Posted , 16 users are following.
Hi all tkr's I may have read about this topic in another thread but cannot find it. Can anyone tell me when the steel band around the knee feeling goes? I'm finding it really uncomfortable now as I head in the direction of 6 weeks post op. Thanks.
0 likes, 29 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
mary12001 lesley_63511
Posted
I'm 7 months post op and I am sorry to say but the steel band hasn't completely disappeared- it comes back now and again.to tell u the truth it's all a bit of a nightmare- what is ur new knee made out of?
Mines cobalt chrome - sometimes it feels heavy-like I've got my boots on!!
jan00124 lesley_63511
Posted
I'm 11 weeks out and realized this week I don't have thay feeling anymore. You'll get there!
elizabeth_59334 lesley_63511
Posted
I'm almost 4 weeks now and although I'm managing the pain (ish!) my leg is still swollen making it very heavy! Wondering when that goes!
audreys130 lesley_63511
Posted
lesley_63511 audreys130
Posted
Its amazing the amount of muscles surrounding our knee! I'm a firm believer in myofascial tissue massage commonly known as trigger point therapy. I have been working on tight lumps of muscle in my thigh...breaking down the lumps which consequently eases tightness in places surrounding the knee. Most muscles take fright at an injury and tighten up....massaging releases them and allows increase in circulation that has been restricted by contracted tissue. A very interesting subject which I have found helps.
judy17487 audreys130
Posted
Always good to massage. Scar tissue wants to build up, and that's the best way to fight it.
Oldfatguy1 lesley_63511
Posted
Its another of those things that's as different as fingerprints between people. As the quads strengthen the IT band eases up. You just have to keep up the slow but steady work and icing. At some point downline, they might wish to use hydrotherapy or even a muscle relaxant to help. Over the years and 5 complete rehabs, I had only one early escape. The remainder of of the rehabs I as anywhere from 3 months up. Now, after my 11th surgery I am still fighting it for over a year. But then again, my soft tissue is so butchered because of the rare tumor that I hold little hope it will ever go away. Keep in mind, I have a 1 in 2 million person condition.
lesley_63511 Oldfatguy1
Posted
jan00124 Oldfatguy1
Posted
Your positive remarks is what got me through my tkr. I'm 11 weeks out and i must say you were right on all accounts. Thank you! Prayers for healing on your knee.
elizabeth_59334 Oldfatguy1
Posted
Puts my wingeing into perspective. I've only been going for just over 3 weeks and feel I'm not progressing. My leg after TKR is swollen and thus heavy and I find relaxing in the evening impossible.
Oldfatguy1 elizabeth_59334
Posted
One of the side benefits of a tkr.........it teaches patience. This is the most difficult recovery you will probably ever go through because it doesn't move in a straight line. If you were to be able to chart it like a graph it would look like a ekg charting a heart attack. It has always amazed me that when I thought I was over a healing phase, it would jump up and bite me again.......then suddenly gone for good.
CHICO_MARX lesley_63511
Posted
This "feeling" will become less and less discomforting over time. You should really see a difference in the 3-6 month range. Many people report it virtually gone in 12-18 months...some longer. Personally at 8 months out, I barely notice it. Figure by a year it will be gone...maybe...who knows...
John5006 lesley_63511
Posted
I am now exactly 12 months post op and its fabuous except for this same feeling as you describe. I refer to it as a mobile tight elastic band. Originally it was located from one side of the knee to the other (but never behind the knee). It has never interfered with my ROM or flexion.
Sometimes it feels it is below the knee cap and under it (if you see what I mean) other times it feel that it is above the kneecap and over it. Weirdest sensation ever. But it in no way interferes with my daily life. I did stir it up the other day - went for a longish walk down to a beach, then rounded the headland and climbed a winding, tortuous rocky, uneven footpath to the top of the 500 foot high cliffs. The next day it really took its revenge to the point there was mild swelling so I just rested up and elevated and iced. Its calmed down now.I see my surgeon on 14 Nov for my 12 month review and Xrays so will mention it to him.
John
lesley_63511 John5006
Posted
Hi John sounds like you're doing well. Congratulations! Yeah! ...i think patience plays a huge part in the long road to recovery. I'm a very active person so I'm taking strain with this whole issue. All the best for your 12 monthly