help with doors etc.

      Any aid not to be passed over when you're out & about after TKR.

      I hope you are healing well.

      Marilyn

      XX

    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 marilyn10235

      Posted

      Thank you Marilyn, yes I'm getting there thanks , I went to PT yesterday so am sore & stiff today & not going to over do it. Just wish it would let me sleep at night. You take care too

      Eileen

  • sheila_p
    sheila_p rhonda58211

    Posted

    Hi Rhonda , I am 5 weeks today and was advised to use 2 crutches for 6 weeks and 1 for the next six weeks . What advise did you get ? Has your knee not given way yet ? 
    • rhonda58211
      rhonda58211 sheila_p

      Posted

      I started out with a walker and then my PT guy said to use a cane . Then he said  I didn't need a cane. sometimes it does feel like it is going to give away , and if I am going to be on an uneven surface then I will use a cane.. Maybe I should start using one . Thank you 

    • martinarvelo
      martinarvelo sheila_p

      Posted

      I was told crutches for six weeks. . found that a bit excessive, but for fast walking I did use them . . but not arund the house.

       

    • chris02353
      chris02353 rhonda58211

      Posted

      Hi I'm 5 weeks and started with sticks only,  three weeks on down to 1 stick and now don't use stick at all indoors.  Take it with me when I go out but don't use it if I can help it.  This last few days seems to have gone backwards after doing so well, knee is swollen, stiff and painful.  gone baxk to paracetamol and codeine as pain is wearing me out.  I've been very positive up to now, but it is very debilitating and painful,  it's the fact you feel useless and tired I hope this feeling improves best of luck xx

    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 chris02353

      Posted

      Hi Chris. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post Tkr . I take Naproxen, codeine & paracetamol & still the pain seeps through. Doctor gave me liquid morphine & Tramadol but the side effects were so horrendous it kept me awake anyway, so I didn't use. I just need a nights sleep. I have a small freezer in bedroom & ice it in the night when it's unbearable. My PT says I'm doing well ,it's just the pain.eileen

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