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

16 Replies

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  • Posted

    Hi kathryn

     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 

    • Posted

      That's great to hear Lynn, thanks so much. I will keep pushing myself. Next physio appointment is Friday so hopefully I'll improve a little x
  • Posted

    Hi Kathryn

    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!

    • Posted

      Thanks for taking the time to reply. It helps to hear from someone who's experienced issues with straightening too. I'll keep going with my exercises and see what they say at the end of the month. At least I know about manipulation as an option now.

      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

  • Posted

    Sounds dreadful Kathryn. I thought I had a good straight leg but as the swelling is starting to down I am not so sure (almost 5 weeks).

    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.

    • Posted

      Hi Carol,

      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

    • Posted

      Hi Kathryn, thanks for that. I have found a couple of physio videos on the internet which I have started to follow so hopefully I will start to see some improvement soon.
  • Posted

    Hi this is Angel. I have had trouble. I had a partial on Dec 1 and I could not get bend or straighten. My bend was like 81 and straight extension was like 23-30. So on dec 18 leg started hurting bad. And has to go in on March 2 and have total knee. And know it's made it worse. My bend is still 80-maybe 90 if take pill. And then extension remains same. It's hard to walk with foot on floor. I can't sleep on back. With leg straight. So I go to reg pt and ams ouch. They bought to kill me. So I'm there with u!!! They say time it will happen. And be gental.
    • Posted

      Hi Angel,

      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

    • Posted

      Thanks for the reply.

      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

    • Posted

      Thank you. I'm doing ok. Been given another 3 weeks to work on straightening before decision is made about my next operation.

      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

  • Posted

    Hi Kathryn - read your post couple of times and thought what could i say  to help? i was so moved by your experience and at such a young age! You are going through some really tough stuff and my guess is everyone reading your post will feel the same - hoping your surgeon and physio can get you significantly better! It's amazing though what the body can do with support and patience - my leg pre TKR was pretty crooked and the knee didn't straighten but it's at 3 degrees at 12 weeks. Keep your spirit strong it really helps and stay connected with all the good folks on this site - that helps too! xx
    • Posted

      Thank you for your kind words. Great for me to hear that you've got down to 3 degrees at 12 weeks. I'm so happy I found this site and get to hear from people who've been or are going through similar things. It's really helped to give me a much needed boost.
  • Posted

    Yes I am having problems straightening the leg.

    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

    • Posted

      Hi Sue,

      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

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