Knee "Crunching"
Posted , 5 users are following.
It has been a while since I have written in to the forum, but am having some new knee issues which are a bit frightening. I am 6 months out of tkr of left knee, and have completed physical therapy. Good range of motion, and extension continues to improve. My progress has been slow but steady, and I am faithful to daily exercises. I have swelling and tightness on a regular basis, but not pain. I n the last two weeks I have developed a sense of "clunking" and "crunching"in the knee when doing stairs, etc. Also, some increased tightness and swelling, but no real pain. I see my surgeon in 4 weeks, but would like to know if this is something that is serious and needs to be checked out sooner. I am hoping it is just another leg of the long recover journey. Thanks to all who take the time to reply. This forum has been a life saver during the last 6 months!
0 likes, 6 replies
michele68649 marylyn1944
Posted
I am 2yrs since my surgery take it easy on your knees stairs are the hardest to do
so take one step at time us the handrails this is a life time adjustment you will find somethings you can do with no problem and something you can't listen to your knee if there is a problem slow down or try another way . if your still worried.it's always good to ask the doctor IT IS GOING TO TAKE ONE YEAR OR MAYBE MORE. FOR COMPLETE RECOVERY elevation and ice rest and relax don't push your recovery
gillian65440 marylyn1944
Posted
Sorry, I can't help you. I'm nearly 4 months from tkr surgery on my right leg. I was doing spectacularly well, then after around 11 weeks, made the mistake of thinking that I'm fully recovered only to find that I'm not. I'd been overdoing things, especially walking. I'm now taking it a lot easier and resting more. I'm slowly getting back to where I was. It was in this forum that others like me had overdone things. Good luck. I hope you get answers.
CHICO_MARX marylyn1944
Posted
You could have the clunking/popping/crunching noises for 12-18 months post-op...rarely afterward. Totally normal...the sounds disappear gradually and you won't even notice when they're gone. The same thing with the stiffness...goes away gradually. However...
Stiffness will absolutely return even long-term unless you keep the knee active. I'm 3 1/2 years and have had very little stiffness. "Old timers" in TKRLand will also warn you to keep the knee active.
marylyn1944 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Thank you Chico. The most concerning aspect is feeling the crunching and clunking, not just hearing it! Also, that it just started. Will just keep plugging along and trying to stay as active as possible. Hoping the tight band feeling and swelling will get better with time!
CHICO_MARX marylyn1944
Posted
If it gets worse or there is pain involved (other than the normal healing post-op), see your doc. A lot of that sound is the scar tissue breaking down and the implant "seating" itself onto the plastic. Concentrate on rebuilding all your atrophied muscles (quads, glutes, core and more). Gotta get STRONG!!!
Muscle Rebuild
JunieR marylyn1944
Posted
HI, I'm 19 mths p o & still occasionly get the clunking, particularly when a passenger going over speed humps! Seems to have got worse since loosing weight, but that might be all in my head! At least i dont get anymore pain, so if i have to live with the clunking from time to time, i consider it a small price to pay. The surgeon did warn me that a replacement is never as good as the real thing. Good luck with your ongoing recovery.