Posted , 10 users are following.
I have a painful and arthritic knee which will have to be replaced next year. To help with this I have started doing some knee strengthening exercises, only to find they seem to be making things a whole lot worse. Has anyone else found this. I'm hobbling at the moment and feel that my good intentions have backfired on me!
1 like, 12 replies
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Deigh Soxy
Posted
I found the same issue. we are having knee replacement because our knees are really bad and it makes sense that the exercises are not our friend. I did what I could without causing pain and it seemed to be beneficial after surgery.
Soxy Deigh
Posted
Thank you for your reply. My instinct is to stop the exercises, so that is what I will do. Any tips as to how to get through to next years surgery. Did you use hot or Cold therapy?
Eimmarg Soxy
Posted
i dont know i will not be able to have surgery tkr until jan and i am hobbling with a walker in total pain every day i do exercise trying to lose weight will take any ideas done tens accuputure cyotherpy etc etc etc but i will never give up praying for jan
Deigh Soxy
Posted
I used a natural linament called Arnica, as well as Voltaren. My naturopath also just told me that rubbing castor oil on my knees is very good for relief from inflammation. Inflammation causes the pain.
jane10032 Soxy
Posted
Exercise prior to surgery made my knee worse as well. Resulting in pain and swelling. I think it made things worse. It does help with recovery to have strengthened your quads etc. However it is not possible for everyone. I was unable to exercise and I am doing fine .
Soxy jane10032
Posted
Thank you for your reply. I have come to the same conclusion and will stop doing the exercises as my instinct is they are doing more harm than good. Would you recommend heat or cold for helping?
margie99601 Soxy
Posted
I Tried to exercise prior to surgery but it was too painful since I also have severe arthritis in my feet and ankles. I am 5 weeks postop now and having trouble doing the PT. Do tor said to do what I can do. I just saw my surgeon yesterday and he said my range of motion good and to continue to do what I can do. PT put weights on my ankles but then they were very painful later. Doctor said too early for me for weights. Everyone is different. I'm sure you will do fine. Just takes time to heal after.
Eimmarg margie99601
Posted
havent tried castor oil im on it right now thanks keep ideas coming im deparate
Deigh Eimmarg
Posted
since the naturopath recommended it to me, I have found it very helpful. Reducing inflammation is key. let me know if it works for you.
denise19240 Soxy
Posted
Hi, it's so good to see what everyone is experiencing! I'm 60 days out and doing really good but my upper thigh and back of my knee get sore at times. But it's worth it! old pain is gone. my tkr was done in a hurry so I had no time to exercise, I wouldn't worry about it, but you certainly need to get going after and do it by the book, or you will be in a mess!!
Good Luck and remember patience is your best friend !!!
jenny80029 Soxy
Posted
That happened to me!
There was one exercise I was unable to do at all. I found I needed to use a stick or walking poles, and even one crutch towards the end. It was very hard and quite a depressing time to be honest.
When I did have my knee replacement and the surgeon got in there he said it was very worn indeed and definitely worth doing. While I knew that from it's performance, or rather lack of, it was good to know I had at least tried and done what I could. It got silly towards the end, because it really was getting worse and quite rapidly.It probably is good to do what you can but don't cause pain. If you are having trouble walking I would encourage you to use support as needed, because it can at least keep you mobile and extend how long you can walk for.
I used to be on this forum a lot, obviously not now (as over two years post op), but occasionally I pop my head in.
I look back fondly now... I learnt a lot about myself through the experience, both before and after, developed some strength of character, and though it was hard it was worth it.
Accept help and be kind to yourself!
Best wishes, Jenny
Slm911 Soxy
Posted
****I was told that the best exercises i could do were done in my bed. 3 Low impact. Clam shells - lay on side knees bent and lean forward not back....put heels together...open and close knees slowly 3 reps of 15 on each side. strengthens hips and thighs
Leg lifts- lay on back...squeeze buttocks....point toes of 1 foot and raise off bed only about 6 to 8 inches...point toes...hold for 10 count...slowly lower....repeat 3 times. then do the same amount while flexing foot back toward you. then put both feet together and hold up off of mattress for a 5 count 3 times. strengthens core.
Bottom raises - lying on your back and place feet flat in front of you. Raise bottom just off of mattress and back down. 3 reps of 15. Really Really made a difference for me even before double tkr! i added my blanket for a little extra weight over time. it is not supposed to hurt tho.....sore maybe, but seriously, results come quickly. hope that this helps you. Good luck with your surgery.
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