Stiffness

You are one month into a lifelong journey...no kidding. Whatever expectations you have about the knee, best to toss them now or you'll just drive yourself nuts. The stiffness is totally normal. There are a few stages of this...

1. First three months - This is usually the worst time as you're trying to get your ROM back and break down the scar tissue. I would not expect the stiffness to get any better while you're doing this.
2. Months 4 through 12 - After the ROM work is done, you have to rebuild all the atrophied muscles that support the knee. This must be done so you can walk correctly, regain your balance and start doing stairs. The gym/home exercising will start to get the knee to move more naturally and reduce the stiffness...BUT VERY SLOWLY.
3. Months 12 through 18 - By your one year ann-knee-versary, the major stiffness will probably be gone although some lingering sensations might remain to 18 months. This is all very normal. The most important thing to remember for this entire recovery period is that the stiffness (tightness, a "band-like" feeling, etc.) goes away very, very slowly...almost imperceptibly. There are no huge flexibility gains. Down the road, you may feel some stiffness and try to recall the last time you felt that. It just goes away without you thinking about it.
4. The rest of your life - If you keep the knee active and flexible, you will probably have little to no stiffness again. That's not a guarantee. Age, weather, and more factor into this. However, one thing is certain: If you just sit around and not use the knee, stiffness will absolutely return...even years later.

Here are some links to work the knee...

ROM Work at Home

Muscle Rebuild

Do the work, get the results.

Pepperpot....BE PATIENT! The stiffness will last for at least a year. I'm 4 months post op now and whenever I've been sitting or lying down for too long, it's a pain to stand up. It does get easier....I'm just starting to walk down the stairs properly now. But every day I can do something I couldn't do 4 months ago, so it will come. Don't push it and don't rush it...it's a long job but you'll get there. 😀👍

Unfortunately, the stiffness does not go away immediately. however, it does get better over time. I am 10 months out from a partial and have occasionally stiffness. my doctor said it can take 12-18 months.

wow!! I thought I was impatient!! My PT kept telling me to be patient! Let your body heal! It'll get better....just keep moving! Make sure you do your exercise...do more than required if you can. This is your job now until you go back to work. Just keep moving!!