Questions about post tkr stiffness
Posted , 13 users are following.
I’m nearly 8 months post tkr on my right knee. I still experience stiffness which I realise is to be expected for some time yet – 12-18 months seem to be the agree upon time scale from what I gather on this forum. I basically function normally and well – up and down stairs (2 floors in our house), walking, usual household jobs also some easy gardening (not daring to kneel!). In fact, I find walking is the best thing for the knee. Some days are better than others and sometimes I feel some sensitivity above or below the knee – nothing painful or distressing, just sensations. Am I right in thinking all this is par for the course? Sitting for any length of time causes the knee to stiffen up until I stand and start to walk about. Ditto getting out of bed in the mornings. It’s generally more sensitive on the outside of my knee. Does this sound normal, that some days are better than others for no obvious reason?
Another issue which has really bothered me: We are signed up for a series of concerts - prepaid and with fixed seats somewhere towards the middle of the row. Been to the first two. For the first half hour I felt nothing at all from my knee and then it started to be bothersome, really uncomfortable verging on pain, because I couldn’t stretch my leg out fully as the rows aren’t wide enough for that. I tried to once and found myself pushing against the seat of the person in front, so no room. The halfway break was welcome but then it started again. Yet the minute we got up to leave, the horrible discomfort was gone. Third one coming up in a week and I’m rather dreading it. Didn’t want to ask to change seats as we sit with friends who like the position. Anyone else experience this?
One more thing. I am a candidate for tkr on my left knee too. In fact I originally went to the doctor because that was far more painful than the right, although the specialist said the right was worse – bone on bone and I could see from the xray he showed me. He said the left was more painful because my body was automatically compensating for the worse situation in the right knee. After the operation, after finishing all the medications my left knee was quiet for a while, but now has started acting up again. Now that my right knee is really good – feels firm when I walk and going up and down stairs while my left knee “gives” a bit, under me – I’m wondering should I do the left tkr and if I don’t am I likely to cause my good, right knee to then become my bad know. This was mentioned once on this forum.
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0 likes, 24 replies
ruth48991 jane41470
Posted
Hi Jane, you sound quite normal to me! I had LTKR two years ago. Am very active, walking dogs 2,3,4 miles over rough steep ground, full on Pilates twice a week , a generally busy and active lifestyle and my new knee is still sometimes stiff for a minute or two if it has had to stay still. I think it's "normal" now.
With regard to concert, that too is, I think, something that you will have to think about as a long term thing. Now I am generally quite good, but don't like to feel cramped up for too long. If it is a problem, it might help to take painkillers beforehand, if this suits you. Shame to spoil your concert.
Your third point re other knee:-
I went to specialist after 10 years of pain in both knees. X rays showed both bone on bone. He said only choice was two new knees, or live with it. I had already taken the heartbreaking decision to give up my business (livestock farming) because it was becoming a struggle, but wanted a life back.
Decided to have both done 12 wks apart. First one was really tough going, because both knees so bad, muscle wastage etc etc. However, worked really hard and made progress. NHS then got really busy, and my second knee was deferred three times. My third date was 22 weeks after the first, by which time I was doing Pilates and gym both twice a week, fitter than I had been for several years, so I rang my surgeon and we decided to shelve the second knee.
Have just had it done 5wks ago, 2yrs after the first, as it has been dragging me down again. The first knee complained slightly when the second was done, but so far, I am getting on much better than last time. I put this down to being much, much fitter than the first time, also generally healthier and half a stone lighter. Also knew what to expect! And still went ahead.
No-one can make the decision except you. Exercise is vital to keep your new and old knees as good as possible. It just depends what you want to be able to achieve. All of it needs work, I don't think there's an easy answer.
Sorry for burbling on, but maybe it might help.
Good luck.
jane41470 ruth48991
Posted
Hi Ruth
Your burbling is fine, and always good to know i seem to be on the right track. i was planning to take snti-inflamatory for 2 or 3 days before the concert, and then give the knee a good rub with voltaren. And then hope.
