Knee

Hi Bosco. I had surgery 5/4. I am not an expert but I would say to just rest more. Walk less. Give both of your legs a chance to get stronger. Everything in both of my legs got sore. Shin, calf, thigh, front of knee, back of knee, ankle, you name it. Just try not to worry, and for me, things started getting better aroind 8 weeks. Ice, elevate, rest, distract yourself (Netflix) and just let your body get well again.

The nurses had me standing by the evening of my surgery. I had a nerve block, so the big issue was locking my knee to take a step. The block was removed the next night, and I was walking with help to the bathroom which was in my room. That afternoon my PT began with a short walk down the hall and back. Putting weight on my surgical knee was expected. I didn't have any trouble doing it and not any real pain from putting weight on it. This was surprising to me considering how painful it had been prior to surgery.

My second knee was easier than my first. This really surprised me because it was my worst knee.

I had TERRIBLE swelling with my left knee ! Nothing seemed to relieve the swelling! The GameReady machine at PT helped the most. It compressed the knee and iced it at the same time.

I still had considerable swelling until about three months that post surgery with my left leg.

My right leg never swelled as badly as my left. I have no idea why.

Compression stockings that go up to your thighs work well. They are hard to put on, but worth the effort to get relief. Putting your legs up the wall if you can lay on the floor works the best. You can also lay on your bed and put your legs up the headboard if getting g down on the floor is too difficult.

Drinking lots of ice water sends you off to the bathroom a lot, but it also rids toxins and eliminates swelling.

Wishing you relief with pain and swelling!😊

Hi Yes you have to put weight on it. You have to use it. I had the 2 replacements done together. It takes a while to get the swelling out. My surgeon advised for the first 2 weeks to ice for 20 minutes every hour. after this I iced for 20 minutes about minumum of 6 times per day and keep elevated. It will eventually go down

Are you never able to weight bear at all?  

And re:  am limping and put them away on my good knee  What do you mean?

Hi Bosco, I had my total knee replacement 33 days ago. All I was reading online before and after were very old posts regarding problems which scared me. I have been very lucky in recovery and by day 5, I was not using any support and was off meds by day 9 and driving. By week 3, my range of motion was at 120 degrees.

I was told that it is important to wear a compression stalking all day everyday for atleast the first 6 weeks. I take it off only when sleeping. That helps with swelling, circulation, and avoiding blood clots (which are all related). I also feel like it gives a little support as well.

Whenever I am not standing, I keep my leg elevated above the level of my heart, which helps with swelling.

For the first 10 days or so, I iced my knee 4 or 5 times a day. Always after PT and anytime I had exerted myself (knee). Until about a week ago. I iced it for 45 minutes before bed. Until a week ago, my leg ached only at night and I would not get good rest.

I also need my other knee replaced and it has become worse since my surgery on the other knee. I believe this has occurred due to my PT which works that knee as well. As my recovery has been quick, I don't really put additional pressure on the non-surgical knee. I can not do surgery on my other knee until next Summer so I am trying to be careful. I wear a simple brace on the knee to give it added support throughout the day. I also let my PT know so he can accommodate my activities. He did point out that the added work with that knee would actually strengthen it, but school starts in a few weeks and I can't afford to be in pain all day.

I know this is long, but I hope it helps.

The most important thing is to tell your doctor and PT everything and don't feel embarrassed. Also, recovery can be anywhere from 3 months to 2 years from what I have read.

Hi I had problems with swelling (unbearable) used to run a cold bath and sit in it for as long as I could even during the night ( leave the water in the bath through the day so I didn't ware the water), the ice packs just never seemed enough? Not sure if this actually made a difference but Also added Epsom salts that I purchased in bulk! I also kept the ibuprofen dosage up to the max possible in 24 hour period. I'm 12 weeks into my recovery and this routine is still useful if I have over done it !

Hi

Rest, icing and hot baths helped me, still a great deal of pain, no sleep and crying.

You need to walk correctly or you will get problems in other parts of your body.

Walk towards a full length mirror can help.

Good healing

Hi Bosco. Are you using two sticks (or canes) I seem to limp when not using two. I think it is muscle memory from before the op. It takes time to have the confidence to 

put weight through your new knee but I believe there is no physical reason why you can't .  Are you still taking plenty of pain killers? I am 38 days past a PKR and still need medication particularly to exercise or walk. My good knee is also causing me pain  I think this is due to compensating for the new one we are frightened of using. 

Take the pain killers and go for it gently. It all takes time - so the knowledgable folks on here say. I'm still a newbie. Good luck and persevere.