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Need Advice: Post Surgery 4 weeks for Partial Knee Replacement and Extremely Stiff Knee

Posted , 12 users are following.

chris1112
chris1112

I'm a 42 year old, 4 week post partial knee replacement surgery.  I can completely straighten my leg but can only bend at most 75 degrees (this is with my physical therapist pushing my leg). 

The swelling has gone down considerably in my knee but the pain and stiffness is still intense.  My therapist suggested having my doctor put me back under and bend my knee but he's decided it's too soon and I need to keep working the therapy.

Curious if there are any suggestions for at home therapy.  I'm doing my exercises but the pain is so intense.  

 

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • natalie04381
    natalie04381 chris1112

    Posted

    Hi

    I'm 47 and 6 weeks post TKR, I can straighten fine but my bend is only 45 degrees, I saw my consultant on Tuesday and he's given me 3 weeks to try and bend it myself , if I can't he will give me an MUA. I take my meds an he before exercise hoping I can get through the pain of the stiffness but I'm really struggling . I'm determined though 😁

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX chris1112

    Posted

    Before considering an MUA, do everything you can to break down that scar tissue with your PT.  Take a painkiller an hour before the session and have someone drive you.  Also, try some of these at home...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-rom-work-at-home-620053

    Face down on the bed is a KILLER but it works for the straightening; the knee bend is accomplished by squats and heel slides.  Be RELENTLESS!!!!!

  • brent77382
    brent77382 chris1112

    Posted

    To be honest four weeks is really early days,I found a stationary bike a massive help, but before I got that I also had foot cycle that also helped before the bike.but after four weeks you will still have a hell of a lot of swelling And stiffness and this will stay with you quite a while yet my friend.
    • chris1112
      chris1112 brent77382

      Posted

      I was looking at foot cycles.  Do you like yours?  What brand is it? 
    • brent77382
      brent77382 chris1112

      Posted

      Hi Chris,my foot cycle was from Argos has ‘Davina’ on it but there all much alike.The stationery bike when I first got on it I could only get just under half a revolution on it but if you go as far as you can on it then ease of and repeat a few times then on your last go before you get off push your knee even just a quarter on an inch and before you know it that quarter inch becomes and inch and the progress becomes apparent. Bear in mind Chris there is a mental barrier you have to get over on the bike the first full revolution you do as your at the top your mind saying don’t do it but once your round once that it your away,I was expecting real pain and guess what nothing all in my head.Chris start on the foot cycle for a while first  your only four weeks in and too early for the bike. Good luck hope  I’ve helped and just my TKR experience.

  • jeanette28393
    jeanette28393 chris1112

    Posted

    Hello. I was the same way. Straight and only 75 degrees, at 4weeks

    This is my 2nd knee done, I’m 55.

    i was so worried as my other knee had a great bend at 4 weeks.

    i am 2 month post op now and my bend is 130, just keep going. It is discouraging and a slow recovery!

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