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knee problem after THR

Posted , 10 users are following.

linda35236
linda35236

Had posterior hip replacement 2 weeks ago. Thought I was doing well until 5 days post op knee swelling set in. Too puffy to even bend the knee and cannot sit in a chair. Had staples out last week. Dr. says this is IT Band from surgery and most likely will resolve. Please, if this has been your experience too might you share what you did to resolve it and how long that it took?   I m limping and using the cane and after all the painful pre surgery months this is getting me down. I can't believe I didn't see this coming. My hip is just fine. Just surgical site soreness. Any advice? I

3 likes, 17 replies

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  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup linda35236

    Posted

    I have some knee issues that are gradually improving.  Going on 4 months since thr
    • linda35236
      linda35236 Ducksoup

      Posted

      Thanks so much for the info and your reply.    Glad to hear you are going in the right direction. I just didn't expect a knee thing after.  Nothing I read discussed this and I did read plenty and watched some you tube.  I still have much to learn.  Thanks again. 

  • ivette58869
    ivette58869 linda35236

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

        I'm on almost on my 5th week post op and I had well, still having some swelling on the knee, sometimes even stiffness for a good part of the day; but I know how important doing my exercises, ice and elevation 3-4 times per day are very important, If you take the time and read other discussions you'll find other people who have to deal with it in very different levels and for different periods of time.

    I wish you a great recovery.

     

    • linda35236
      linda35236 ivette58869

      Posted

      Thanks so sharing your story with me.  I am in the first in my group of friends to experience THR.  I did read a lot and materials beforehand, watched you tube and spoke with many orthopedic people but somehow leaving hip surgery and not having hip pain but knee difficulties have thrown me.  So much swelling and pain that I can't help thinking, after all this what if I need a knee replacement as well?  Hoping the next week will bring some relief.  Thank you again for the reply and advice.  Good luck with your own recovery, hope things are getting easier for you as well.

    • Nuggie56
      Nuggie56 linda35236

      Posted

      Now that is how I am feeling 7 weeks post op and my shin area and knee on non surgical side hurts so bad. I am doing great on surgery side not any serious anything going on with that side. Thank God but my right side in groin area was very tight and it hurys. My PT gave me stretching exercises to do and they feel much better. I hope .It is just the pressure it has gone through. I wish you well.
  • brenda67955
    brenda67955 linda35236

    Posted

    Elevate and ice helps me. I was told it could take up to 6 months. I have no hip pain but the knee hurts so i use a crutch. I had the THR 7 weeks ago. Swelling is down some
    • linda35236
      linda35236 brenda67955

      Posted

      Wow, how could I have missed the warning of the whole knee involvement?  I read carefully and researched many different sources..  I am elevating and icing. It goes down at night and by mid day back to puffy and like cement.  Starting out patient PT this week.  I m hoping for some relief that way as well.  Many thanks for sharing your experience to help a fellow hipster.   Maybe we just need some spring weather and a bit of time.
  • lori25353
    lori25353 linda35236

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    M 8 mos out for thr and the thing I ran into was my left knee was taking the brunt during hip recovery.  It got real sore and swelled up from it compinsating for my hip.  You’re using other parts of your body to help you get up and down etc.  my right shoulder kills me now from hoisting myself up out of a chair etc.  also from using the cane. 

    I just iced it along with my hip and elevated it and oh yes I had a new perfume called Bio Freeze.  Now I’m looking at knee surgery.   Other parts of your body get pretty sore when they have to compensate for another weaker part.

    Hang in there. 

    • linda35236
      linda35236 lori25353

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply and sharing your story to help me sort this out.  Yeah, everything you say makes so much sense with an altered gait to get around pre surgery and then right after.  Just so surprised my hip feels so well so quickly and then BAM, now I have a knee problem.  I did put a Lidoderm Patch on it and it does help the pain but not the bend.  The Bio Freeze perfume of course makes sense with the baggy pants to cover the swelling and the orthopedic shoes and cane.  I am quite a fashion disaster these days. I feel for you with maybe a knee surgery after the hip surgery.  I am really hoping we can both avoid that.  Thanks for the kind words.
    • judith12644
      judith12644 linda35236

      Posted

      I had a really swollen leg and knee, which got progressively worse as the day went on. The hospital told me to just wear the support socks during the night. (I was reasonably  active during the day.) Also as others have said, ice and elevate. Good luck!
  • brenda67955
    brenda67955 linda35236

    Posted

    I had my knees replaced 19 YRS AGO. I STILL HAVE THE KNEECAPS THO. I AM JUST WORRIED I WILL HAVE TO HAVE THAT DONE NEXT. I LIVE ON THE THIRD FLOOR!!! PT had said as we start moving around more then gravity pulls the swelling down to the knee. Tues i will have x-rays to see if there is enough bone around the knees sp i can start using ankle weights. I just have lost patience.
  • Nuggie56
    Nuggie56 linda35236

    Posted

    I used ice and kept feet up in my recliner. I slept for about two weeks in my recliner. My feet and legs would swell.
  • lori25353
    lori25353 linda35236

    Posted

    Hi again Linda,

    If it gets real bad where nothing else helps maybe you would benefit having an injection to help you through the recovery. But yes you do need to keep up the exercises also.  I’ve had problems with my knee for years but using it to compensate for my hip really took its toll on it.  Now after 8 mos after my hip surgery I pulled a tendon in it.   So I had to have an injection in my knee and my hip.  And the knee injections are nothing.  Piece of cake.  For someone that hates needles geez I’ve had my share just since my hip.  

    Hang in there

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