Sciatica flare 8.5 months after TKR
Posted , 5 users are following.
In 2012 I had back surgery and my sciatica has been gone except for a slight bit of discomfort when sitting too long. 2 days ago I started to notice pain in my left buttocks, sane as before but only slight traveling into my thigh. I did do some work outside but not much and I have read others report a a recurrence of sciatica after a knee replacement. Any thoughts, exercises, etc, are appreciated. Thanks
0 likes, 10 replies
karen14697 JRS11
Posted
I am DAY 8 post-op for my 2nd TKR. My sciatica has acted up and is almost as bad as my knee pain. My pt gave me some stretching exercises to do which help but I've been in tears twice. I keep telling myself it's NOT cancer! I'll get through this but do not understand why I had to get sciatica now!!! BAD TIMING
ptliveguy karen14697
Posted
Could simply be having to sit more and move differently since the TKR. Let me know if you need a bit of help, PT here...
CHICO_MARX JRS11
Posted
Chiropractor. Very common as we subconsciously shift our weight to avoid pain. Mine hit at 5 weeks but it's not unusual to hear of sciatica in post-TKR patients. Saw my chiro...fixed in a few weeks. The best thing you can do is regain all the strength in your glutes, quads, core, lower back, etc. The stronger you are, the less likely that this will reoccur.
JRS11 CHICO_MARX
Posted
thanks Chico. I will see a hands on physical therapist that I am working on other issues in a few days and see what he can do. My wife has a good chiropractor that I will call as well. If it is just manipulations medicare will pay... If not, hard to put a price on pain reduction.
CHICO_MARX JRS11
Posted
If you're out of alignment, you'll probably hear that your leg lengths are not even...no problem. Realignment fixes that. If you're in alignment, your SI joints could be locked pinching the nerve. I've had that happen a few times. Again chiro or PT can fix that. In the meantime, some OTC topical BioFreeze can help you plus some ibuprofen. There are also cheap TENS units at a market or pharmacy ($25) but you have to experiment where to put the pads to get relief.
ptliveguy JRS11
Posted
It could be just an adjustment that your body is making to walk on the new knee and it could just be a random flare up... Have you ever had another Telehealth PT evaluation or any check up since it started bothering you? Let me know, there's some folks in your area who could provide a bit of free triage to check on ya and provide a good solution. Hopefully it's just a random flare that goes away shortly!
JRS11 ptliveguy
Posted
I sure hope it settles down. I have not had a traditional re evaluation done, just seeing the non traditional PT guy I have used for years. I will see him this week and let him see what he can do. Thank you.
patti66 JRS11
Posted
I've had two major back ups and I'm 8 weeks post TKR and my back has starting hurting a lot. My physio has identified its the way I'm walking and not standing up straight. When I consciously correct these things my back pain goes. Just a suggestion, but perhaps someone who deals with posture issues may be of help to you.
karen14697 JRS11
Posted
i have to use a rub i get from a local Health Food store and sleep with slight elevation with rolled up towel under my knee. My pt isnt happy but said sleep is just too important to my recovery. BE COMFORTABLE!! This is post-op Day 10 and I'm still amazed at the progress this time as opposed to the last fiasco! Happy Sunday, everyone!
karen14697 JRS11
Posted
i have to use a rub i get from a local Health Food store and sleep with slight elevation with rolled up towel under my knee. My pt isnt happy but said sleep is just too important to my recovery. BE COMFORTABLE!! This is post-op Day 10 and I'm still amazed at the progress this time as opposed to the last fiasco! Happy Sunday, everyone!