You certainly keep active, goid for you. i do my physio exercises almost every day. Treadmill or walking, up and down stairs at home many times a day. Normal activities round house or garden incorporate squats, stretches, and so on.
I'm getting my mind around having to do my left knee and all the pre-op stuff - tests, doctors, and as i did before the first op - cooking and filling my freezer, to make life easier for my husband after.
kay08292 jane41470
Posted
You could be talking about me. I had my right knee replaced 6 months ago and doing well but the left knee is now worse, probably compensating for the other one more. Think i will eventually have to have that one done too as I feel its hindering my full recovery. Just come back from a 9 hour flight which was much better than i thought it was going to be except walking when I got off the plane! I even went snowshoing on holiday and had never done that before and loved it. I deliberately always try and book aisle seats at the theatre, football,sporting events etc and I have done this since before my operation as I felt the need to move and be able to stretch, else I start to panic a bit. Awkward when you go with someone else who has booked the tickets. I am feeling very positive about my new knee except still struggling to walk downstairs properly but some of this is due to concerns about the other knee now. Got my 6 month check up next week so will be mentioning my other knee and see what happens! Good luck.
Tennis69 jane41470
Posted
HI Jane
Having read your review i totally sympathize.
I am 20 months post operative from a Right TKR. I have done very well and for the first 8 months went to the Gym 3 times a week plus daily excercises from the PT. I have played tennis for the last 54 years and am now back playing indoor Tennis 2 times a week plus competitive tennis at my club during Summer. My knee is ok but i know my limitations and can achieve about 115 knee bend and my leg is virtually straight.
I still get discomfort at times in the muscles around the knee but no pain in the knee joint.
However last December i went first to watch Man Utd play and earlier this month went to Liverpool Phil for a concert and as you said there is no space in front of the seats and you are sitting with both your knees at 90 degrees. After about 30 mins my right knee was aching quite a bit and the interval was a welcome relief.
I stood up for all the interval and did a few pushes against the barrier just to excercise
People must have thought what is he up too lol
I found in the 2nd half if i sat at an angle with my Right knee slightly straight to the left. this was ok and surprisingly did not ache as i was not bending it.
In future i will get seats on the front row of the blocks with space to stretch out.
This is not in the manual for Post operative recovery lol and i asume this will be forever or become easier as the years pass, so dont despair its all about adjusting to the situation as best you can, and remember your knee will never be the same as pre op but a lot less painful.
Hope this helps
Regards Howard
jane41470 Tennis69
Posted
Thanks Howard. Seems that theatre seating is a problem for many of us. I will try doing as you recommended. I had been trying to straighten my knee (right one) to the right, never thought of trying it to the left. Concert on Monday, I shall report back to the forum.
jane41470 Tennis69
Posted
Hi Howard - and everyone else with the same problem in theatres,
Last night we went to the concert I mentioned in my original post. I told my husband about my planned sitting position so he was perfectly ok sitting with both knees moved sideways a bit so I had no problem stretching out my right (the tkr leg) leg fully. However (after practising at home!) I found it much more comfortable stretching my leg out to the right, and not to the left, as you said you did. And wonder of wonders, It worked beautifully! No pain, no aches, no stiffness. So thank you Howard for your suggestion - simple and so effective. It's put theatre/cinema going back on the agenda.
Thanks again and hope you and all others are managing ok.
Tennis69 jane41470
Posted
Hi
I am so pleased it worked and you enjoyed the theatre. As you said so simple yet effective If i come across some other tricks to help with the TKR i will let you know.
Never give up, as i say to myself and hopefully will be a lot easier in the coming months and years
Howard x
jane41470 Tennis69
Posted
Thanks Howard. Yes indeed, simple but effective. And that's the whole purpose of this great forum, giving encouragement to others. All the very best, Madeleine.
Tennis69 jane41470
Posted
Hi
I am so pleased it worked and you enjoyed the theatre. As you said so simple yet effective If i come across some other tricks to help with the TKR i will let you know.
Never give up, as i say to myself and hopefully will be a lot easier in the coming months and years
Howard x