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Stiffness

Posted , 7 users are following.

Nance133
Nance133

i had bilateral knee replacement on January 18 and still feel very stiff especially my left knee. Not too much swelling but disappointed in my progress

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • freestork
    freestork Nance133

    Posted

    Hi Nance exercise is key, you really need to strengthen and lengthen your muscles. The better the stretch the better the muscles support your new joint. I was very lucky in my recovery am almost 12 months out! Only recently experiencing stiffness and took to massage therapy! Amazing results have learnt so much! Put the work in Nance work those muscles you will reap the rewards! Hang in there it’s worth it x
  • lyn32416
    lyn32416 Nance133

    Posted

    Hi Nance. I had both my knees replaced Mar 2016. I believe, with two replacements together, the recovery journey may take longer. Learn as much as you can about major bone surgery recovery. Eat clean, drink lots of water, do a little light exercise and see a good physio. It's can be a really tiring journey but stiffness is part of the deal lovee! x

    • Guest
      Guest lyn32416

      Posted

      Good physio is worth their wt in gold!!! How many months are u out lyn? Im 15 mo today. Stretching makes all the difference Nance, freestork is right!

    • lyn32416
      lyn32416 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Auntie. 23 months post op. Been a looong road. I could not walk prior so now I am pretty active. Both hips next! Enjoy your life lovee! x
  • mary12001
    mary12001 Nance133

    Posted

    It’s very early days after a knee replacement. Keep doing the exercises and I’m sure the stiffness will disappear eventually. Best of luck x

  • jan01779
    jan01779 Nance133

    Posted

    Put in the work. I'm 14 months post and still exercise to keep musclec strength . The stiffness will get easier but even now gets a bit stiff if sit around too much. You are early on in the process but will get there with work and focus. I am so pleased had this done !

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Nance133

    Posted

    IT'S ONLY BEEN A MONTH!!!!!  Geez...  Gotta get all those expectations out of your head.  Disappointed?  Based on what?  This whole thing takes a year...period.  At a month, I was still drooling on my pajamas...

    Bilateral?  Really?  You are one of my heroes!!!!!  I could NEVER imagine doing both at once.  You truly are one of the bravest people we ever meet on the Forum.  Now you have to learn to be good to yourself and treat yourself with kindness instead of filling your head with unrealistic timelines and milestones.

    This is the most brutal of all surgeries...and also the most Zen: "Your knees will be better when they are better."  You have to do all the ROM and exercise work required but a knee CANNOT be pushed to recovery like a hip of shoulder (I've dealt with all of them).  Time, work and patience...that's it.  Stiffness is a given, especially when all the scar tissue hasn't been broken down yet.  That stiff/tight/band-like feeling can last 12-18 months as it gradually lessens. Count on it...totally normal.

    Post this on your fridge...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-reality-of-a-tkr-recovery-in-one-picture-626038

  • Nance133
    Nance133

    Posted

    Thanks everyone for your advice. I guess my expectations are over the top. I have to be more patient...
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Nance133

      Posted

      Virtually all of us start out the same way...in fifth gear, hit a wall and then downshift to first.  Just get rid of those expectations...they will screw with your head big time.  Never compare your recovery to that of anyone else...we're all different.  That way you can OWN your recovery and then rejoice in your own, personal success.  Time, work and patience.  That's the formula.

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