Knee warm and pain getting worse

Posted , 7 users are following.

I am 13 weeks post tkr. I have replied to a few queries so hope someone can respond to my query. Last Monday the PT discharged me as she got my bend to 110 after hurting me again. Since then my pain either side of my knee is sharp and painful. Also makes me jump with pain like someone is stabbing me. It is also warm and needs icing. I have been reducing the tramadol took none yesterday and had a really bad painful 1 1/2 hours. I am worried about infection in the knee. I am seeing surgeon saturday this week. Wad going to cancel as before PT things were feeling good. Feeling fed up again.

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  • Posted

    Hi Jean,

    I am 18 weeks post tkr.and my knee still swells and feels hot after exercise or if I walk more than a mile. Surgeon told me this is normal and can happen 12 to 18 months. My scar still is purple in places but patches of white knitted together that too am told is normal. I was told infection is rare but if increasing redness not relived by ice or discharge or temperature then to phone them or see GP. So it might be worth seeing someone before Saturday if you are worried.

    Not sure what causes stabbing pains but have had them as well as all sorts of funny sensations which no one has ever been concerned about lol! Remember this surgery is brutal. It takes time .

    Let us know how you get on ,Jan

    • Posted

      Hi Jan that has reassured me somewhat. Think i got spooked by a friend telling me her dad 7 months after surgery knee got hot. The outcome was he had infection so they operated and took knee out. That was in October last year and he is still waiting for it to be put back in. Will still see surgeon on saturday just to make sure all ok. Thank you will keep informed.
  • Posted

    There will be two steps forward and one step back a lot. I am almost 8 months post op.  My PT released me at 130 degree bend and 0 flexion.  I am now 141 degrees bend and -2 flexion.  Very happy.  I get a twinge of pain once in a while but work out every day for an hour bike and treadmill.  Its not your natural knee.  I believe it will always feel different.
    • Posted

      Chris, my physio seemed to think I don't need more bend than what I've got now (about 128 - 130) and 0.  Did you push it to get more or did it come on it's own.  I was told I didn't need to push it anymore but it's sort of habit now, to sit there in the evening with the knee up as tight as it will go LOL!

    • Posted

      Hi Chrisa thank you for the response. The pain yesterday was pretty awful. I took 2 tramadol last night and had a better night and not so much pain today and the knee feels a little less tight after ice and elevation,. wow 141 degrees is great I hope to get at least 135 which apparently means you can use it as the normal knee. but will check with surgeon about the heat in my knee just to be sure all ok.
    • Posted

      Right, thanks Chris.  I'll just keep doing what I'm doing now and sitting on the recliner bringing the knee up as tight as it will go and leaving it for 5 or 10 minutes at a time like that.  I think with it being six weeks now and having got to 130, there should be a good chance of another 5 degrees or so.

  • Posted

    It's good that you're booked to see the surgeon Jean because I'm hoping this will reassure you.  In the meantime, ice and elevate and rest.  I do hope it's better soon.  I've no idea about the infection aspect though but would IMAGINE you'd have had problems earlier?  Anyone know?

    • Posted

      Thanks Chris I do really need my mind putting at rest re infection as I was spooked by a friend who said her dad had a hot knee and turned out to be infection. I must admit after Ice and elevation the knee is pretty normal in temperature.
    • Posted

      Jean, I think it's quite normal to be worried about infection.  We've ALL heard stories about people who have really had a horrendous time because of infection, so as far as I was concerned, the slightest thing might have meant infection!  When a lot of 'stuff' was appearing on the surface of the dressing I was worried about infection, and then when it started pouring out the sides of the dressing I was worried more (and phone the hospital at that point to check!) but actually all was well, but reassurance is so good at times like this!  It sounds as though yours is OK, but I don't blame you at all for getting it checked:-)

    • Posted

      Yes will definately feel better after seeing surgeon on saturday. Thanks
  • Posted

    Hi Jean, I just think it's a journey with thingsprogressing and then a backward step.

    at my physio they seem to take a gentler approach, I wonder if age comes into it. I just do what I can manage without forcing the issue, bend seems to come to people at different times. It still early days I would give your self an easier time for a couple of days, ice and let things settle.  I should keep your surgeons appointment it might be helpful.  Chin up. X

    • Posted

      Hi Jackie, I think I had a pretty tough PT she took no prisoners with putting me through my paces without much of a smile on her face. So glad I dont have to see her again. I could really do with someone who is a little more gentle. Feeling a bit better today as pain not as bad. Thanks for the response.
  • Posted

    Hi jean. I wouldn't cancel. Ask them to test your blood for infection just to give you peace of mind. Ups and downs will happen but if u have the appointment keep it and ask some questions. Hang in there

    • Posted

      Thanks Jeanie I will keep the appointment just for peace of mind.

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