Issues 4 years after knee replacement
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi,
I had a knee replacement approx 4 years ago which went very smoothly. I had some aches and pains but they seemed to disappear quite quickly
A couple of weeks ago I went out shopping in a pair of shoes which were basically too loose and since then I seem to have been suffering from muscle aches around my knee which I am quite concerned about. I did have a small amount of stiffness on the outside of my knee on and off since the operation but it did not trouble me too much. However over the last couple of weeks I have resorted to using the ice pack again.
It does not help as I was planning yo have my other knee done in a few weeks but am now having second thoughts. Has anyone else had issues from wearing shows which were unsuitable or have any words of wisdom.
0 likes, 4 replies
GenaCam christine83627
Posted
Hi Christine, I had my right knee replaced 4 years ago and find that even though it is usually stable, lose fitting shoes upset it. Apparently other muscles are activated (over strained) compared to their usual day to day use so they need rest to rehabilitate back to where they are comfortable. I resort to a supportive brace for a short time while the knee recovers which usually works.
My weakest point is the inside of my knee so that's usually the point that gets upset.
christine83627 GenaCam
Posted
Thanks for your reply and it is good to know that I am not alone.
It took me about five years to summon up the courage to go through surgery and I had an amazing recovery but it certainly is not an easy path to recovery.
CHICO_MARX christine83627
Posted
I'm at 3 1/2 years with no issues. This could have been caused by overstressing the knee without even realizing it and would be normal for anyone. I'd recommend ibuprofen for a week to reduce any inflammation. If it's not better by then, I'd go to my doc to see what he/she says.
Regarding knee #2... There is an FDA procedure called COOLIEF (Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation) where a doc will deaden the nerves transmitting the pain (under anesthesia). Fifteen minute job. Temporary but some people report up to two years worth of relief...and then they get it again. Interesting way to put off a TKR. The procedure is specifically aimed at people with osteoarthritis and a bone-on-bone condition in the knee, hip, elbow and shoulder. Check the website for more information as well as the location of a certified doc near you.
I know that I will need #2 done sooner or later but at 71, I'll try to put it off via COOLIEF when it gets bad enough. I'm beyond cortisone and Synvisc so it's this or the TKR. I'm choosing the non-TKR path for as long as it works for me.
jenny61596 christine83627
Posted
I had one 8 years ago and two years ago , some days they ache , just dont feel comfortable , not exactly pain , havent iced but take painkiller, heels make them worse . Think its normal , they are good but never same as real ones !