Posted , 15 users are following.
Hi everyone. me again...just a quick question, how many weeks approximately till we can walk up and down stairs concurrently? I know it depends on how much we exercise that quad, but i can now feel my muscle (whereas it was non existant). Is it a mental thing? I cant remember how long it was when i had my first TKR. I am 7 weeks post op. thanks
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Sute elaine94716
Posted
Hi Elaine, I cannot actually answer your question, I wish i could, but - I am now 7 weeks post op too, as I live in a bungalow I dont have stairs to practise on really, but at physio last tuesday, I was walking up and down on a box/step up with operated leg then good leg, then down with op leg etc.: I had120 degree bend : I was discharged from physio and told I didnt need any crutches to walk, but feel I couldn't go outside without one(apart from my own garden), my leg sort of buckles a tiny bit when I am walking and I tense up, I know it just needs strengthening. I can walk up a small step then into through my back back conconcurrently but I would be frightened if there wasnt anything there for me to hold onto if I needed too ; I have been doing my exercises. but I think I need to do more steps exercises my husand has made me a wooden step today.
May I ask you how long ago did you have your first TKR?
Sorry for going - How in general do you feel you are mamanging?
elaine94716 Sute
Posted
I had my first knee done in march 2015. I had a small step in that hug that I practiced on but can't remember at what stage I was at then. I do feel I'm doing very well they are pleased with me at the hospital and I can sit in a chair normally now walking round without a stick mostly. It's jut the stair element that's annoying me, I think it's all in my mind!
elaine94716
Posted
clive45466 elaine94716
Posted
My Physio told me you need around 115 degree bend to be able to walk up an down stairs . I spent 2 weeks on my stairs using my bum.
Good healing
ali95530 clive45466
Posted
I got 103 by my physio which excruciating pain but I've managed stairs albeit very ungainly ... just takes a bit of courage and still sometimes I find myself wanting to do it the two foot two step way
elaine94716 ali95530
Posted
CHICO_MARX elaine94716
Posted
This may help...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-ptsd-569521
CHICO_MARX elaine94716
Posted
Seven weeks is extremely early to think you can do stairs effortlessly. And, yes, it takes a rebuilt quad, glute and core to do that. Lots of gym work required...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/post-tkr-exercising-565527
I also did another post on stairs...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/mastering-post-tkr-stairs-552728
...that seemed to have been quite controversial as the method taught to me in PT was the exact opposite of the one taught to other people (I wonder if it's a US vs other countries thing). Others have written extensively about mastering stairs so there's a lot of information out there.
Just remember that it takes a lot of work to put stair climbing back on the muscles around the knee and not on the knee itself. Takes time and work. I'm one year p/o and stairs are not an issue anymore.
elaine94716 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Just read the stairs article. Amazing. Thanks. I did try but did the crouch bounce thing! Tomorrow's another day x
CHICO_MARX elaine94716
Posted
The real trick is not to bounce but to use the quad. Not even possible when you just start rehab. Remember that the quad has gone from strong to atrophied in those weeks. The "test" is if you can put your bad knee on the next step and then use your bad quad to get you up to that step without bouncing or holding on. Literally takes MONTHS of practice but it does happen...if you do the work. I can almost do two steps at a time now at one year post-op. Gotta be determined to take your life back...
elaine94716 CHICO_MARX
Posted
Yeh you're right my quads are very weak I need to do more work in the pool and pt. I am impatient as was enjoying life (albeit within the restrictions of a wonky knee) and this is so annoying. Plan to spend more time on my passion, sewing and designing clothes. It'll come. Your posts are an inspiration thank you. X
CHICO_MARX elaine94716
Posted
No impatience... You need PTSD!!!!
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-and-ptsd-569521
kim01222 elaine94716
Posted
Hope this is a little help to you.
Kim
elaine94716 kim01222
Posted
Wow Kim that's good to know! All those stairs! Amazing. Thank you it is a help to know this. X
Mary0987 elaine94716
Posted
I'm 4 1/2 months and stairs are ok but slow. They are not my favorite thing to do. My right knee is still a little sore and have to take pain meds at night.
Having my left knee replaced April 11 as it is hindering my fight knee because of the pain. I also had a disk in my back repaired in August and now it to is very painful because of my knees. Hopefully it will settle down after the TKR as now I have to sleep on a heating pad. Still want this over with.