Issues with straightening leg following complicated TKR
Posted , 8 users are following.
I've read through everyone's issues but I'm wondering if anyone has anything similar to me?
I am 7 weeks post op. I had a full TKR (along with some leg strengthening). I am only 36 and have suffered for several years with a gradual deterioration of the knee and straightness of the leg following a fall.
I was in hospital for 9 days and had a second surgery after wound split open.
My leg has not been straight for over a year but I can currently only straighten to 30 degrees and bend to 85 degrees. I am seeing physio each week and working constantly on various stretching exercises. It doesn't seem to be helping.
I have to see the consultant again in 4 weeks as they may need to operate again to help.
Has anyone else had trouble with the straightening? I am not overly concerned with the bend as that does improve with more work (at the moment anyway).
I just feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
2 likes, 16 replies
lynn76585 kathryn42410
Posted
wow you are going thru it but never give up hope when I had my left TKR my leg was bowed righ out like rickets and when the op was over they said it will be hard work to get it straightened....my Physio was brilliant and we worked together he took me to my limit each time but it worked. He gave me lots of exercise to do at home each hour ..no pain no gain my leg is down to 3 degrees now and straight so do not give up it just takes time had other leg done 19 days ago and that's 3 degrees now left leg was 23 at start good luck
kathryn42410 lynn76585
Posted
patsyrose kathryn42410
Posted
Sorry to hear that you've had to have surgery at such a young age.
I have had trouble straightening with both of my TKRs (not helped by the fact that I work at home, sitting at a desk all day), and have had both manipulated. It helped great,y with my first knee, but the manipulation on my 2nd one, inMarch, hasn't really helped. My physiology is working hard on it with me, but it's my quads that are the problem...and my knee is very sore!
kathryn42410 patsyrose
Posted
Sorry it hasn't worked the 2nd time. I have been told that sometimes the muscles can stick (adhesions) and need to be cut loose as it can prevent movement in the quad. Maybe that might be an issue for you too?
Thanks again x
carol66249 kathryn42410
Posted
I don't have access to a physio and would have to go private if I want help with my problems but hopefully your consultant will give you good news at your next visit. Good luck.
kathryn42410 carol66249
Posted
Thanks for replying. Sorry you're having problems. I can share the exercises that I've been given by physio if that will help? Please let me know and I'll describe them for you x
carol66249 kathryn42410
Posted
SonnysGirl kathryn42410
Posted
kathryn42410 SonnysGirl
Posted
That sounds awful but it's a comfort to hear someone else is experiencing similar things. I'm probably being too hard on myself but just panic that it's never going to improve. If I could see a small improvement it would be a relief. I can't work any harder so fingers crossed.
I hope things improve for you soon xx
SonnysGirl kathryn42410
Posted
All I can say is ouch ouch.
What a roller coaster this is.
But I find it does get easier.
This knee stuff takes lots of work.
So many times I have wanted to give up. But why when I've came this far.
Hope your doing well. Xxx
kathryn42410 SonnysGirl
Posted
Extension still at 30 degrees, bend up to about 85-90 so not as much concern about that.
I have a programme of exercises to follow throughout the day in half hour blocks to try my best to improve. I'm sure I'll be able to get some improvement (as it does get better during my physio sessions but just rebounds). I'm not convinced I'll do enough to stop the next surgery but so be it. I know it can't be as bad as it's been (should be just keyhole with camera to cut loose bits of muscle).
I've come too far to give up now.
Will keep everyone posted xxx
tess94652 kathryn42410
Posted
kathryn42410 tess94652
Posted
sue29174 kathryn42410
Posted
the bend isn't too bad, but straightening is a problem
I am doing all the exercises I should, but not too good.
Walking with 1 crutch and can go up/down stairs without crutch.
Fed up and burst into tears when I can't do what I need to do, hopefully will get there soon....xx
kathryn42410 sue29174
Posted
I too am the same....can manage the stairs without crutches. I've been given mixed advice on the use of these. Physio told me to try to manage without them to strengthen the leg. I then saw a consultant physio who said that I was not walking great because my leg wasn't straight so that would only effect my posture/other leg. He said I should continue to use both when outside of the house as it made me stand up much straighter.
It does get me down sometimes but it's helped to hear that others are going through it too.
I'm currently warming my leg up for the day ahead with my bed sheet. I basically use a rolled up sheet around my foot to stretch the leg out. I find that helps to build it up before I do anything else. It really stretches out the muscles (these are the reason mine won't straighten). Maybe try this, especially when you're feeling off, it definitely helps to build confidence.
Good luck x