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Still swollen four months after tkr.

Posted , 9 users are following.

Ozziegee
Ozziegee

My knee is always swollen. I'm four months post knee replacement surgery and no matter what I try I cannot get the swelling to go down. It's always there, I'm not doing too much because I can't do much of anything. I ice, elevate, rest......

Is anyone else having similar difficulties or is there advice? I'm starting to think something is not right. I had PT for two months but lately can only do light stretches. I figure my bend is about 90+. Of course, it would be better if I could get the swelling to go down. Any help? I'm starting to get frustrated.

2 likes, 41 replies

41 Replies

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  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 Ozziegee

    Posted

    Are you walking a lot and standing a lot? You could try giving your leg a bit more of a rest by maybe using a stick for a bit and seeing what happens When you take the pressure off.
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee jenny80029

      Posted

      No Jenny, I spend most of my time on my couch with my leg elevated and being iced. Definitely not walking or standing too much.
    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Ozziegee

      Posted

      How swollen is it? Is it say one inch wider than the other leg measuring from the back of the knee or a lot more than that? Is it red and swollen or just swollen?
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee jenny80029

      Posted

      I just measured. It's an inch "fatter" and because of earlier surgery it's usually smaller anyway. It's not red, just swollen. I had osteomyelitis as a boy. Had three surgeries on that knee then. I'm sure that's playing a part in my recovery.

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Ozziegee

      Posted

      That is not much, mine is just the same at the end of the day. Sorry, you may have said elsewhere and i missed it, but are you taking anti inflammotories? Or the topical gel type ones? But if you are still taking your asian herb i think it wise to check whatever you take in case of interactions.
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee jenny80029

      Posted

      Just taking the topical gel (just started) and some Aleve, just started that too. Anything you would recommend?
    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 Ozziegee

      Posted

      Not sure what Aleve is, but may be a U.S. name for an anti inflammatory? So probably similar to what I was taking. Hang in there. It will come with time. But not before.
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX jenny80029

      Posted

      Aleve is the brand name for generic naproxen, an OTC NSAID used for pain and inflammation
  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Ozziegee

    Posted

    Swelling is still common, even at four months.  In fact, some swelling can continue for 18 months...though usually when you push the knee too far any given day.  Have you done activities to aggravate the knee?  You can try Voltaren Gel (RX in the US)...second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.  Use it multiple times a day, especially 15 minutes before bedtime.  My doc prescribes 5 tubes at a time.  Works great.
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Chico, thanks for the Voltaren tip. Not doing any activities that would aggravate the knee.
    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Ozziegee

      Posted

      If this isn't significantly better in 2-3 weeks, I'd see the doc just to make sure nothing bad is going on.  We've heard of swelling but not continuous swelling interfering with ROM at 4 months...but everyone is different.  Yes, it may LOOK a bit swollen for a long time but not enough to cause pain and decreasing ROM.

    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      I saw the Doc about 4 weeks ago, told him about my struggles. He didn't seemed worried but then again, it's not his knee. He took x-rays and said everything looks fine. Said, "keep at it" whatever that means and swelling should eventually go down. He did not recommend MUA. He basically said I should see improvement in the next two months and, "it is what it is". 

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Ozziegee

      Posted

      "...but then again, it's not his knee."  ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • karen14697
      karen14697 Ozziegee

      Posted

      I have some Baum coming from Colorado which should help. I'll let you know when I get it and try it.

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